Programs for Children

The Learning Community (our Sunday School)

OCC loves kids! Children of all ages are invited to discover the love of God through experiencing God's presence in worship and community, following Jesus by showing love in service to others, and by reading about our spiritual ancestors' experiences of God in sacred scripture. We worship together at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday in praise and prayer, song and story. Children come forward to join one of our pastors for a children's time, then are dismissed to classes for age-appropriate sharing, activities, and lessons with a caring team of Learning Community teachers. Nursery care for infants and toddlers is always available and provided by two adults.

Our Learning Community inspires children's spiritual experiences while grounding them in the values and vocabulary of a progressive Christian faith. Our primary curriculum is Seasons of the Spirit, an ecumenical, lectionary-based curriculum partly sponsored by the United Church of Christ. SOS nurtures faith by engaging the imagination through the Bible, tradition, science, technology, and the arts. Lessons are supplemented with special service projects and activities that draw our young people into the whole life of the church. For example, our children are involved in a long-term outreach project by offering long-term support to The Heifer Project through a weekly offering collected in their Learning Community as well as other kid-powered fundraisers. Our children also participate in worship leadership in various ways, including the opportunity to serve as Acolytes (see worship).

Musical Opportunities for Children and Youth

We have a seasonal choir for young people during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. Rehearsals take place for 30 minutes following Learning Community for about a month in preparation for sharing their musical gifts in worship in order to celebrate a special church season.

Summer Camp Opportunities for Children and Youth

Orinda Community Church children and youth are invited to participate in the outstanding summer camp opportunities presented by the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Conference operates two unique outdoor ministry facilities: Camp Cazadero in the Russian River country near Monte Rio, and Camp Tamarack in the High Sierra east of Fresno.