SPECIAL PROGRAMS

In addition to our regular Sunday morning offerings, Children’s Ministry sponsors a variety of special events throughout the year. These events are designed to further nurture the child and their family as they grow together in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Fall Family Hayride

Our Family hayride is held in November of each year. We visit a local camp have a real hayride, gather around a campfire to roast hotdogs and marshmallows, drink cider and sing songs.

Family Christmas Eve service

The Family Christmas Eve Service is designed to allow parents, children and grandparents to participate in something of a readings and carols type of service. The children lead us in worship by singing and doing the readings. A children’s sermon is part of this service.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is an annual morning event held the first full week following the 4th of July celebration. The material is Biblical, the activities inclusive of most learning styles, and the goal is to give children the opportunity to learn about the saving love of Jesus. Our celebration services on the Sunday after VBS make this a Sunday you don’t want to be out of town.

Communion Education

Twice each year (in October and in the weeks prior to Easter), children in grades 2-5 are invited to participate in a Preparation for Communion Class. A parent must attend with their child. This class meets on Sunday morning during the regular Sunday School hour for 3 weeks. Parents determine if their children are old enough and understand enough to take this class to prepare to receive Communion. Children meet with an elder of the church on the third week to talk about what they understand about Communion and why they are ready to participate.

Devotional Books for Use at Home

Because Advent and Lent are times when we can deepen our walk with God by intentionally using devotional material, Children’s Ministry provides for parents age-appropriate devotions for Early Childhood and Elementary students. Children’s Ministry also supplies these devotionals to the families of children who attend Central’s weekday preschool.

Bible and Prayer Resources

We recommend parents read the Bible to their children every day. Some Bible story books are more appropriate for young children. Children’s Ministry staff are happy to advise parents on an age-appropriate Bible for their child.

PRAY! KIDS is a magazine that is available free of charge in the Children’s Ministry area. It instructs and encourages all types of prayer. The stories written by children about their prayer experiences are meaningful. This magazine can be a tool for parents to help develop a regular prayer life for their children. Developmentally it is most appropriate for Elementary children.

Bible verse cards are provided to our Elementary children during the regular school year. Each card has 5 verses to look up and read during the week as well as two questions to answer about the verses. This is another tool parents can use to help develop a regular Bible study time for their children.

Preparation for Communion Class is scheduled for October 11th, 18th, and 25th during the 10:00 hour. Pre-registration is required so enough materials are available. A parent is required to attend with the child. Parents receive a letter inviting them and their child to the class. Contact Amy Davidson if you wish to attend and have not received a letter.
(adavidson@centralpc.org or 410-823-6145 x. 228)