By
Katie on 11/22/11
LEARN LOVE LIVE
When we first started Christ Church back in 2006 we had only four families with less than 12 kids (attached is a picture of Isaac Lee way back in 2006—Isaac was the first child to be baptized at Christ Church, and is now a second grader!). Now our congregation has grown to over 50 families with more than 100 children! We have not only grown in numbers but our kids are growing up. Those who were the youngest members of our congregation are now middle schoolers! The mission of Christ Church Kids is this: “We hope to be a place where kids learn about Jesus, experience his love, and live like him in their families and neighborhoods. We hope to build a community where parents learn about raising kids, receive support to love their families well, and feel challenged to live the abundant life Jesus offers.” Here are some tangible ways that we have been living out our mission…
Learn
Our littlest ones (infants and toddlers) are well cared for each week by our nurturing paid staff and wonderful parent and member volunteers. These precious ones now sit up, crawl,walk, talk, share, laugh, and smile (instead of cry) when they see their church buddies. Our preschoolers have grown the most (numerically and developmentally!). This fall they are learning their ABC’s and 123’s with corresponding characteristics of God (e.g. Letter A: God is Able!). They are slowly making their way through the stories of scripture. It is amazing what their little minds can absorb and remember at this age. They especially enjoy the singing and crafts that go along with each lesson. Take a peek at the curriculum here. Our elementary students are studying the life of Jesus in a big group (Kindergarten through 5th graders together). Then, they break up into small, age-specific groups lead by various leaders to apply what they are learning. This integrated format has allowed the younger kids to learn from the older kids, while enabling age-specific application for school and home life. Many friendships are forming and growing. We have some amazing teachers. I hope you will take the time this month to thank our teachers and volunteers. Please consider joining us in our efforts to share the story of God’s love with our youngest members.
Love
Not only have we focused on the curriculum and what our kids are learning, but we are also praying for the children of Christ Church to know and experience God’s deep and abiding love for them. We hope these kids will learn at an early age to hear the voice of God above all others. We hope our church will be a place of grace and nurture as these little ones grow in their knowledge and depth of insight.
Live
We as a staff hope to be a support to the families of Christ Church. We want to provide resources and care so that your family is well equipped. Further, as we are a light to our city and surrounding neighborhoods, we hope more and more of your friends and neighbors will visit and consider the transforming power of the Gospel in their lives and in the lives of their children.