Mission
Our Children’s Department is designed to bring the love, acceptance, and security of Christ to children from age two through grade six. We have loving, caring,
trained teachers in all areas of our children’s ministry. Wesley Chapel offers classes at 9:45 and
11:00.m.
Sunday mornings, plus growth opportunities on Wednesday evenings.
Security
Children's security is a serious subject
at Wesley Chapel. We take great effort in making sure your children are safe and protected while in classes. We require all children through grade 4 to have a
security tag.
When the child arrives, the parents are given a matching tag. Children are
not released from class to anyone without that tag. All classes through grade one have their own private restrooms and needs in their room, so the children never have to leave their room once they enter.
Preschool and Kindergarten
We strive to present the love of Jesus and simple Bible stories to our preschoolers through Kids D. I. G.
(Deep Into God's Word) on Sunday
mornings at 9:45a.m.. We present the story and message through a variety of learning methods so that we are able to reach children through their individual learning styles.
Our goal is to prepare the child’s heart, so that when they are of school age, they will be able to understand what they are studying about Jesus and
God's Word. Kids D. I. G. is the hour that gives your child the opportunity to study God’s Word and learn
the basics of His principles.
At 11:00, we offer a worship service geared toward preschoolers and kindergarteners called Kids R.O.C.K. Junior. "Kids R. O. C. K." stands for Kids Read, are Open to, Claim and Keep God’s Word. During these worship services we teach children how to respond to God’s Word through prayer time, singing, hearing God’s Word, and giving to God through offering. We have several teenagers and adults who worship with your children and help lead the worship.
Elementary Ages
Kids D. I. G. is offered for all children through grade four
at 9:45a.m. on Sunday mornings. Leaders teach Bible stories and principles from God’s Word, including how
to live as children of God. Here, the children dive into God’s Word, memorize scripture and learn through a variety of
teaching styles. The children have opportunities to create and use games to learn the principles.
At 11:00a.m. the elementary children attend Kids R.O.C.K. (Kids Read, are Open to, Claim and Keep God’s
Word) where they can worship 'kid style.' Children encounter Christ through up-beat music, creative prayer times,
and creative methods of receiving the offering, as well as puppets, drama, movies, games, and activities.
Crew leaders meet the kids in
the individual classrooms each Sunday and then escort them to the activity room in
the upper level of the Family Life Center for their worship time.
Preteens
We recently reorganized, creating a separate Preteen Department. We have come to realize that these “between years” from elementary to junior high are difficult times for
fifth and sixth graders. We offer a special Sunday School class at 9:45 on Sunday mornings for these preteens. They meet
for an interactive study. Then they work on practical application of God’s Word to their personal lives.
Peer pressure, not conforming to the world’s standard, self identity, and
other issues relevant to this age are discussed.
During Kids R.O.C.K. at 11:00a.m., these kids have an opportunity to prepare the worship service for the elementary children. As the Creative Ministry Team, preteens work through the puppet skits, work on the drama, learn how to operate the sound system and Power Point slides, they lead the songs and song motions for the service, and take an active leadership role in the worship service. The Creative Ministry Team practices and prepares on Wednesday evenings.
Wednesday Evening Opportunities
At 6:30p.m. on Wednesdays, we offer musical opportunities with two children's
choirs. The Sonbeam Choir is for children ages 3 years through
Kindergarten. The God's Kids Choir is comprised of elementary kids.
The Preteen Youth Group meets 6:30—7:15p.m. each Wednesday. They enjoy games, snacks, prayer, and a short devotional. They also do monthly activities on Saturdays, such as bowling, a day trip, or mission work. At 7:15—8:00p.m. on Wednesdays the preteens have an opportunity to join the Creative Ministries Team, which plans and leads the worship service for Kids R.O.C.K. each week. In this group preteens have an opportunity to learn to use puppets, sound equipment, lighting, and plan drama skits and other ministry tools.
Task Force
We have a very active Children’s Task Force that meets monthly. This group plans and prepares
activities throughout the year for the children. For example, they organize the Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt, a Christmas dinner to aid the Children’s Choir
musicals, and other special events. The Task Force also prepares and plans
Vacation Bible School and all activities and special programs designed for the children.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is an exciting time for all
children. VBS has an exciting, kid-centered theme with wonderful decorations to enhance the experience. At VBS,
kids learn about Jesus and have an opportunity to experience Him first-hand through drama, songs, crafts, snacks, recreation, interesting Bible stories,
all led by wonderful excited adults and teens through the week. There is usually a closing program and Children’s Carnival.