Nursery and Preschool T.O.T.S. Ministry

Our Nursery and Preschool Ministry offers a nurturing environment where Christ’s littlest disciples can play, learn about Jesus, sing praises to God, and get excited about joining the community of believers in worship as they grow. Through Sunday morning programming and Connection Events, we strive to partner well with families as they teach their Tiny Ones to Trust the Savior, T.O.T.S. Children, ages six weeks to five years old are welcome to join us on Sunday mornings during both worship services and our DiscipleU Educational hour!


We love having families worship together, but if you prefer to keep your young children with you but need to step away from the service, we offer a quiet place in our Prayer Chapel or you can walk around in our Narthex where the service is shown on a TV.


For the safety of all children, our adult team members are background checked and fingerprinted as well as CPR and First aid certified. For additional information, contact the Director of Youth and Family Ministry, Beth Stoffregen, at beths@redhillchurch.org or the Nursery and Preschool Ministry Coordinator, Katelyn Der, at kder@redhillchurch.org.

WHAT WE ARE TEACHING IN MARCH

"Jesus Tree"

The Journey of Christ to the Tree of Life!

From Epiphany to Easter, T.O.T.S. Ministry is exploring stories of Jesus' life on Sunday mornings. We are following the miracles and teachings of Christ that bloomed along His path to the cross. Using the Lenten Resources provided by our Youth & Family Ministry (YFM) Team, we invite our T.O.T.S. families to join the fun at home as we decorate a blossoming Jesus Tree with ornaments showing the journey of Christ to the Tree of Life! Biblical stories this month include the following:


March 2nd: “Jesus Heals a Blind Man”

March 9th: “Jesus Is Tempted”

March 16th: "Zacchaeus"

March 23rd: “Jesus Calms the Sea”

March 30th: “Jesus Walks on Water”

  • whisper, whisper - learning about church

    We also have a wonderful resource for our families with younger children called, "Whisper, Whisper - Learning About Church." This book explains all that happens during a worship service and it even includes `Sanctuary Tips' and `Teaching Moments.' Stop by our Family Resource Library to pick up a copy of this book. Take it home and read it as a family with your little ones. This book is a great conversation starter for your children to teach them about a worship service and why we do what we do in church!

  • fAmily resource library

    It is a joy and honor to support and equip entire families throughout all stages of life. To assist with that endeavor, we have a fantastic Family Resource Library with books for children of all ages, from newborns to college students, including developmental milestones at each age, as well as a wide range of other subjects. These resources are available on the patio every week. For more information or to borrow a resource contact Beth Stoffregen at beths@redhillchurch.org.

  • To receive regular emails with resources, ideas, encouragement and important information about the Youth and Family Ministry here at Red Hill Lutheran Church and School, please contact Beth Stoffregen at beths@redhillchurch.org.

Katelyn Der

RHL Nursery and Preschool Ministry Coordinator

Katelyn was born and raised in Manteca, CA. Katelyn and her husband, Erik, met in college and have been married for three years. In March 2024, Katelyn began serving in the Nursery and Preschool Ministry on Sunday mornings. Soon after, she dove head-first into Red Hill’s church life by leading the half-day Preschool VBS program. Then, in July, Katelyn officially joined the Red Hill staff as Nursery and Preschool T.O.T.S. Ministry Coordinator.


As a graduate of Concordia University Irvine with degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, as well as seven years working in healthcare for children with special needs, Katelyn loves creating a safe, loving environment for Christ’s littlest disciples and help write His rich word of truth on their hearts. She is thankful to be leading the Nursery and Preschool Ministry and looks forward to watching Red Hill’s little ones grow in their knowledge of Christ.


When not serving at Red Hill, Katelyn loves going on hikes and nature walks – anything with wildlife and wildflowers! Katelyn is also a musician who plays in several professional handbell ensembles, and she sings in the early vocal music chamber choir, Vox Obscura. Katelyn also enjoys talking about movies and literature.


For more information about Red Hill’s Nursery and Preschool T.O.T.S. Ministry, contact me at kder@redhillchurch.org.

Brie Longoria

RHL Nursery and Preschool Ministry Coordinator

Brie was born and raised in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Art. She taught in both public and private schools teaching Kindergarten through 3rd grade and stopped to raise her family. Brie has been attending Red Hill Lutheran Church since 2018, has been a VBS leader for the past two years, and is now blessed to be involved in Nursery and Preschool Ministry alongside her 3 year old daughter, Emily. She is so excited to mold and nurture kids alongside her little one. 


Brie and her husband, Jeremy, have been married since 2017 and are raising 2 daughters, Taylor and Emily, as well as their three dogs and four chickens. Taylor is away at Texas Tech and Emily is involved in many activities to keep mom and dad busy while big sister is away. Brie and her family love exploring all California has to offer and seeing it through the eyes of a child. The love of sports, whether it is watching Emily explore various new sports or watching the Cowboys, Ducks or Dodgers on TV, is a fun way for them to spend time together. 


When there is free time, Brie loves to read, cook, garden and hang out with friends. Although being a homebody family, they also try to get out as much as possible to create new memories. 

 

For more information about Nursery and Preschool T.O.T.S. Ministry, contact Brie at blongoria@redhillchurch.org.