Who says church can’t be fun?!? The kids at Bethel Church explore the Bible through stories, games, paint, clay, science experiments, skits and sometimes even live animals! Our staff and volunteers are committed to helping your child understand God’s love and plan for them.
Children’s Ministry exists and is dedicated to introducing children to a loving, holy, and sovereign God, to guiding them into a relationship with Jesus Christ, and to equipping them to grow in their faith, as they seek to serve Him. Our goal is to help children make their faith their own, through developmentally-appropriate activities and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Children’s Stories
Miss Kimberly is a wonderful story-teller that captures the attention of young and old alike. Her stories encourage, challenge and bring to light God’s Word. Be sure to check out some of her stories on Bethel’s YouTube Channel.
Nursery
The nursery is a place for infants through age 3 to explore and play on Sunday mornings. Parents can feel comfortable knowing our trained volunteers will provide a safe, learning environment that is age appropriate. To ensure your child’s safety, we use toxic-free cleaners, provide gluten-free snacks, and use a code-word system for pick-up.
*Due to Covid-19, the Nursery will be available for children up through age 3 for the 9:00am Worship Service ONLY. Please check out the “Children’s Worship Questions/Answers” link for more information.
Sunday School
Sunday morning is a great opportunity for children to create a faith community by building connections with peers and caring adults. The teaching teams focus on bringing the Bible to life through silly skits, interactive activities, and small group discussions. Through engaging storytelling, we learn how the Bible is an interconnected story of God’s plan for us. Sunday School is an all-year adventure from 9:30-10:30 and is for preschool through grade 6.
*Due to Covid-19, beginning September 20, the children will meet every Sunday during the 9:00am Worship Service in the Great Hall. Please check out the “Children’s Worship Questions/Answers” link for more information.
AWANA
Theme nights, games, prizes, and friends are all part of this special time to learn God’s Word. Over half of the kids are not from our church, so this is a great place to invite friends, where everyone will feel welcome. This program runs on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00, from mid-September through mid-May, and except for Cubbies, kids can join anytime. Register online or in person the first night you attend.
- Cubbies (Age 3+ potty-trained) Christie Schmidt, Director
*Limited spots for this program - Sparks (K- 2nd Grade) Chris Krumholz, Director
- Girls TNT (3rd-6th Grade) Season Schultz, Director
- Boys TNT (3rd-6th Grade) Landon Kollasch, Director
*Special Event for Fall…AWANA TNT GRAND PRIX!
*Due to Covid-19, AWANA will meet from 6:30-7:30pm on Wednesdays. Boys and girls TNT will attend the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month; Sparks will attend the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Cubbies will not be meeting this year due to room limitations. Please check out the “AWANA Questions/Answers” link for further information.
Planet 5/6
What do these things have in common? Minute to Win It competitions, Fast Food Frenzy, Bowling, Pizza Parties, Penny Hikes, Mystery Capture the Flag, and Ice Cream Sundae Parties…They are some of the activities we’ve done in Planet 5/6.
When you are in 5th and 6th grade you don’t feel like a little kid, but you’re too young for youth group. You may even feel like you’re on a different planet. If this describes your child, Planet 5/6 is for them! Kids are encouraged to bring their friends to the crazy events that happen 4 times a year. We meet before Awana on Wednesday and in the summer for fun and food.
VBS
The highlight of every summer is Vacation Bible School! Exploring Abraham’s village, walking through a model of Heaven, and visiting the colosseums of Rome are just 3 of the adventures we have had at Vacation Bible School. This engaging curriculum was written by our Children’s Ministry Director and includes stories, crafts, crazy puppets, skits, and more! The interactive cultural time allows children to “travel back in time” and understand the Bible in a fresh new way. The Children’s Ministry Team thinks this is the best week of the year!
Christmas Musical
Learning to serve is an important part of a child’s spiritual growth, so one of our big ministry opportunities for children is the Christmas Musical. Every child, after prayerful consideration, who tries out for a singing or speaking part, and feels God’s leading, will receive a part, even if we have to create additional roles. Our goal for the production is to glorify God through our acts of worship and service.
Whether their roles are big or small, they sing in the choir or have a solo, it is a chance for children to see God use them to encourage others.
*Due to Covid-19, we will not be having a Children’s Christmas Musical in 2020.
Ministry Involvement
Children at Bethel are involved in ministry opportunities to learn and to serve others. Whether serving at the Children’s Check-In Desk, helping younger children in the Treasure Room, recommending a movie in the Children’s Media Library, helping a child feel comfortable in Preschool Sunday School, serving with a parent in the nursery, or volunteering for a speaking or singing part in the Christmas Musical, we are here to assist and encourage children to pray for God’s leading and to look for ways they can bless others.
Children’s Media Library
We have a large number of exciting, family-friendly movies/DVDs and Adventure in Odyssey CDs available to check out.
Volunteers
All of our volunteers are required to go through a background check to ensure a safe place for your child. We welcome parents’ involvement. Please contact Kimberly or Rebecca for various ways to join the fun.
Children’s Ministry Staff
Kimberly Fast
Director of Children’s Ministry
Rebecca Denaway
Assistant Director
of Children’s Ministry