Keep up with the latest GBC Children's Ministry news through the weekly newsletter. Download it HERE! E-mail Kristin to be added to the e-mail list.

Who is Children's Ministry for?

Children from birth thru 5th grade and their families.

What do we do?

We teach children that God loves them, gave His Son for them, and desires for them to believe in and follow Him. Children are not just future church members, they are valuable now as children of God and followers of Christ.

How do we do that?

9:45 AM

• “Faith Growers” (aka Sunday School) - we dig in to our biblical roots and are fed by God’s Word. Age-graded classes teach the basic stories and truths of the Bible and how to apply them to our 21st century lives. Preschoolers use Hands on Bible, K-3rd grades use FaithWeavers curriculum, and 4th & 5th grades use Grapple curriculum, both from Group publishing.

11:00 AM

• Preschool Church – provides an age-appropriate worship environment for children through pre-k during both morning worship services. Children work in centers doing science, crafts, art, blocks, etc., then have their own “church time.”
• Kids Worship & The Word – K-5th grades have a worship experience all their own as they sing and learn in a large group, then break into small groups for more activities that reinforce their study of God's Word. Children may attend the full hour, or they may worship with their parents until the sermon and join Kids Worship & The Word in progress.
• *The lessons the children learn in Sunday School coordinate with what they are taught in Preschool and Children’s Church so that they go home with a lesson they have learned in many different ways.

9:45 & 11:00 AM

• Nursery – Our nursery is a special place for children ages birth through 24 months to play and be cared for by our loving and capable volunteers. Nursery is available during the 2nd and 3rd worship hours. Children are welcome to stay for both hours so you can attend worship and Bible study.

Wednesday nights

• Missions & More is our winter 2009 program for children. Our preschool classes have a missions focus as they learn how God is at work around the globe. Elementary children are learning to worship and glorify God with their gifts, including those of acting and singing, as they prepare a Christmas musical.

Special Events

Special Events or “Sonlight” provide fellowship and fun as we bask in the warmth of God’s love. Special events include things like “Groovie Night” & “February MADness” for elementary school, and Vacation Bible School.

• “Christian Basics for Kids” - a 4-week course for 2nd-5th grade that teaches children about salvation, communion, baptism, and Christian life. This class helps children understand what it takes to make our faith our own and not just an extension of our parents’ faith. Christian Basics for Kids is offered to about 10 children each fall and spring.
• Fifth Grade Small Group - Each spring, from January to June, our 5th graders meet as they work through the transitional months and prepare to enter middle school.

How can you be a part of Children’s Ministry?

Volunteer! You can be engaged on many levels, from being on a once/quarter rotation in our baby nursery to becoming a member of our Children’s Ministry Team that coordinates our programs, to leading a crew during Vacation Bible School! E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it [Minister of Children] or Rhonda [Associate Children's Minister] and fill out a copy of the Ministry Volunteer Form [PDF download] for the Children's Ministry as you explore how you can use your gifts to serve.

AGAPE

AGAPE preschool is a weekday preschool ministry of Gayton and meets during the academic year. At AGAPE, we take a co-operative approach to learning, engaging parents in our classrooms. The core of our curriculum is the spiritual education of our children, so our lessons revolve around Bible stories and the truths we learn from them. We also promote the emotional, social and intellectual development of the children.

AGAPE is a richly diverse program that is very accessible to all families in our community.

Weekly Schedule

Sundays

• 9:45 AM - Faith Growers (ages 2 through 5th grade)
  • Nursery (birth to 2 years)
• 11:00 AM - Preschool Church (ages 2 to pre-K), Kids' Worship & The Word (kindergarten through 5th grade)
  • Nursery (birth to 2)

Wednesdays [Operate during the school year]

• 5:30 PM - Family Dinner*
• 6:30 PM – Large Group*
• 6:30 PM (worship, prayer, and inspiration for all ages)
• 6:45 PM – Missions and More*