Children’s Ministry
We will share the love of Jesus Christ, teaching His word, so that children will: come to know Jesus as Savior, grow in their personal relationship with Him, and share their faith with others.
Our Vision
We will share the love of Jesus Christ, teaching His word so that children will:
- Come to know Jesus as Savior
- Grow in their personal relationship with Him
- Share their faith with others
CHRIST-CENTERED – Every teaching and activity is based on our belief that God is sovereign and Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. We want all we do to, above all else, bring glory to Him.
SAFE
- Physically – “Safe place” training is required for all Children’s Ministry workers to help protect children and adults in an age when so many are victimized by sexual abuse. We also pay special attention to insure that our activities are safely conducted.
- Emotionally – We value and welcome every child, making it a primary goal to demonstrate the depth, height, width, and length of Christ’s love to them.
- Spiritually – It is our goal that every child’s questions and comments are treated with respect as we gently lead a child to eventually develop their personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Our Values
Our Goals
CREATIVE, INTERACTIVE, FUN -It is our desire to always present Bible truth in exciting, interesting, and fun ways. Sometimes these truths will be taught in a classroom setting, other times they are taught while doing sports, and other times during active play times. We want kids to love coming to church.
RELEVANT AND AGE APPROPRIATE – Kids should be able to take Bible truth into every situation they face. When we teach Bible lessons we try to answer 3 questions: KNOW WHAT? SO WHAT? NOW WHAT? We try to group kids as much as possible with their own age group, and provide teaching and activities that are fun and meaningful for their age.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING– We want all of our workers to be actively building relationships with the kids. Our programs are usually planned with time for informal activity and play, giving kids a chance to build friendships with one another and giving leaders a chance to relate one on one with kids.
FAMILY ORIENTED – It is our desire equip parents to nurture their children at home. As we plan programming both inside and outside the Sunday morning time we want to consider what families are doing with their week and how best to fit in to their busy schedules.
Programming
Sunday Kid Connection
Junior Worship is available during the sermon portion of our worship service (9:45 service) for kids ages 3 through Grade 5.
A Staffed Nursery is available throughout both the Sunday School time (8:30-9:30) and the Worship Service (beginning at 9:45).
Sunday School classes are held for all ages at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School begins with a free play and organized activities beginning at 8:15 and going through about 8:45. Kids then go to a small group class setting with their teachers where they enjoy activities with the kids in their age group.
Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade meet in the Son Room. Preschoolers (2years-pre-K) meet in the preschool suite.
PARENTS be sure to check out our many adult Bible classes offered during the Sunday School hour for you. Classes usually run for a 13 week quarter, but can be entered at any point during the quarter. Each quarter we offer from 5-6 different classes.
Youth Sunday School classes are also offered.
Friday Fun Night
Grades K-5
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM each Friday from NOVEMBER – APRIL
(open gym from 6-6:30 and from 8-8:30 to give parents a 30 minute window for drop-off and pick-up. Structured programming runs from 6:30-8:00.)
Kids in grades K-5 are invited to Friday Fun Night at the church, held from November through April.
The evening includes:
- Bible lessons
- Craft Activities
- Sports and group game activities
- Snacks
Friday Fun Night will not be canceled for moderately inclement weather. If in doubt, contact us!
COME AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
Easter Egg Fair
Saturday, March 23, 2024
For all kids through 5th grade
Come any time between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The event will run until 12:30, however please come by 12:00 in order to be able to complete all the activities.
Fill your Easter Basket with eggs and other prizes while enjoying games and activities like inflatable amusements, crafts, and more.
Free hotdogs, chips and drink provided
The Easter Egg Fair is held at the Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren
This will be an indoor activity.
Gingerbread House Night
FRIDAY, December 6, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
Each person registered will receive a gingerbread house that is assembled and ready to decorate, a supply of icing, and access to a buffet of all kinds of edible decorations.
We ask that all participants bring a bag of candy or other edible item that would be appropriate to use to decorate gingerbread houses. This contribution will be added to the candy ‘buffet’ table to be shared. Participants are also welcome to bring personal decorating supplies which would be kept in their own workspace.
Preschoolers must be accompanied by their own personal teen or adult decorating assistant.
School-age kids may attend with or without a parent.
Summer Kid Connection
ALL AGES WILL BE ON WEDNESDAYS
Come for all or part of the day!
2024 PRESCHOOLERS (Age 2½ -pre-K)
Wednesday morning June 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24 2024 (Not meeting on July 3)
9:00am – 12:00pm
Arrival from 9:00 – 9:30 with formal programming beginning at 9:30.
Children will learn important spiritual lessons and be led in lots of fun activities.
A healthy snack will be served during the morning.
2024 K-5 Camp (for those who have completed Kindergarten through 5th grades)
Wednesdays June 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24 2024 (Not meeting on July 3).
9:00am – 4:00pm. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.
ARRIVAL from 9-9:30 with formal programming beginning at 9:30
At 1:00 in the past we have gone to the Mifflinburg pool. Because of the increased costs involved in pool admittance, we are asking that families contribute $2 per child to attend the pool their they are able. Families who have a family pool pass to the Mifflinburg pool may give us their pool pass number in leu of the contribution. This year there is some uncertainty regarding whether or not the Mifflinburg pool will be open. If we are unable to go to the pool the kids will remain at the church where there will be many activities to enjoy.