We Believe Every Family and Child is a Gift

Our focus on faith formation for children and youth is relationship-centered. We value integrating young people into the fabric of our faith community; so check out the variety of ways we offer both age-specific and intergenerational children & youth ministries. 

Read about our Safe Church Policy here.

Sunday School

Following the Faith Lab portion of the 10am Sunday service, the children gather in our education wing for Sunday School. We value sharing the fruit of spirit and learning bible stories that build confidence and assurance that God's love is accessible for us all! Our Sunday school curriculum follows the same narrative lectionary as our church service so the whole family is learning and growing in faith together. Fifth Sundays follow the same healing and anointing service as the adult congregation but in our youth chapel, led by the youth. Children bless one another because "Blessed to be a blessing" is the truth we seek to teach each week.


​Faith Lab

During the worship service, the children are welcome forward to engage in Faith Lab, where we seek to bring faith to life for young and old alike! Although adults lead this fun moment in worship, it's the children who best reveal God's love each week. Throughout the year, Faith Lab also integrates various children ministries within the space of worship such as VBS songs, Souper Bowl of Caring campaign, baptisms, and other milestone events.


​Christmas Program

Each year our children lead us in recalling Joseph and Mary's journey to the stable with a simple and spirited children's program! We include several musical numbers by the choir, the children's bell choir, youth special music, and any other songs our children prepare. The Christmas program usually occurs the 3rd Sunday in Advent.


​Blessing of the Backpacks

Every fall, we send our students and teachers back into the classroom with a blessing. The pressures and challenges in the educational environment are many, and we pray for God's guidance and grace in the lives of our young people and all those who care for our young people in the school setting.


​Vacation Bible School

One Hope Ecumenical VBS was held this summer for the second year. It was a huge success. Six churches in the Pierre area planned and set a goal for 50 kids to attend. As a result, more than 70 kids and 30 volunteers attended the four-night event! We host a crew of eager K-5th grade students, who learn bible truths, play silly games, engage in clever crafts, eat creative snacks, and learn some fun songs! Our time in VBS enriches all who participate, including our many adult volunteers. The final evening of VBS, the kids present a bit of what they learned and the songs they enjoy for their parents and loved ones. The VBS experience was an ecumenical effort between our church and Pierre First United Methodist Church, First Baptist, Resurrection Lutheran, Wesleyan Lakota Chapel, and Oahe Presbyterian Church.


​Handbell Choir

Under the direction of April Hodges, the children perform a selected song on every first Sunday during the school year. With plenty of enthusiasm and a little practice, our young people guide us to God's glory by ringing bells. It's so simple, even preschoolers can participate in this music ministry! Our bell choir is a highlight for the entire congregation, helping make this a truly beautiful aspect of worship life.


​Confirmation

​In an act of affirming the vows made at baptism, youth 6th grade and up (you can begin at any age) enter a two-year discernment and formation process we call confirmation. Throughout those two years, our youth meet weekly during the school year to engage in sacred stories, service projects, mentor relationships, and worship leadership. The journey culminates in the creation of a personal statement of faith, which is celebrated on Confirmation Sunday. If you have a young person in your life that would enjoy this discernment and spiritual growth process, contact Jennifer Evans or the church office.


​Youth Group

While we currently don’t have a dedicated youth group at this time, our youth are integrated into many aspects of shared ministry, including serving on our executive council, leading worship, enjoying Messy Church, participating in our many service opportunities, helping with the younger kids' programs, and everything in- between. We also take part in ecumenical youth events hosted by our Oahe Area Youth Association Events, such as a lock-in for middle school students, worship in the park, and service projects.


​Placerville Camp

Started in 1920, Placerville Camp & Retreat Center has been changing lives for 100 years! Placerville holds a special place in the hearts of many who attend this Black Hills spiritual oasis. It's our cherished UCC summer camp destination and hosts a variety of age-specific camps. From family camps to Grandparents camp there is something for everyone. You can find specific information about the upcoming camping season here.