The Intersection of Church, Preschool and Community
Written by: Pastor Katie Lyon of Atonement, Wyomissing
For almost 50 years Atonement has had a preschool at the corner of Wyomissing Boulevard and Penn Ave. in Wyomissing, PA. Over the last few years we have worked at building an even stronger bridge between the church, preschool and community. Preschool Sunday occurs once a year where families are invited to a kid friendly worship service on a Sunday morning. The children sing songs that they have learned in their monthly chapel time with Deacon Tom Yenser, Pastor Katie Lyon and Children’s Ministry Director, Caitlyn Marrella. We have also co-sponsored a Kid’s Night Out Event, a Valentine's party, kid friendly Bingo, as well as Advent and Lenten intergenerational events. We know the importance of finding ways to engage our young families both on Sunday mornings and beyond.
In 2023 Preschool Director, Jen Dauber, planned a Trick or Treat event sponsored by both the church and preschool and opened it up to the community. We had about 150 families attend. In 2024 more word got out and we had almost 300 families participate! People were so grateful to have a safe space to bring their children and receive God’s love as well as treats. Local stores and organizations along with church members and teachers donated drinks and goodies to hand out. It was a simple way to reach out to the community and let them know we care about them and their children. All the smiling faces show just how much fun it was for all ages! We cannot wait to do it again this year.
An Easter breakfast with the Easter Bunny is already planned for 2026. There has been talk about offering more than one Preschool Sunday each year to further engage our families. We look forward to finding other ways to reach out into the community as a church and preschool.
Thank you, Atonement, for your story
Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing
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