CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY
Naples United Church of Christ recognizes that parents are their children’s primary faith role models — and we all take this journey together. The Children and Youth ministries provide the much-needed tools for parents to help their children and themselves learn about worship, faith and what it means to be a Christian. All children and youth are welcome to attend our programs, whether or not their parents are members of Naples UCC. We welcome everyone at any time and have a safe church policy.
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Worship Services
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Nursery care for infants is provided every Sunday during worship and during special services or programs. NUCC offers Sunday School for school-age children. They are dismissed from worship after the Time for Children.
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Nursery Care:
Nursery care is available for children ages 6 months to 4 years during our worship services.
Sunday School:
We welcome all preschool and elementary children to attend Sunday School. The children stay with their families in the service to participate in the Time for Children, after which they are dismissed to the Sunday School classrooms upstairs in Nelson Hall. From October to May, when we have two services, we encourage families with children to attend the 9 a.m. service so their children can participate in Sunday Children’s Ministry programming. Sunday School is not offered during the 11 a.m. service.
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Communion Sundays and Cans for Communion
On the first Sunday of every month, children are invited to participate in the sacrament of Communion with their parents and the congregation. Also on the first Sundays, we also collect canned goods for Grace Place, one of our mission partners. Families are invited to donate non-perishables.
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Service and Justice
We teach the importance of serving the community and encourage youth and family participation in volunteer service projects, which provide assistance to those in our community. We also participate in a number of events during the year which promote justice for all people.
Worship
We welcome children and youth of all ages to our worship services. At the 9 a.m. service, we include.
During this time, we include a special moment just for them — a short, engaging message tailored to their hearts and minds before they head off to their own age-appropriate activities. It’s a beautiful way for children to feel included in the larger church family while still receiving spiritual guidance that speaks directly to them.
Nursery & Childcare
6 months to 4 year olds
Childcare for infants and young children is provided every Sunday during worship.
Sunday School
Preschool - Elementary
We welcome all preschool and elementary children to attend Sunday School. The children stay with their families in the service to participate in the Time for Children, after which they are dismissed to the Sunday School classrooms upstairs in Nelson Hall. From October to May, when we have two services, we encourage families with children to attend the 9 a.m. service so their children can participate in Sunday Children’s Ministry programming. At this time, Sunday School is not offered during the 11 a.m. service
Youth Sunday Morning
Middle & High School
Middle and High schoolers are invited to attend Youth Sunday Mornings at NUCC. Beginning in September, students can explore their faith with friends and an engaging curriculum that helps us tackle faith questions, engage in fun activities, and support one another as we grow and journey in our faith together. Come for fellowship, friends, and of course food every Sunday at 10:15 a.m.! Confirmation is available to all middle and high school students. Our next confirmation class will be in 2026. If you are looking for volunteer hours, consider volunteering at NUCC. Talk with Ms. Jeannie about opportunities to give back and earn community service hours at the same time. Family events are scheduled throughout the year, and all youth families are invited and encouraged to attend! Watch for more information on upcoming events.
Splash! After School Program
Children’s Ministry at Naples UCC strives to enrich the lives of your children by supporting families in faith formation. Splash is offered on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We have participants arriving at different times from various different schools in our community, so come at the time that works best for your schedule and hop right in! Through music, faith stories, crafts, games and fun, we provide opportunities to grow friendships and faith. The SPLASH! program includes participation in the Naples UCC Children’s Choir. Children rehearse with Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. in Beverly Hall.
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Children who attend Sea Gate Elementary will be picked up and walked over to the church by the Director of Children’s Ministry and a volunteer parent (if a release for transportation has been signed).
Parents should pick up their children on NUCC campus promptly at 5:00 p.m.
Youth Choir
Welcome to our church's youth choir! We are a vibrant group of young singers dedicated to sharing our love for music and faith through uplifting performances. Join us as we grow together in harmony, friendship, and spiritual connection. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or just starting out there's a place for you in our choir.
Children’s Sunday School Camp Startup – Road Trip!
Each year our Sunday school programming kicks off with an exciting event, and this year is no exception!
“Road Trip 2025!” – join us for this 5-week exciting exploration as we discover that God Goes with Us on the Journey. Through our large group gatherings, music, bible stories, crafts and science activities, children will learn the empowering truth: “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) The journey begins Sunday, August 17, 2025. Sunday school activities will then continue with our lectionary-based curriculum.
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Other Seasonal Offerings
Our Youth and Children’s Ministry is full of exciting opportunities for kids and families to connect, grow, and have fun throughout the year! One of the highlights is our PopUp Pageant, where children get to shine as they bring beloved stories to life in creative and spontaneous ways—no long rehearsals, just lots of joy and participation.
In the spring, our Easter Egg Hunt is a favorite tradition, welcoming families for a fun-filled day of celebration, games, and sweet surprises as we rejoice in the hope of Easter together.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! We host Family Gatherings throughout the year that create space for meaningful time together—whether it's seasonal crafts, movie nights, service projects, or special themed events, there's always something happening to build community and faith in an atmosphere of love and laughter.
We can’t wait to share these moments with you!
Confirmation Program
The NUCC Youth Group gatherings focus on fostering relationships through fun, faith-based activities and meets on the first and third Sunday of the month at 4 p.m. Some activities are bowling, going to the movies, participating in beach cleanups, hosting a pancake breakfast, Christmas caroling, visiting elders, nature walks, yoga, Bible study, and more! NUCC Youth Group is open to all youth, in middle and high school (NUCC membership not required). For more information about the NUCC Youth Group please contact
info@naplesucc.org or by calling our church office; (239) 261-5469.