Central kids

Welcome to CentralKids! Thanks for taking the time to check us out and learn

more about how we can partner with you and your family. Our goal is to guide
kids to Christ by loving them one at a time and teaching them the truths of God’s
Word.

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CentralKids is broken down into three groups on Sunday mornings.
 

• Birth to 4 years (both services):

  • Nursery (0-12 months)

  • Walkers (approx. 12-24 months)

  • Pre-K (3 & 4 years old)

• ​Elementary (both services):

  • ​5- to 9-year-olds are in individual classes by age, but participate in a time of Bible study, worship, games, memory verse, and snack in 20-minute rotations.

  • 10 & 11-year-olds

• ​Central Youth (8:45 service only)

  • ​Middle School Boys

  • Middle School Girls

  • High School

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FAQs:

1. My kids are coming to CentralKids for the first time what should we expect?

   • Thanks so much for coming to check us out!  We can’t wait to meet you.  Your first stop will be the Welcome Desk in the lobby when you arrive on Sunday morning.  Someone from our Welcome Team will help get you and your kids registered, nametags printed, and help you find the correct classrooms.

   • To make your morning a success try to arrive at least 10 minutes before service starts.  This will give you time to check-in, help guide your kids to their class, meet their teachers if you’d like, and make your way to the auditorium before service starts.  

2. How do I know my kids will be safe at CentralKids?

   • CentralKids uses Planning Center to print nametags with unique security codes for each of your children.  When you check-in both you and your child(ren) will receive printed nametags with the unique security code which will be used to “check-out” your kids when service is over.  

   • All of our adult volunteers in CentralKids go through a security and background check prior to serving.

   • Allergies & Medical Concerns:  When you register your child(ren) for CentralKids there will be an opportunity for you to include any food allergy or medical concerns you wish to share.  These notifications will print on your child’s nametag and inform the teachers of their class.  CentralKids serves Goldfish crackers and Veggie Straws as a snack each Sunday.  Veggie Straws are a vegan snack and are gluten/dairy/dye-free.  If your child has other dietary concerns or restrictions, please let us know.  

3. What curriculum does CentralKids use?

   • CentralKids uses the Gospel Project curriculum by Lifeway.  The Gospel Project walks students through the entire Bible over the course of three years.  Each lesson all contains a “Christ connection” to show how each lesson points us to the Gospel.  You can read more at https://gospelproject.lifeway.com

4. What is the purpose and vision of CentralKids?

   • The vision of CentralKids is, “Guiding children to Christ by loving them one at a time and teaching them the truths of God’s Word.”  This vision is fulfilled as staff, volunteers, and families engage in five ways.

     • Praying: CentralKids desires to take everything (parents, teachers, volunteers, events, and children) to the Lord in prayer. Every choice that is made should be considered prayerfully and have a purpose that supports our vision. 

     • Providing: CentralKids provides a fun and inviting space for all children to feel loved and valued. CentralKids provides outreach opportunities to build relationships with families from our community and introduce them to Christ’s love. 

     • Partnering: CentralKids strives to partner with parents as they disciple their children in the fear and instruction of the Lord. CentralKids volunteers, events, and curriculum are all designed to come alongside and assist parents by providing additional resources and opportunities for kids to interact with and learn from God’s Word. 

     • Participating: CentralKids desires everyone in our church family to participate in discipling the next generation. As such, it seeks to equip teachers and volunteers with the tools, resources, support, and supplies they need to accomplish the vision and mission. 

     • Practicing: CentralKids is training the next generation of leaders for His Church. CentralKids strives to provide age-appropriate servant leadership opportunities so that they can practice being the hands and feet of Jesus. 

5. How can I get involved and serve with CentralKids?

   • We are so glad you asked!  We would love for you to serve alongside us in CentralKids.  Here’s how you can get started…

     • Check out the CentralKids Ministry Handbook here.  This will help explain the nuts and bolts of how the ministry works and what you will be committing to. 

     • Fill out a volunteer form here.  This form will be routed to the CentralKids leadership who will reach out personally to you.  

     • All volunteers who work with children will undergo a background and security check conducted by an outside vendor.  This check is free to you.  

6. Does CentralKids offer child dedication?

   • Yes!  For more information about child dedication click here to the Parent Resources page.  

7. My child wants to be baptized, what should I do?

   • Central Christian Church holds to a believer’s baptism by immersion.  If your child has made a profession of faith click here to go to the Parent Resources page and learn more.

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Get Involved

• We would love for you to join us and be a part of CentralKids.  We believe that every Christian has something of value to offer the next generation and we would love to help you find your place.   We need volunteers to love on babies, play with toddlers, and teach Pre-K kiddos.  We need servants to lead elementary age kids in Bible, worship, games, and crafts.  We need people who love youth and have a desire to see them grow in faith.  

 

Family Dedication

• We believe children are a gift from God, and we’re excited that you’re investigating child dedication.  We believe that there is nothing magical or salvific in child dedication—in fact, it is better understood as a family dedication.  By participating in a family dedication service, you, as a parent or caregiver of a child, are committing to partnering with your church family to help your child grow up to know, love, and follow Christ.  

• Family dedication is a public commitment you make before God, your church, and your family. The dedication service provides you as a parent an opportunity to express publicly your desire to lead and spiritually nurture your child in the fear and admonition of the Lord

• To have your child dedicated at Central Christian we ask the following:

  • Parents have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

  • Parents affirm Central Christian Church’s Statement of Faith.
    Parents who are living together and who are not married to take steps to acknowledge and surrender to God’s plan for their relationship before participating in a child-dedication service.

• If you would like to participate in a future family dedication service, please fill out your contact information here.  ​

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Leaders-In-Training (LITs & LEADS)

• In fulfilling our vision, CentralKids desires to provide unique servant leadership opportunities for our youth.  We accomplish this through our LIT and LEAD program.  

• LITs (Leaders-In-Training) is for any middle or high school student who has a desire to serve within their local church.  LITs must be 12 to apply and serve.  LITs serve during Sunday morning service and at special events throughout the year.  LITs serve in a classroom alongside an adult leader and assist in teaching the lesson, leading in worship, preparing snacks, playing with little ones, and in any other age-appropriate manner that would assist the primary teacher. 

• LEADs (Labor, Encourage, Advance, Disciple) is a unique opportunity for older youth who have a desire and the skills to lead a classroom on their own and/or assist in the development of younger LITs.  

• LITs and LEADs are provided training and participate in two appreciation events each year. 

• If your youth would like to participate, they can fill out the application and email it or print it to turn it in.  Please note all applications must be signed by a parent or guardian

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Baptism

Baptism: Uniting Kids to Jesus  Craig, Kathy R; 

 

Parent Resources

Marriage:  The Exemplary Husband, Stuart Scott; The Excellent Wife, Martha Peace; 

Parenting:  Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Tedd Tripp

Kids and Apologetics: Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Ferrer

Kids and Baptism:

Proverbs:

Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes;  Your Child's Profession of Faith by Dennis Gunderson; The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elizabeth Elliot; The Faithful Parent by Martha Peace & Stuart Scott; Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World: Seven Building Blocks for Developing Capable Young People Seven Building Blocks for Developing Capable Young People

Glenn, H. Stephen, Nelsen Ed.D., Jane, Harmony;