About GFC's Children's Programs

"Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

We believe that ministry, teaching, and training begins early. Our goals are to help lead a child to Christ, introduce and baptize in the Holy Spirit and give a foundation of Bible truths. Children's ministry is a combination of having fun and learning at the same time. Our Children's Ministry includes:

Nursery
(Birth to 4 years)

Our nursery is for children aged newborn up to 3 years. On Sunday mornings, our nursery opens at 10:00 a.m. On Wednesday nights, it opens at 6:50 p.m. It is staffed by nursery parents and church volunteers. It is our belief that a child's concept of God, values and morals begin to develop at a very young age. The goal of the nursery is to provide a special place where small children are cared for and ministered to by believers who provide a caring and nurturing environment for the children.

Sunday School

On Sunday mornings, we have four classes for the children which are divided by age: Preschool class 4 yr. olds through Kindergarten), 1st & 2nd Grade, 3rd & 4th Grade, and 5th & 6th Grade. The children remain upstairs through Praise & Worship and then are dismissed to go to their classes. In our classes, we endeaver to give the children a firm foundation in the Word of God through a combination of Bible stories, object lessons, discussions and fun.

Children's Church - Wednesday Nights

Children's Church (Wednesday nights) - During Family Night on Wednesdays, we provide two different children's church classes: 4 year olds through 2nd Graders and 3rd - 6th Grades. As on Sunday mornings, the kids remain in the service until after Praise & Worship and then are dismissed.

Activities

We also have many activities for the children throughout the year. We have spring lock-ins, summer trips, fall parties and a Christmas musical. There's always something fun!

Rules and Discipline

It is our desire for the classes to be as enjoyable for the children as possible and still maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning the things of God. The rules are setup to maintain this atmosphere, and when they are broken, not only is the offender not able to get the most out of class, but s/he is disrupting the class for everyone.

We have five rules that we follow in all of the classrooms.

1. No talking while the teacher is talking.
2. No bothering your neighbors.
3. No running or getting up without permission.
4. No chewing gum in class.
5. HAVE FUN!

The children are reminded of the rules at the beginning of each class session.

The Children's Ministry is a very important part of "building up the body" here at GFC and we have many dedicated people who love children and desire to see them grow spiritually.