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To know God,
To love God,
To share God.
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Overview
It is our desire to create an environment for your children that is an
engaging, loving and stimulating place where children are cared for. We believe
this is the best way to help children learn, particularly about Biblical ideas.
Our teachers and leaders all have experience in teaching children, raising
children, or both. They are all people who have a personal commitment of faith
to Jesus Christ. Our childrens ministries are staffed by people of Hope
Church, and we ask parents to assist room leaders by contributing time in your
childs room on an intermittent basis. Each teacher will be happy to work with
you to try to develop a rotation that is enjoyable for you.
It is our desire in all of our childrens ministries to care for your
children as we would our own. We will seek to understand the needs of your child
specifically, and whenever possible help them learn in ways that personally
challenge them. We understand that children are different and that they have
different personalities and needs, and we will make every effort to help them
develop in Christian growth.
From time to time we know that our own children, and all children, behave in
ways that are inappropriate or unkind, and we will seek to help all children
understand principles of kindness toward one another and respect for adults.
Occasionally there may be times when a childs behavior infringes on learning
opportunities for other children. If your child is repeatedly disruptive in a
class we will appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Finally, it is our hope that as you love your children at home, they will
learn from you what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We have
learned that most children who grow to have a mature Christian faith learn this
mostly in the normal settings of home life. Therefore, we see our role as
assisting you in discipling your children, and not as being their primary source
of Christian learning.
PreschoolAdventure
Woods (Infants-5 years)
Nursery (infants and pre-walkers)
The nursery is intended for children who are pre-walkers. It is a place where
children are cared for, played with, held and nurtured. We are aware that your
children may have nap patterns or a feeding schedule that you would like us to
know about. Please feel free to share this information with us. We will ask you
to bring a bag for your child (clearly marked with his or her name) that
contains any necessary items such as bottles, diapers, baby wipes, special toys
or blankets etc. Waddlers
(walkers-2 years)
The "Waddlers" class is intended for children that are competent walkers
through 2 years. In this class children are loved and cared for and introductory
teaching is taking place. This includes reading Bible stories, singing songs,
doing crafts, and playing games. Please let us know of any particular needs your child may have, and
please provide a bag marked with the childs name that contains necessary
items such as diapers, baby wipes, special toys, blankets, etc.
2's & 3's
In this class we begin to help your children with the next steps in learning
about God and his love for us through Jesus Christ. Through adult interaction
with your child, the love of Jesus Christ is modeled as we try to help your
child understand basic Biblical ideas such as Gods love, His work in
creation, and His desire to have a loving relationship with every person through
Jesus Christ.
4's & 5's
Children ages four and five are taught through lessons and Bible stories,
crafts and songs, and basic discussions about God. This class prepares children
for the next step to HopeKids by using the same curriculum and similar exercises
and discussions as the K-5th groups. Topics such as Gods ways in the world,
His love shown through Jesus Christ, caring about one another and loving others,
are important concepts shared in this class. Children are being loved and
engaged so they might know of Gods heart for them personally, and for the
whole world.
ElementaryAdventure
Zone (Kindergarten-5th Grade)
Children in the age range of 6-11 are invited to
The Big Adventure ~ a place of
learning and activity which includes stories, music, skits, games and
discussions, so your child can understand more of who God is, and grow in a
relationship with Jesus Christ. Children are introduced to concepts of faith,
prayer, character, relationships, all through a personal relationship with God
and a God centered world view.
The format includes "shepherding" ~ relational time between
children and their shepherd; larger group creative teaching ~ a Biblical story
or concept taught through drama, skits, or creative interaction; and fun time of
game playing under the supervision of shepherds.
The goal of shepherding groups is to provide a small group of 5-7 friends for
each child to grow with. Shepherds will make every effort to know your children
well, to love them and encourage them, and to pray for them and cheer them on in
Christian growth.
In addition to shepherds, others involved in making
The Big Adventure happen -includes
coaches, an administrative team, activities coordinators, a creative teaching
team and curriculum writers.
During our worship service, child care is available beginning at 10:15 for
infants through 5s in rooms 201-205 mentioned earlier. This includes 5 year olds
who are in Kindergarten.
We will ask all parents of children who are being cared for, to serve in
these rooms on a rotating schedule.
The Coordinator for The Big Adventure Ministry is:
Janet Neal
The Big Adventure Vision
- We believe that children can know Jesus Christ in a real and personal way and that
this relationship will be life-changing.
- We believe that God works significantly in and through the lives of children.
- We believe that loving and serving children will impact eternity.
- We believe that supporting children and their families glorifies God and deepens our own relationship with the Father.
- We believe that God has given us each gifts to use for the Kingdom.
- We take childrens spiritual lives seriously.
- We want children to know they are of great value to God and to us.
- We want children to know Jesus Christ because they have seen Him in us.
- We want children to discover and use their own spiritual gifts.
- We want kids to grow up with their hearts on fire with the Spirit of God, and we need your hearts, minds and hands to help kindle the
flames.
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