We work in partnership with families as they invest in the spiritual wholeness of their children. We value the presence and role of kids in our community and are committed to cultivating an environment where they feel known, loved, and respected. We seek to facilitate engaging encounters with the story of Jesus, by drawing kids into an engaging, enjoyable, and provocative experience with this good news using language familiar to them.

We encourage children to bring their whole selves to God - including their questions, fears, and doubts - as they discover who God is, what He said, what He did, and what this means for their lives. We encourage them to learn to ask good questions in the discovery of who they are and who God is.

Our hope is that their lives would be radically shaped and transformed by the love of God revealed in Jesus, building a foundation of love, wholeness, purpose, and hope that shapes their lives (and those around them) for years to come! Because worship is a celebration of grace built to engage hearts and minds of all ages, Children of all ages are encouraged to join us at any time. We are used to having them around!

Sunday school is offered for children ages PreK-5th grade. Children will be sent to class with ‘The Blessing for Learning’ before the Readings and Sermon and rejoin the service prior to the Lord's Supper. Teachers will escort children to and from class.

Nursery is offered during the entire service for children ages 1-3 years of age.

A parent(s) is ultimately the most influential teacher in a child’s spiritual formation, which may feel like a huge responsibility. Connecting with other parents and caregivers in a learning environment is crucial in sustaining the energy to be diligent teachers of Jesus. All Souls invites families into partnership in this very important work by:

1. Sharing our favorite resources

2. Sending a home connection after each Sunday school class
3. Hosting parenting Grace Groups

Partnering with families also looks like regular communication with families about the themes and lessons being taught each Sunday, including spiritual practices being learned, as a component of ASK programming. Each unit is chosen with the intent of clear and meaningful ways to engage, and foster spiritual formation at home. Each week, children will bring home something from the lesson that can serve as a talking point for families.

Families are invited to reach out at any time, to pastors and/or All Souls Kids team members, for individual support in your child’s spiritual formation. This could include ways to incorporate practices and teachings into your particular family’s rhythm, support in helping your child engage with the worship service, or prayer.

Our entire church body is invited into partnering with our families. By participating together in worship, home groups, and other activities, children receive a message that they are valuable and seen members of All Souls.

The last thing people need to do, in encountering Jesus, is to learn a new vocabulary. We seek to echo Jesus teaching style, which uses language that is very accessible to children. This fall, students will be learning the overall big story of the gospel through engaging stories from the Jesus Storybook Bible.

We are all invited into relationship with God, and one way to enter into this is through prayer. All Souls Kids will practice silent and choral prayer as part of our program.

Here is a sample of what that has looked like during the pandemic when we moved to online instruction:

Children are welcome at All Souls, during all parts of the service. Being invited into worship communicates that each person, regardless of age, is a valuable and seen member of the church body. During the sermon, children are invited to hear the lesson in their own language, via lessons created just for them. Sunday school teachers will escort students to class prior to the sermon.

Activity packets are available outside of the sanctuary, and all are welcome to partake.

The nursing room is open for parents and young children who may need a break. The service is broadcast in that room. Childcare during the entire service is offered for children up to age 4.

If your child is having difficulty engaging with the worship service, please contact ASK staff. We are eager to partner with you, to ensure a meaningful experience for your family.

At All Souls, we seek to journey alongside our youth as they grow into who God has made them to be, while engaging with the world around them. Students are welcome to come as they are, and can count on being seen and valued as they explore and develop their faith. Leaders model curiosity and wonder, with a posture of listening and affirming. This year, we will continue a focus on identity, belonging, and purpose, and how these form a Christian teen living in West Seattle.

Youth group resumes October 5th. Middle and High School students meet weekly for group (Wednesday evenings) , and monthly for social and/or service gatherings. Contact Suzanne Case for locations and more details.

Parents: Join the All Souls Youth Parents channel on Instagram for resources, upcoming happenings, and more @allsoulsyouth_parents