Survival Guide (Handbook)

A Survival Guide to the Children’s Ministry

Table of Contents

In this survival guide you will find the following:

• Important Contact Information
• The Purpose Statement for the North Central Church of Christ
• The Purpose of our Children’s Ministry
• Safe and Secure Environment
• Check In/Check Out System
• Child Illness Policy
• Programs and Activities
• Outreach and Mission/Service opportunities

Important Contact Information
Children’s Ministry

Bobby Davis – Children’s Minister

Church - 332-2248
Cell - 606-0462

Email – bdavis@nc3family.org

North Central Church of Christ Office

Angie Warnick
332-2248

Email – office@nc3family.org

 

North Central Church of Christ Statement of Purpose

Our purpose is to CONNECT and TRANSFORM

 

• CONNECT to God and to each other.
• TRANSFORM into God’s hands and feet in Bloomington.

We live faithfully for this purpose as we:

• INVITE people to meet and follow Jesus.
• INVOLVE people in an encouraging, Christ-centered church family.
• WORSHIP God with joyful praise and holy living.
• MATURE in Bible knowledge, faith, and love.
• EQUIP to use our talents and gifts for Spirit-led ministry
• SERVE the Lord in Bloomington and beyond.

The Purpose of the Children’s Ministry at the North Central Church of Christ

In keeping with the purpose of the North Central Church of Christ, the Children’s Ministry will strive to INVOLVE our children and their families through WORSHIP and fellowship while helping them MATURE in the their walk and helping them EQUIP spiritually for their future as they grow, INVITE, and SERVE others.

 

Safe and Secure Environment

Unfortunately, in the world that we live in today, we have to be more careful than we ever have before when it comes to our children. That is why at North Central we are striving to make our church a safer and secure environment. An environment where children are always accounted for; an environment where we all can feel safe.
Here are some of the things we have done and will continue to do in the near future.

Children/Youth Protection Policies and Procedures
This is currently being reviewed and overlooked by our staff and elders. We hope to have this for everyone very soon.


Windows in the Classroom Doors
We have put a 4”x24” window in each of the classroom doors in the building. By having a window in each classroom door this will allow us to monitor what happens during class. This will not only protect our staff and teachers, but most of all our children.

 

Check In/Check Out System

We want to implement a check in/check out system for our nursery through the 4-5yr old class. This could involve a matching bracelet (for the child and parent) for the 2-3 and 4-5 classes. This will only allow a designated person (adult) to pick up their child. We will no longer let siblings (younger than 5th grade) pick up a younger sibling. This is to protect our kids and to make our visitors feel that their child will be safe.

We have purchased and are using a pager system in our nursery. This is our way to help check in/out the nursery children.

Around the Building
It is very important for the safety of our children that we as parents know where our kids are at all times. There are many things and places at the NC building that our children do not need to be around or in. For example, the A.V. Room, library, and the kitchen are just a few. It is very easy for kids to feel comfortable in a place where they frequently spend time. It is very easy as parents to think that our children are safe if we know they are in the building somewhere. We would like the parents to keep track of and know where their children are to the best of their abilities. We also need to teach our children to respect and be responsible when they are at the NC building.

 

Child Illness Policy

Please make sure that your child is not brought to Bible class if they are sick. We love them and want them in Bible class every Sunday, but we don’t want to spread germs. Our illness policy is in place to keep our nursery and Bible classes as safe, happy, and germ free as possible. If your children exhibit any of the following symptoms for 24 hours prior to Sunday morning or Wednesday night, please keep them at home.

 

1. Fever greater than 100 degrees
2. Yellow or green runny nose
3. Questionable rashes
4. Excessive coughing
5. Diarrhea
6. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
7. Any communicable diseases

If your child is being treated with antibiotics, he/she should be on the medications at least 24 hours prior to coming to nursery or Bible class. Please use the best judgment for the comfort of your own child as well as the safety of others

Programs and Activities

We have many programs and activities in our Children’s Ministry. As with all things, sometimes we need to add new programs or even change and tweak old ones. Here is a list of our current programs and new programs.

Bible Class
We have Bible class on Sunday mornings at 9:30am and on Wednesday Evenings at 7:00pm. Our Bible classes begin with our nursery age and go all the way through adults. I encourage your family to attend Bible class.

Cross Crusaders and Children’s Worship
Cross Crusaders and Children’s Worship are programs that we have had here at North Central for some time. Both of these are programs that take place during the 10:30am Worship Service on Sunday mornings. Currently both groups meet separately on two different schedules and curriculum. We would like to build on the program that we currently have. However, all changes will be gradual and will be posted well before implemented.

The STUDIO
The Stusio is our Wednesday night class for our 1st through 6th graders. In this class we will continue our study from our Sunday morning lesson.  To do this we will use videos, experiments, and skits. In this class we will continue to empasize the need to make wise choices, trusting in God no matter what and Treating others like we want to be treated.  We will be using the 252 Studio videos from the ReThink Group.

II Timothy 2:15 Reading Program
The II Timothy 2:15 Reading Program has been a part of the children at North Central lives for over 20 years. This program started by Richard and Joan Hackman, and is now lead by Tanya Chasteen. This program is set up to encourage children to read their Bible on a daily basis. The age group for this program is K through 6th grade. It begins every year in September and will conclude in August. At the end of each year of reading there is a recognition program in October. This is a very well organized and beneficial program in the spiritual growth of our children.

FOCUS – PreTeen Ministry
FOCUS is a Preteen Ministry which began in the winter of 2006. This group is consisted of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. We have many activities planned throughout the year for this group. A future mission trip is in the works for our FOCUS group.

Fall Questival
Fall Questival is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween. This is a night that will involve games, costume contest, pictures, candy and a guided tour through the Bible. This is a wonderful outreach to our friends, family, PDO, and to our community. We will also try to incorporate a service project with this event.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Vacation Bible School is a program that is done every year during the third week of June. VBS is a weeklong program for ages Birth to 6th grade. We strive to make VBS a time that kids can come and bring their friends to a week of Bible study, songs, crafts, recreation, snacks and fun. We will conclude our VBS week with a Family Fun Night that includes a cookout, games, and fun for all.

Easter Egg Hunt
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is held the Saturday before Easter. We have a lot of fun looking for eggs, playing games, and an occasional visit from the Easter Bunny. This is a wonderful time for fellowship and a perfect opportunity to invite friends and family.

Back 2 School Bash
Our Back 2 School Bash is a family event to celebrate and kick off a new school year. This picnic will give families a chance to talk, play games and just relax together. This is a great outreach for our friends and family.

Family Fun Nights
Family Fun Nights are set up to have a family night out. Different activities may range in cost. Some of these may involve laser tag, bowling, Indians game and a movie night at the North Central building.

Escape School
Escape School is an Abduction Prevention Program that is presented by Dignity Memorial. Escape School is a great way to educate parents and their children on certain dangers, prevention, and escape strategies when it comes to a possible dangerous situation. Escape School is conducted once a year.

Service Camp

During these three days we will work to serve our church, community, and world. This gives the children and opportunity to be directly involved to help others.

Other Programs and Future Programs

1. After School Book Club - This is a program that is still in the works. It would be for anyone 3rd grade and up who like to read and discuss books. There is no set start date for this program.
2. Family Service Projects - possibilities of working with the Backstreet Missions, Foreign Missionaries, and perhaps Habitat for Humanity.
3. Friendship Sunday’s - This will be in conjunction with the youth ministry. This will happen once a quarter, to celebrate our friends by inviting them to class and worship.
4. After School Hang Out - This time will be set for kids 1st grade and up that may need help with homework or just need somewhere to hang out for a while.