Children
Children are the future of our world. They are the future of the church. They inspire us, encourage us, and teach us in the process of teaching them. At Central, we value our children as one of God’s greatest blessings. Children are encouraged to explore, wonder, and question as they grow in their faith.
Ministries for children include Sunday School, weekday activities, Vacation Bible School, and music education.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT
“Taking our baptismal vows seriously, we will love, support, teach, pray for, and be models for Central’s children; providing an environment where individuals and families can mature spiritually, socially, and intellectually in the way of Jesus Christ our Lord.”
An integral part of Central Reformed Church is the faith formation of each one of its children into the fullness of Jesus Christ and a deepened relationship with God. To that end, the Children’s Ministry Committee oversees and implements a wide variety of opportunities for children from birth through fifth grade to grow, learn, and nuture their faith.
WEDNESDAY EVENING MUSIC
During the school year there are several music opportunities for children.
Rejoice Club Friends
Join Mary Beth Timmer for music, movement drama and games every Wednesday evening. Bring your friends for all of the fun and excitement!
4:00 - 5:15 : First Grade on up
5:15 Potluck Dinner
5:45 - 6:15 Preschool and Kindergartners
Kindermusik
In each Kindermusik class, instructor Sarah Goldner leads a group of parents and their children through joyful activities, using music and movement.
Our Time (ages 1½ to 3 years old) (6:15 to 6:55 p.m.)
Imagine That (ages 3 to 5 years old) (7:00 to 7:45 p.m.)
FAITHSTEPS
This ministry marks, remembers, and celebrates important faithsteps in the faith journeys of children in the church, such as baptism, beginning Children and Worship, beginning church school, attending the entire congregational worship service, and first Communion. Those faithsteps are marked with liturgy, celebration, and a gift book. In addition, parents receive information for taking the celebration home and building on it.
Central Reformed Church is a ministry of the Reformed Church in America.
SUNDAY MORNING
WORSHIP HOUR
Infants/Ones Nursery (9:15 to 10:45 a.m.)
In this setting, adults and high school youth show God’s love to our youngest members.
Twos/Threes Nursery (9:15 to 10:45 a.m.)
This is a time for children to experience God in a nurturing environment. Children hear simple God Loves Me stories which affirm that God loves each one of them. Children respond to the stories through follow-up play activities.
Children and Worship Program (9:50 to 10:50 a.m.)
After spending some time with the congregation in worship, children age 4 through fourth grade are sent with a blessing from the congregation to their Worship Centers. In this worship setting children experience rather than just learn about God. This multisensory worship approach uses wooden figures, underlays, backdrops, and laminated figures to tell God’s stories. Children respond to the stories through wondering questions and art materials.
Worship Center I: Four-year olds through Kindergarten
Worship Center II: First and Second Grades
Worship Center III: Third and Fourth Grades
EDUCATION HOUR
Infants/Ones/Twos/Threes Nursery (10:45 a.m. to 12 noon)
Childcare is provided by adults and a paid caregiver so that parents may participate in learning opportunities during this time. Children engage in a time of free play.
Joyful Noise (10:45 to 11:12 a.m.)
Under the direction of Mary Beth Timmer, children age four through third grade participate in music and drama activities from the Walk With Me curriculum. These children present special programs during a second hour in Advent and at the end of the program year.
Walk with Me (11:15 - Noon)
Children from ages 4 through 8th grade get to ask their questions and learn about God and the Bible through our Sunday morning curriculum “Walk with Me”.
Ages 4- 1st grade (Fireside Room)
2nd - 3rd grade (Room 3)
4th - 5th grade (Room 5)
6th - 8th grade (Room 20)
High School (Conference Room) –Various teachers and curriculums.