"Let us teach them to know Christ and to make Christ known"

Children’s Ministry is Alive!

Yes, things are happening and there are location changes and sharing of space, but ministry is alive. Besides offering our regular programs we have a couple of new opportunities this year. The church’s mission is to grow disciples and equip people to grow at home and in the community. ReadyClickGrow is a tool that can assist in this mission. You can have access to a multitude of faith-growing opportunities 24/7.

ReadyClickGrow Your Faith delivers quality spiritual development activities and ideas that can be used at home, work, church or at play. It presents opportunities for personal renewal through devotion, Bible reading, and prayer. With this tool we can offer a renewed and growing relationship with Jesus Christ in a rapidly changing, postmodern world.

ReadyClickGrow Your Family presents activities that bring the Bible to life for your family, ideas to grow your family’s relationship with God, intriguing ways to get your family talking-and keep them talking, and ideas to create strong, positive family memories. The special topics provides effective ways to get your family talking about challenging issues such as TV, chores, drugs, sexuality, etc.

Sunday School is enhanced this year--the children get to go into BIG church for a short opening. They participate in music, listen to a children’s sermon and prayer and then continue in their individual classes. What a great opportunity for the community of believers to mentor to the next generations. Because of this opportunity, there is a new format for all grades:

• 9:45 am Children are dropped off or signed in their individual classrooms.
• 9:55 am Teachers escort the children to the front of the church and sit as a class
• 10:15 am All children proceed to their classrooms with their teachers for the lesson

If you are unable to drop off your child at 9:45 am at their classroom, please bring your child into church with you and we will do our best to locate his/her class so all can worship.

We have a wonderful staff of dedicated teachers and aides who are to grow your child throughout the year. I am asking parents to sign up in each of your children’s class at least once a year to help out. We need your help, but more importantly, your child needs you.

We all have to be flexible at this time of change. But with change comes growth. Thank you for working together as a community of believers. If you have any questions or solutions, please don’t hesitate to call me.

 
Messiah is a great place for kids.
All of the programs in Children's Ministry are staffed with teachers and aides who love God, love children, and love to share their faith. We use curriculum and resources to help the learners and teachers:

• Experience a strong and vibrant faith through a growing relationship with and increased knowledge of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Explore in active ways the Bible stories that form the heart of the salvation story.
• Appreciate the Bible as God's living Word that reveals Jesus Christ our Savior and helps us each day to know, trust, praise, serve, and obey God.
• Celebrate their places in God's family and participate joyfully in the life of the Christian community.
• Reach out to spread the message of the gospel.

 
Child Care
Our child care program provides care for infants through age 5 during the 8:30 and 11:45 a.m. and through age 3 during the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service when children's Sunday School is in session. The child care staff provides the children with loving care along with an age-appropriate, planned program of music, stories, games, puzzles and craft activities.

CATS (Creative Arts Team)
As part of our Sunday morning education hour, the CATS team performs a skit and brings the Bible lesson to life for the Sunday School children. Adults and youth come together to practice, then perform once-a-month on Sunday mornings during worship services with special performances throughout the year. New talent is always welcome!

Music Program
Sunday mornings

• Soul'd Out is a performing arts group for grades K-6 meets at 8:45 am--9:30 am in the Fellowship Room. 

The children’s music program is a key part of Messiah’s commitment to music as an important part of worship. All age groups have regular opportunities to contribute their gift of music to worship services and other special events.

Acolyte Program
All children in grades 3-8 are given the opportunity to serve at the 8:30 and 11:45 a.m. worship service as acolytes. Acolytes participate in the service by lighting candles, carrying the cross, and assisting with Communion.

B.I.B.L.E. (Beginning in Bible Learning Experience)
In January, second graders and their parents are invited to attend an introduction to the Bible.  At the conclusion of the class, Bibles are presented to the children who attend.

First Communion Classes
During Lent, a workshop is held for all 5th graders and their parents who have not received their First Communion. After completing the workshop, these children receive their First Communion at the Maundy Thursday worship service.

Friday Fun Night
On the first Friday of the month, October - May, children in kindergarten through 4th grade gather for a night of fellowship. After playing games and sharing laughter and fun, all the children come together for dinner. Children are encouraged to invite their friends.

BOW-WOW Club (Babies of the Word) and
COW Club (Children of the Word)
The BOW-WOW Club for infants 0-2 provides nursery care for children of adults in The Living Vine and MOMS group. There's upbeat music, paw-sized crafts and animated storytelling from the Bible. The COW-Club Bible study program offers songs, crafts, stories, and other special activities for children age 3-5.

Winter Retreat
The 4th through 6th graders are provided an opportunity for a retreat at El Camino Pines.

Summer Sunday Education
A six-week learning center camp-type program is provided from 9:45-11:00 a.m. for children age 3 through grade 6 from the end of June through July. Each summer has a new theme.

Summer Camp
A one-week summer camp experience at El Camino Pines is provided for children in grades 4 through 6. This usually takes place in June or July; however, other weeks are available. Brochures are distributed around the first part of March.

Library
The Messiah library is open every Sunday, 9:30-11:15 a.m., and offers a complete selection of Christian materials for all ages. Semi-annual children’s reading programs and occasional story time are sponsored each year.

K.F.C. (Kids for Christ)
This group of 5th and 6th graders is formed for the purpose of having the older children take on new responsibilities and participate regularly in servant activities. They usher, greet, and help teachers with the program for the 3rd through 6th graders.

5TH & 6TH Grade Club
This is a fellowship group of 5th & 6th graders who incorporate games, activities and food while developing relationships; building Godly friendships and promoting good character development—all while having fun! The purpose of this group is to build necessary friendships that will last through middle school and high school years. 

H.I.S. Kids (Home Independent Study)
Designed for children in first grade and up who are home schooled, this Bible study promotes comprehension and Bible study skills through group interaction, games, and activities. Character building lessons promote good interpersonal communication, conflict resolution strategies, and Christian values. Crafts, snacks, structured games, and free play time are included. For more information, contact: Kathi Schroeder at 714-779-6670.