Where do I take my child on Sunday morning?
If you come in the front door: go straight to the back and take a right just before the coffee station. Head down the steps and the first thing you'll see is our friendly staff. They will get your child(ren) signed in and help you find their classroom(s).
If you come in the downstairs back door: walk straight ahead and you'll see our friendly staff. They will get your child(ren) signed in and help you find their classroom(s).
Returning visitors: We ask that you continue to check your children in at the front desk and fill out a white form each week. If and when you decide to make West End your home, you'll fill out a Family Registration Form and we'll get your child's name on the roster.
What will my child learn?
1st service:
3 yrs – K: Through Gospel Light Curriculum, preschool will learn about God's love through music, games, Bible stories, and worship. We love this because children learn the Word in an age-appropriate avenue!
1st-4th Grade: Through Gospel Light Curriculum, the kids will learn about how God grows each fruit in us as we abide in Him. We love this because it really helps kids develop Christ-like characteristics in every area of their lives!
5th-6th Grade: They participate in corporate worship with their parents.
2nd service:
Preschool and Elementary will walk through the whole Testament from Creation to the prophets just before Christ. Each week, they will see how God’s love is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and how each story points towards God’s Rescue Plan in His son Jesus Christ!
5th-6th Grade: Trained leaders will discuss a monthly topic like friendship, family, or sports and how they can live out the Gospel in every area of their lives.
Why teach the Bible chronologically?
Teaching kids the entire Bible in chronological order, helps them (and us!) get a bigger picture of who God really is and how much He loves us! We hope your family will attend both services. If you do consistently, your child will learn the whole Bible in a year! Can you say that?
How will my child learn each week's lesson?
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, so we use several ways to make sure your child gets as excited as we are about the Bible:
1st service: trained leaders teach the Bible story in the classroom with fun and interactive games, crafts, and hands-on-activities. Friendship, mentorship, and a love for the Bible naturally flow out of this time.
2nd service: the Bible story will be presented in Transformation Station. Then D-group leaders will lead the kids in discussion, games, and crafts to apply what they've learned. 1st-4th graders really dive deep in these discussion times. We love watching God grow seeds of faith during their D-groups!
Are there any security measures to keep my child safe?
Absolutely! Your child's safety is at the top of our priority list. Here are a few ways we make this happen:
1. Children ages 5 and under will receive a security tag that matches one we give you. Only a parent with the matching security tag is allowed to pick up the child.
2. Only children and volunteers are allowed in the classrooms. Parents are asked to drop their child off at the door so that there is no confusion on who should and should not be in the room.
3. Our supervisors monitor the hallways during each service to make sure everyone is where they need to be.
Can I sit in on any part of Children's Ministry?
Yes and No... We invite any parents to Transformation Station during the 2nd service to see how our zany storytellers teach God's truth through a skit, puppets, videos, and overall silliness. There are chairs in the back where parents and off-duty storytellers sit (and laugh!) We do however ask that parents head up to worship or a Sunday School class when your child is not in Transformation Station.
Does Children's Ministry put on any Special Events during the year?
YES! We provide a free family-friendly event each quarter.
Spring:
What's Easter without an Egg Hunt? Filled with candy stuffed by the entire church body, 4,000 Easter Eggs are hidden in the field. Separate hunts for younger and older kids ensure that everyone ends up with a basket full of fun!
Fall:
Each year near Halloween, the whole church puts on a "Trunk or Treat" where decorated cars become storehouses of candy, inflatable games provide lots of fun, and everyone can eat their fill of hot dogs and cotton candy.
Winter and Summer:
Family Movie Night! Break out your sleeping bags because twice a year, families come out to eat hot dogs and watch a movie (usually Veggie Tales) together in the Gym upstairs. It's a fun, relaxed night where everyone in the family makes new friends and walks away singing a few "Silly Songs".
GUIDELINES FOR SICKNESS
Please do not bring your child to children's ministry if they have had any of these symptoms
In the past 24 hours.
- Any colored discharge from eyes, ears or nose
- Any vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
- FEVER (over 99*; must be fever free for 24 hours without medication)
- Rash associated with viral or bacterial infection
- Contagious illness (hand, foot, or mouth, etc.)
Our desire is to protect all children and volunteers from exposure to illness. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a healthy environment.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?:
Feel free to contact either of these ladies with any questions you still have.
Judy Dorris, Children’s Director: judy@westendcc.org or 463-8497 ext. 247
Julieann Kearns, Children’s Ministry Assistant: julieann@westendcc.org 463-8497 ext. 228
