With the current COVID-19 crisis cancelling church gatherings, many congregations are turning to alternative ways of keeping their children and youth engaged and involved.

Many churches have ramped up their technological communication. And while many churches have already been streaming services online, the social distancing challenges presenting them have created some unique responses.

The Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach, in addition to continuing to stream services online, is setting aside time for a children's feature, which includes a short, age-appropriate video and questions for parents to ask after the service.

Their AWANA program, while disrupted by social distancing, is not completely cancelled. Rob Reimer, Children's Ministry Pastor at Emmanuel, says that they are equipping parents to continue using the AWANA books and curriculum while at home.

"Its pretty important to the kids that they be able to get these books done, and for parents too! Because that's one of the ways that they learn and move ahead in their growth time."

Similar efforts have been made at Calvary Temple in Winnipeg. Marlowe Hiebert, Child and Family pastor for the church describes how they are continuing their kids' ministry, Big City Avenue, in a way that continues their programming and meets physical needs.

"We have an outreach program that we normally do, we bus kids into the church from the West End and North End. We're not able to do that now obviously, and lots of those families aren't social media connected, so we're going to be doing a drop to their homes this week. A care package for the families, some lesson materials for the kids and a ready to heat meal."

Caring for the whole family is the primary concern, Hiebert says. For Calvary Temple, social distancing does not mean complete social isolation.

"We're hoping to support the whole family this way. We've got some wonderful volunteers coming to meet practical needs. We're trying to stay connected in these unique times we're living in."