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.
Nursery
Ages: Newborn through age 3
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.
Children’s Worship
Ages: 4 years – 1st Grade
During 8:30 am service only
Children will be dismissed prior to the message for Children’s Worship. All other children will remain in the Worship Service with their parents. Kids Worship sheets will be available in the lobby for 2nd-6th grade kids. Prizes will be given for completed sheets at the Children’s Check-In Desk.
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 Bible stories and interactive activities that enable children to learn about God’s plan for them. The morning’s Biblical theme will be further developed each week in Children’s Sunday School.
Children’s Sunday School
Ages: Preschool through Grade 6
Sundays at 9:45-10:45 am
Sunday School is an important time for children to connect with their friends, grow in Biblical understanding, and learn about God’s redemptive plan. We have classes available for children ages 3 through grade 6. Our focus in Sunday school is learning to explore God’s Word and learn to apply it to our lives. Kindergarten through sixth grade children have the opportunity each week to meet in both large mixed-age groups, as well as small grade level groups.
Preschool kids meet with their loving teachers for the entire time. Elementary age kids start together with a creative challenge, story time, Bible skills time, and interactive activities led by our Children’s Team. We have a talented team who would love to meet your child and help them get connected.The following weeks we do not have Children’s Sunday School:
- December 25, 2022
- January 1, 2023
- April 9, 2023
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, 6:30-7:30 pm, 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) *Limited spots for this program
- Sparks (K- 2nd Grade)
- Girls TNT (3rd-6th Grade)
- Boys TNT (3rd-6th Grade)
*Special Event for Fall…AWANA TNT GRAND PRIX!
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.
Meeting times and activities are publicized in Bethel’s email-newsletter “What’s Up Watson” and flyers are sent home from Sunday School and AWANA.
Vacation Bible School (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, 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. This year we will be exploring the promise of God as we look at the life of Joseph. The Children’s Ministry Team thinks this is the best week of the year!
This year’s VBS is June 12-16, 2023 | 9:00 – 11:30 am.
Children’s 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.
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.
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 a child feel comfortable in Preschool Sunday School, serving with a parent in the nursery, reading scripture, or volunteering for a speaking or singing part in the Children’s 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. Stop at the Children’s Check-In Desk for more information.
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.
Ministry Leadership
Kimberly Fast
Director of Children’s Ministry
Rebecca Denaway
Assistant Director
of Children’s Ministry
