Welcome to our Sunday morning program for children ages 5 – 12! We meet Sunday mornings, 10:00 – 11:00, at South Presbyterian Church, 343 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY. All are welcome.  For more information, please contact Marie-Louise Miller, director of the Faith & Justice Learning Lab.

Created for children right here, right now

South Church received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to create a curriculum that reflects the church’s commitment to faith, justice and the arts. Church members collaborated with Dr. Faye Wilson, a faith leader, journalist and educator, to create a program rooted in local experience and rich in spiritual truth.

It leverages South Church’s uniquely spacious theologies, strong secular and interfaith ties, musically and artistically rich congregation; the successes of its dynamic sustainability initiative and vibrant nursery school; and the present political moment with all its crises and opportunities.

Incorporates art and movement, creates community

The Faith & Justice Learning Lab explores faith through sacred stories in the context of children’s experiences. In lessons such as Who is My Neighbor, Be a Light!, Courage: Justice & Joy, children will create art and explore  South’s ministries and program partners, as well as sing, share, listen, make friends and become community.  

Step into social justice

Lessons introduce changemakers—heroes of the Bible including Jacob, Abraham and Deborah, and those known around the world such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Anne Frank and Greta Thunberg, as well as people working for justice in the Rivertowns—and learn to see that potential in themselves.

All children will visit Roots & Wings’ organic garden on South’s campus and learn about the connection between the wellness of the earth and the wellness of our bodies. While learning about the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry, they will help make pumpkin pies for neighbors in need and discover the satisfaction of working together for a cause greater than themselves.

Opens interfaith dialogue

Throughout the year, children will consider the beliefs and practices common to all faiths—learning what makes each one unique—and what we all have in common.

For older children: Leadership Lab for tweens and teens

Youth in middle school and high school are invited to participate in the Faith & Justice Leadership Lab, known as The Lab, which launched in 2021. Its mission is to give teens a place to create and lead projects they are passionate about, including monthly Open Mics.