Children's Ministry

Welcome to the OSL Children's Ministry page!

Kids and parents alike will find great ways to grow in faith! Along with this page, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, OSL encourages children (and their parents) to be present and active in our worship each week. Growing in faith is an active motion, including time to learn, to serve, and even find time to sing, play, wiggle and giggle!

As your child grows, their faith should grow with them. If your child does not have an age appropriate bible or they have outgrown their current bible, please let Pastor Doug know. We can talk with you about a few different type of bibles that are avaiable and can make sure we get you one.

Upcoming Events

Last Day of Sunday School

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Join us again for Rally Sunday - Sept 13

News

First Communion Milestone

Thursday, April 2 at 6:30pm; Students 4th Grade and up

Reverend Doug Rothgeb

Sunday School

Sunday School is before church, starting with Rally Sunday in early September to mid-May, from 9:30 to 10:15 am. We use the SparkHouse curriculum to help our children connect and actively engage in innovative ways that grows right along with them in their faith journey. You can find all of our current Sunday School dates on the OSL Facebook page and the OSL online calendar.

To enroll your child in Sunday School or volunteering, please submit the Sunday School Registration Form.

We also offer different activities that the Sunday school class does as a group, such as going to the movies, putt-putt golf, the annual children's Christmas program, plus many more events. Check out our Facebook page or the OSL online calendar for upcoming events.

Milestones

We love to celebrate milestones of our children.

Baptism

If you are interested in scheduling a date for baptism, please submit our Baptism Request Form .

First Communion Milestone – 4th Grade and Up

Holy Communion is a gift of grace where Jesus meets us in bread and wine and reminds us, “This is for you.” In the ELCA, children are invited to grow into this sacred meal through learning, conversation, and worship. Students in 4th grade and older are invited to participate in our First Communion Milestone, a time to explore what Communion means, ask questions, and prepare to receive this gift with understanding and joy. If your child is ready to learn more about coming to the Table, we would love to walk with you. Please contact Pastor Doug to sign up for classes. Parents can determine when their child is ready.

First Communion Milestone classes are typically completed during the Lenten season with First Communion received during the Maundy Thursday worship service.

Growing in Faith - Summer Version!

Vacation Bible School - July 13-16, 2026

Vacation Bible School runs for one week each summer, on Monday-Thursday evenings, from 5:30-8:30 pm. With interactive activities for ages 4-12.

Watch for 2026 information - coming soon!

Summer Camp

Interested in attending summer camp at Carol Joy Holling? Camp offer overnight camping experiences for all ages, with both single-day camp options or week-long options. Camping options vary by the age of the camper.

All first time Carol Joy Holling campers, in 2026 at TrailHead and The Grove, can save $100 off their week of camp / $50 for a mini week. Just use discount code: JUMP26

OSL Summer Camp 2026 Scholarships

OSL offers scholarships to families of OSL to attend summer camp.

For families who want to attend camp - $250 until May 1st / $200 after May 1st
For individuals who want to attend camp - $150 until May 1st / $100 after May 1st

Please contact Pastor Doug if you have any questions.

Save the date!

There are lots of great thing coming up in the upcoming year!

Spring 2026

April 26: Lord's Prayer Milestone
May 3: Help us celebrate our High School students
May 9: Celebrate Council Bluffs Parade
May 17: Last day of Sunday School for the 2025-2026 year
May 31: Summer Send Off for anyone going to camp or summer trips

Summer 2026

June 6: OSL Block Party
July 13-16: Vacation Bible School
August 1: Faith & Family night at the Storm Chasers baseball

Fall 2026

August 23: Student Backpack & Teachers Blessing
September 13: Rally Sunday / Sunday School Kick-Off
September 20: First date of Sunday School
September 27: OSL 150th Anniversary Party
October 3-4: Pet Blessing Worship
October 27: Trunk or Treat
November 29: No Sunday School - Thanksgiving Break
December 6, 13, 20: Pastor Doug Christmas Story Time
December 12: Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 13: Christmas Program
December 27: No Sunday School - Christmas Break

*Sunday School resumes January 10, 2027

Sacred Storytime with Pastor Priscilla

Explore the transformative power of story and imagination with ELCA Pastor Priscilla Paris-Austin in this NEW podcast for progressive Christian families.

Parents Corner

As a parent, YOU are the person that impacts your child the most on their faith journey. At Our Saviors, we are here to support you on this path. Below are resources to support both you and your family as your child grows in faith.

Daily Prayers

Unbridled Prayers App

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of developing a daily prayer practice? Unbridled Prayers can help! This easy-to-install app posts a prayer a day that parents can view. Prayers offer support, understanding, and a touch of humor. Parents can choose from prayers for early childhood, elementary, and preteen to match their kids’ ages.

Go to unbridledprayers.app and follow the instructions to download this app to your mobile device.

Closure and Cancellation Information

For all activities, if the Council Bluffs Community Schools cancel or have a late start, we will be closed that day and/or evening. Please check for updates via email, social media, and local television.