Signature Ministry In Action
In the heart of Columbia, Illinois, tucked within the historic walls of St. Paul United Church of Christ, lives a joyful and formative ministry that’s been shaping young hearts and minds for nearly 50 years: Little Friends Preschool.
Started in 1977, Little Friends isn’t just an early education program. It’s a ministry of presence, peace, and purpose—created to meet a need and nurture the community’s youngest members with love, structure, and trust.
“Little Friends is more than a program—it’s a ministry. We see it as one of the most tangible ways we can bless families in Columbia.” – St. Paul UCC Leadership
It is not uncommon for families to sometimes struggle to find affordable and quality childcare, and Little Friends fills a critical gap. The school welcomes all children—regardless of background or belief—and offers a foundation of kindness, confidence, and community that parents say lasts long beyond graduation. Little Friends serves children ages 3 to 5 in a safe, nurturing environment.
Its aim? To prepare preschoolers for kindergarten not just academically, but emotionally and socially, too.
- Faith-Rooted, Not Religious: While Little Friends is a ministry of St. Paul UCC, it focuses on values like kindness, empathy, and cooperation—not doctrinal instruction—making it inclusive and welcoming to families of all faiths or none.
- Experienced, Caring Teachers: Staff are known for treating each child like family. It’s personal, not institutional.
- Balanced Curriculum: Children experience a blend of creative play, structured learning, outdoor fun, and field trips.
- Accessible and Affordable: With modest tuition and a part-time schedule it’s intentionally designed to support local families.
In a world where early childhood education can feel like a race, Little Friends chooses a different path: gentle structure, joyful learning, and lasting values. It’s not about rushing kids toward academics—it’s about rooting them in safety, curiosity, and care.
And for St. Paul UCC, it’s one of the church’s most vibrant ways of living out its mission to love and serve.
