Calvary Chapel Visalia

Children's Ministry
Our purpose for ministering to children here at Calvary Chapel is to support the parents, not only in bringing their children to knowledge of Jesus Christ, but discipling them as well. The book of Colossians (1:18) tells us that He must be
pre-eminent in all things. This means thinking His thoughts, following His example, hearing His Word, and doing His will. This is clearly confirmed in passages such as Romans 8:29; God has chosen us to be "conformed to the likeness of His Son..." and in Col.3:10, Paul tells us we have to "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of it's Creator."

Our ministry to our children is structured to a classroom-teaching environment in which they are ministered to using age appropriate curriculum that takes them through the Bible. Our objective is to share God's Word through classroom teaching, crafts, selected audio and video materials, take home assignments, missionary activities, worship, and interpersonal relationships.

Our desire is to provide a safe and loving environment for children. We have a well-equipped staff that is trained to teach your children in a fun activity oriented atmosphere and on a level that they can fully comprehend.

Children's Ministry Schedule:

Sunday
2 yrs thru 6th grade
Children's ministry is provided at both our 9:00am and our 11:00am services.

Wednesday
Calvary Kids' Bible Club (CKBC) is a club program for children ages 2 through 4th grades. CKBC meets on Wednesday nights from September through May of each year from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Our emphasis is on discipleship and growing in the Lord. Our theme verse is 2 Peter 3:18, "…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

“Club 56” – Discipleship Ministry to 5th and 6th Graders
Fifth and Sixth Grade is a unique time in a child's life. They are beginning to grow a little older, but still very much a child at heart. Club 56 is a special ministry just for fifth and sixth graders that runs concurrent with Calvary Kids' Bible Club (Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM).

Nursery
We believe that early positive experiences at church are seeds for a later positive experience of God. We strive to provide a comfortable environment so that each child may feel happy and loved. It is our desire to serve the needs of you and your child as we would serve Christ.

Our spacious and beautifully designed nursery is located on the north side of our sanctuary and is designed for children, birth to 2 yrs. It is fully equipped with age appropriate, sanitized toys. All toys, baby swings, exer-saucers, chairs, and cribs are cleaned and sterilized after each service. It is our goal to provide an environment that is as germ free as possible for each child.

During each service our nursery is supervised by a coordinator who staffs and oversees all care. Each volunteer worker has completed a thorough application and references are checked. All have been trained in nursery procedures.

Babysitting is not the only thing going on in our Nursery. Toddlers are introduced to Biblical concepts through our "Cradle Roll". Cradle Roll uses simple songs, games and pictures to teach them about the love of God.

We also have a 'Tot Lot' for your toddler's enjoyment.

*Nursery Service is provided at both of our Sunday Morning services as well as Wednesday services.

Check-in Procedures:

In order to provide a comfortable and secure environment for baby and parent alike,we have developed a procedure for checking children in.

* When you complete the sign-in sheet you will supply the nursery personnel with important information such as where you can be located, child's special needs, etc.
* You will receive a number when you drop of your child, which also serves as a "claim check." Only the person with the number will be able to pick up your child.
* The number will be displayed on digital screens on the front south-west & north-west side of the sanctuary if your child needs you during the service.
* It is very important that you hold on to the number during the service and return it when you pick up your child.
* Please label all items with your child's first and last name before arriving. This helps us keep track of your child's items.
* In addition we have personnel constantly checking the area for unauthorized persons in the vicinity.

Saying Goodbye

After you have completed the check-in process, simply wave a quick good-bye and leave for worship. As you know, it is normal for little ones to cry when leaving a parent. This does not last long, and separation becomes easier over time. Our Nursery volunteers will immediately try to create interest in a toy or activity and give assurance that you will return. If your child cries for an extended periof of time of 10 minutes, we will page you.

Your Child's Health
We operate a well-baby program for your protection of all the children in our ministry. We cannot accept a chld with a runny nose, fresh cold (four days or less), fever, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea or any other signs of illness. We request that you not place your child in the program when they are at risk of exposing other children. Thank you in advance for helping us keep our Nursery program a healthy place for all.

What do I bring?

Please bring a diaper bag. Your diaper bag should contain the following items:

* 3-4 diapers
* a plastic bag for wet diapers
* A bottle
* A bib
* A complete change of clothes
* A sweater and socks (for cool days)

Nursing Mothers

If you are the mother of a newborn or a nursing mother, we invite you to enjoy our worship services in the comfort of our picturesque Mother's Room. This pleasantly furnished room, with rocking chairs and changing table, overlooks our sanctuary through a tinted one-way window. For your added convenience we also supply diapers and other changing amenities. Please ask an usher or nursery personnel to direct you to the nursing mothers room.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday Morning

What to Expect:

During each service our Children's Ministry is supervised by our Children's Ministry Pastor, Administrative Assistant, and Coordinators who are on site and oversee all care.

Each teacher and volunteer helper is required to complete a thorough application, background check before they are placed in their perspective ministry.

Early Childhood

We believe our littlest ones can learn. Laying Biblical foundations in a child's life are most important and our volunteer teachers take this responsibility very seriously. Your child will enjoy experiences that allow them to reinforce each lessons Bible truth and life application.

2 & 3 year olds-
2 year olds meet in Room 1
3 year olds meet in Room 2

Age appropriate curriculum includes time for worship and Bible lessons taught using art directed play, games and storytelling. The same curriculum is used during all Sunday Early childhood services. Therefore, a child attending class for both services will have the lesson repeated during the second service.

4 & 5 year olds meet in Room 3

A 4 & 5 year old class is offered for children ages 4 and 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. Age appropriate curriculum includes time for worship and Bible lessons taught using art, directed play, games, and storytelling. The same curriculum is used during all Sunday Early childhood services. Therefore, a child attending class for both services will have the lesson repeated during the second service.

Kindergarten meets in Room 4

Kindergarten class is offered during the second service only on Sunday morning. Age appropriate curriculum includes time for worship and Bible lessons taught using art, directed play, games, and storytelling.

Check-in Procedure

In order to provide a comfortable and secure environment for children and parents alike, we have developed a procedure for checking children in.

* When you complete the sign-in sheet you will supply the Teacher or Assistant with important information such as where you can be located, child's special needs, etc.
*You will receive a number when you drop off your child, which also serves as a "claim check." Only the person with the number will be able to pick up your child.
*The number will be displayed on a digital screen on the front south-west and north-west side of the sanctuary if your child needs you during the service.
*It is very important that you hold on to the number during the service and return it when you pick up your child.

Saying Good-bye

After you have completed the check-in process, simply wave a quick good-bye and leave for worship.

*As you know, it is normal for little ones to cry when leaving a parent.
*This does not last long, and separation becomes easier over time.
*Our teachers will immediately try to create interest in a toy or activity and give assurance that you will return after Sunday School is completed.
*If your child cries for an extended period of time of 10 minutes, we will contact you.

Pick Up Procedures

Your child's Teacher will expect the same parent to drop off and pick up your child unless special instructions are given at check-in (Please do not send anyone under the age of 17 years of age to pick up your child).

*Please present the Security Number "claim check" to the teacher or assistant.
*Please make sure that all your child's personal items have been returned to you before you leave the premises.
*In addition we have personnel constantly checking the area for unauthorized persons in the vicinity.

Elementary Grades

Classes are offered for all children grades 1 through 6 during both Sunday morning services. We offer a balanced through the Bible ministry that includes worship, instruction, fellowship, and equipping. To accomplish this, we use a variety of creative teaching methods centered on the Word of God, with strong emphasis on personal application.

Curriuclum:

Age appropriate curriculum developed by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and Modesto is used at both Morning Services for grades 1st-6th. The curriculum is an activity oriented program designed to take kids through the entire Bible beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation at a pace and level that they can both enjoy and understand.

1st & 2nd Grade meet in Room 5

3rd & 4th Grade meet in Room 6

5th & 6th Grade meet in Rooms 7 & 8

Check-in Procedure

Check-in Procedure applies to children in 1st through 4th only

In order to provide a comfortable and secure environment for children and parents alike, we have developed a procedure for checking children in.

Pick Up Procedures

Outreach
Special outreach events are planned throughout the year for our children including:

Missions Sunday
This is a special outreach to familiarize and connect the children of Calvary Chapel with missionaries we support, the countries they live in, and the work they do. This is accomplished using: photos, video, displays, food from respective countries, national dress, and informational leaflets on our various missionaries.

Our goal is to make them aware of the work that God is doing around the world (Matthew 28:18-30) and to encourage prayer and support for our missionaries.

Outreach Sunday
Periodic Sundays throughout the year are set aside for special events, guests, and drama presentations. Our goal is to provide outreach for the kids at Calvary and to encourage them to invite others thus encouraging them to evangelize those around them.

Wednesday Evening
Calvary Kids' Bible Club (CKBC) is a club program for children ages 2 through 4th grades. CKBC meets on Wednesday nights from September through May of each year from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Our emphasis is on discipleship and growing in the Lord. Our theme verse is 2 Peter 3:18, "…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

“Club 56” – Discipleship Ministry to 5th and 6th Graders

Fifth and Sixth Grade is a unique time in a child's life. They are beginning to grow a little older, but still very much a child at heart. Club 56 is a special ministry just for fifth and sixth graders that runs concurrent with Calvary Kids' Bible Club (Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM).

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