SUNDAYS AT CITIZENS

The Basics: Location, Time, Kids + YOUTH

Citizens Church gathers every Sunday at New Traditions Elementary School (in the NoPa neighborhood).

Our services begin at 10:00 am and last ~90 minutes. Each week, we strive to offer quality music, thoughtful teaching, and sincere community. Atmosphere and dress is casual, so come as you are!

For families with children, we have three groups: CitiKids preschool (babies thru 5 years) and elementary (K-5th) classes, and a CitiYouth class (6th-12th). Each week, students connect with God and each other through a bible lesson, activities, and games.

If you have any more specific questions, see "What to Expect" questions below.

*Note: New Traditions Elementary School and SFUSD are not affiliated with or sponsors of Citizens Church.

How to Get Here

New Traditions Elementary School is located at 2049 Grove Street (between Cole and Clayton) in the Nopa neighborhood of San Francisco.

If you're taking public transit, we are closest to the 5, 21, 33, and the 43. Lyft and Uber rides are always close by, too.

If you're driving, a parking lot is located at New Traditions from the Hayes Street entrance (near 2060 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94117). Should that be full, there is also neighborhood parking.

What can I expect?

Attending a new church can be a little unsettling, especially if you don't already know someone. If you're not the blind-date type, below you'll find a more detailed description of our Sunday gatherings. If you have any additional questions, send us a message.

+ When should I plan to get there?

Most people will be arriving between 9:50am and 10:00am. (And don't worry if you arrive late. We've been there!)

+ What do I do while I wait for everything to start?

Grab some coffee and pick up a Welcome Card. There will be someone to talk to, information to read, and a gift bag to take home with some SF-specific treats.

+ How do I enroll my kids in childcare?

If you have children who are 5-years-old or younger, then someone will direct you to CitiKids ministry. One of our volunteers will guide you through the check-in process and introduce your child(ren) to the teacher.

If you have kids or youth above Kindergarten, they'll gather with the CitiKids elementary class or the CitiYouth group for the last 2/3 of the service. For the first few songs and readings, elementary kids and youth stay in the gathering, and then head to their separate classes during Passing of the Peace.

+ What's a typical worship service like?

At Citizens, we always open with songs that walk through the basic gospel story: that God is good, even when we are not, and that Christ saves freely. Afterwards, we take a short break to "pass the peace" and welcome each other. A pastor will then teach from a section of the Bible, seeking to explain it and relate it to life in San Francisco. Then, we finish with the Lord's Supper, an opportunity for prayer, and a couple more songs. We close with a benediction: "a blessing for the road."

+ What are your Covid precautions?

Masks are no longer required at our Sunday gatherings. Of course, anyone is welcome to continue wearing a mask! We know that this is a nuanced season, and we're trying to navigate it as best as we can – please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

+ Do I have to [sing, stand, talk, take communion, give money, etc.]?

You are our guest and are welcome as you are. There is wide freedom to participate (or not) in each aspect of our worship. In particular, communion and giving is offered for those who believe in Jesus Christ and are able to do so in faith and with joy. If you don't believe, you're welcome to just stay seated. Don't worry about offending anyone.

+ If I like it, what's next?

Our Sunday Gathering, while vital, is only one expression of Citizens Church. If you like it, come back and see us again! But be sure to fill out a Connect Card. We'll add you to our weekly email and a leader will reach out to you about opportunities to connect more meaningfully to our community.

What Can My Kids Expect?

We know that first impressions are really important for children in new places, especially our more anxious, shy kids. Children decide how they feel about something very quickly, often before they even arrive. We want to help you empower your children to feel safe and confident while with us. Read through the questions below so that you can help your child know what to expect. You can read more here about the vision of our CitiKids ministry.

+ CitiKids Pre-School Class

Children in this class range from babies to 5-year-olds, and they can be checked in to the class as early as 9:50am. Every kid gets a sticker with their name on it, your phone number and any special instructions. You will also receive a matching sticker, that will include a unique code that connects you with your child.

When they arrive, there will be toys, coloring, playdoh, and books available for free play. By 10:30, the teachers will begin the lesson and activity. We finish with time on the playground, with snacks, before returning to the classroom to get ready for parents.

We know that the transition to a new class can be difficult for some kids. To accommodate this, parents are welcome to stay for their child’s first time in a CitiKids class. After the first time, for safety reasons, parents may only stay for the first 15 minutes of class. Babies are welcome in the Pre-School Class, but must be able to sit up independently.

We hope to be welcoming to all children, including those with unique needs. Please feel free to send us a message to reach out to our children’s director, Maggie, to share important information about your child and to let us know how we can help your child feel loved, safe, and seen.

+ CitiKids Elementary Class

Our Elementary class is for kids in grades K through 5. Children in this class stay in the worship gathering for the first 20 minutes for corporate singing and liturgy. After this, they are dismissed and walk with their teachers to their classroom for a fun and engaging lesson, snack, and outdoor play.

+ CitiYouth Class

CitiYouth serves students in middle and high school, and is aimed at preparing them to follow Christ into adulthood. On Sundays, teachers work alongside youth through the same Bible passage the adults are discussing in the sermon, but with more room for questions, wrestling, wondering. Also, food and jokes.

Students in this class also stay in the worship gathering for the first 20 minutes for corporate singing and liturgy. Then they are dismissed to walk with their teachers to their classroom to catch up before reading and discussing the morning’s passage.

+ What are the classrooms like?

Pre-schoolers are in the school's art room. While we try not to bother the school's things, we bring in toys, puzzles, books, coloring supplies, and other fun activities. There are tables and chairs for story and activity time, and a smaller enclosed play-space for crawlers and toddlers. The bathroom is inside the room, separate from the adult bathroom. Elementary schoolers spend the beginning of their time together upstairs, in the school's library. Both classes also make use of the outdoor play structure and play yard after finishing the lesson and activities. The youth group meets in the lower level hallway.

+ Who are your teachers and volunteers?

Each week, we have four helpers working in the CitiKids pre-school class: two Citizens volunteers, a sitter, and a Citizens youth volunteer. The CitiKids elementary class is led by a Citizens adult volunteer and a sitter, and the CitiYouth class is led by two Citizens adult volunteers. All adults are personally vetted by staff, undergo a background check (LiveScan), and complete a Child Safety Training.

+ What if my child gets sad?

If your son or daughter becomes sad or frustrated, we will probably take a break with a helper to help you calm down. If after 5-10 minutes, the child is not consolable, we will text/call the parent to ask for assistance or send an adult to get you. If sadness persists for a few weeks, let us know and we'll make a game plan with you for helping your child.

+ How do I check out my children?

We ask parents to pick up their children within ten minutes of the conclusion of the service. Kids will only be released to adults with matching stickers. Please do not send anyone else to pick up your child, even an older sibling. If you lose your sticker, notify a volunteer and they will contact a staff member to approve the request.