United Church of Christ (Local Church Ministries)

Through the Love of Children program, LCM will identify three child-centered congregations that are well-known for their family focused, developmentally and culturally appropriate practices for nurturing children and youth and form congregational cohorts around these three child-centered churches. The participating congregations will work with experts in engaging children across the spectrum of physical and mental abilities and learn from one another as they develop and test innovative practices for incorporating more fully children into worship. Congregations may apply for small grants to assist them in designing and implementing their worship practices. In addition, LCM will reimagine its annual national youth events to foster collaborative partnerships between youth and denominational leaders as they work together to find new ways to advance the ministries and strengthen the vitality of churches into the future.