OUR POWER LABS KICK OFF ON SEPTEMBER 7TH WAS INCREDIBLE!
This is an adaptation of Group Publishing's VBS Power Labs. We will be journeying to the "LAB" to discover the miraculous power of JESUS!!!
From the beginning of life, a child's spiritual development is key to molding them into who God has planned them to be. Our children's ministry seeks to illuminate God in their lives; teach them of His love and grace and help them to find their relationship with Him - no matter if they are an infant or an elementary student.
Birth to Age 2 No matter when your child says his or her first words, it is almost certain that they will understand much of what you say well before that. A touch, a smile or even comfort when they are uncomfortable can communicate the love of Christ. Through experiences like playing, holding, and snuggling, our children's ministry will seek to introduce a foundation of love and trust while they are still in the cradle. By age 2, it is said that children first become aware of God. With this in mind, we strive to introduce images of God to our children which will sculpt and develop their idea of who God is. With activities, story time and prayer with our children, we can encourage a sense that God is love and that Jesus, His Son, loves them, too!
Our Focus for Birth - age 2: - God is creator of everything - Jesus is God's Son - He loves me
Ages 3-4 Around the ages of 3-4, most children's imaginations are vibrant and extremely active. Creativity and play help children to express their thoughts, feelings, and their sense of self. The more interactive conversation children of this age are involved in, the more a child learns. Our emphasis during this exciting time of learning and development will be to "step up" interactive learning. Bible stories and characters will come alive through playtime, small group connections and activities which emphasize Bible verses, Bible truths, respecting and loving one another and the difference between right and wrong.
Our Focus for Ages 3-4 - The Bible is the true Word of God - Learning Bible stories and verses - The Bible tells of Jesus, God's Son - Jesus loves me - I can help others
Ages 5-6 At this stage of child development, most children begin to understand how Jesus is their friend. For most children, they understand how sin can separate them from God and they may want to ask Jesus in their hearts. It all begins to make sense, but they may not totally understand. Our ministry tools used during this time will be more applicable to a child's everyday life.
Our Focus for Ages 5-6 - I can talk to God even though I can't see Him - Jesus loves everyone - I love everyone, too - I can help people who need help - God loves me and I know what He did for me by sending His Son
Elementary Age Children Going Deeper with Ages 7-12 Once your child reaches school age, there are so many changes. Children begin to really question EVERYTHING. That questioning, although sometimes difficult, is a sign that your child is striving for answers about life's most complicated problems. It may be a scary time for parents, but it may be the most rewarding as you see your child growing closer to God. During this time in our children's lives, we will emphasize growing deeper in their walk with Christ. Developing a servant heart, small groups and a heartfelt prayer life will be the focus of study.
A Sampling of Our Focus at Elementary Age - The Bible is the one truth, defines right and wrong and how I should behave - Jesus died for ME - It is difficult to do the right thing and that is one reason I need Christ - God is everywhere - Becoming a Christian was a big decision and I need to walk with Him - I need to be salt in MY world - I need to develop a servant heart There are many opportunities to get involved in growing kids at The Gathering. For more information on our programming or how to get plugged into our Children's Ministry, contact: auroran@gatheringofgrace.org
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