Infant Baptism
This ministry provides all personal contact with the families as they reserve their date and time, as well as providing a photographer for a family portrait to be exhibited in the nursery hallway. Our ministry assistant, Heather Bradley (261-2139), gathers the documentation, the certificates and the crib cross for each infant. Usually on the second Sunday of the month, a representative from the Nursery Council joins our ministry director and the parents to describe the nursery’s services for parents, an explanation of the sacrament and insight into what will happen during services on the day the child is baptized. If you would like to arrange for your baby's baptism, e-mail Heather Bradley or call her at 261-2139.
Worship Readiness
A series of four lessons is given during the 5-year-olds’ spring Sunday school hour that explains the sacraments of baptism and communion, as well as the different parts of the worship service so each becomes more meaningful to the children as they attend services. Such insights enable children to attend worship services more frequently with their families in place of attending Sunday school for two hours. To facilitate this, each child is provided with a Praise Pack, which can be used to bring favorite quiet activities to services.
Third Grade Bible Retreat/Bible Sunday
Each fall, the third grade students go on a retreat to fellowship with one another as they enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about the Bible and how they can use it throughout their lives. Each participant is given a Bible signed by our senior pastor with the child's name written in calligraphy. During the retreat, the students focus on learning the history of the Bible and their part in the Christian story. In addition, they decorate a Bible cover that truly makes that Bible their own. Following the retreat, students participate in a special ceremony during the worship services where their Bibles are blessed for their future use.
Preparation for Adolescence
This program for fifth graders takes place during Sunday school and addresses age-appropriate behaviors and physical changes taking place as children begin to mature into adolescence. Dr. James Dobson’s book, Preparing for Adolescence, has 12 lessons that provide the basis for discussion as we focus on God’s beautifully defined plans for each growing adolescent.
>>Schedule & Consent Form
Fourth and Fifth Grade B.A.S.I.C. Retreat
Once a year during April or May, we take our students to a camp environment where they have physical challenges placed before them that are best achieved through team participation. In addition, they participate in Bible lessons that present challenges more intellectual and spiritual in nature. The goal is for students to recognize that the body of Christ is best served when we each bring our unique talents in a cooperative fashion to the tasks that lie before us. Students are also taught to work together as a team in the body of Christ to complete difficult challenges. This prepares them for future challenges in their Christian walk as they assist in growing the kingdom of God. The 2010 retreat is scheduled for April 16-18. >>Register now.
Children's Choir & KIDMO
Children ages 4-6th grade are invited to join us on Sundays for
children's choir from 5-6 p.m. in the adult choir room (below the
Sanctuary). From 6-7 p.m. children ages 5-6th grade go to Rash Hall for
KIDMO, a lively interactive Bible teaching that includes video
teaching, crafts, games and small group discussions designed to prepare
children to share the joy of Christ with others. KIDMO also meets on
Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.
Seasonal Events
The Big Surprise: Easter Egg Hunt & Family Picnic
Held the Saturday before Easter, The Big Surprise is a great opportunity to invite friends for a devotion from Dr. Dodson, followed by an egg hunt, games and family picnic. Prizes are awarded to the family that brings the most friends. Join us Saturday, April 3 at 11 a.m. Stay tuned for more details!
Vacation Bible School
VBS is held each summer and focuses on a Biblical character and events that can be grasped by children, deepening their faith, as well as that of their caregivers. A broad spectrum of activities and lessons are presented during the four days, and the week culminates with a Thursday night family dinner. VBS 2010 is June 21-24 for ages 4-rising 6th graders. Details to come, but volunteers are needed NOW! Contact Kimberly Carlson, 488-4745, to find out how you can help.