It’s an awesome and yet daunting responsibility to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). The Message Bible says, “Point your kids in the right direction– when they’re old they won’t be lost.” How do we point our children in the right direction? By going in the right direction ourselves. The goal of Children’s Ministries is to reach out to children and draw them into a loving, serving relationship with Jesus Christ and with their church. We also seek to train, provide resources, and support those who minister to children.
Each Saturday morning we offer a variety of classes for children:
- Cradle Roll (Birth – 4 years): In the Cradle Roll division, parents and children learn together what it means to be a child of God. Classes are taught through story and song and is wonderful and effective way to introduce children to the infinite love of Jesus.
- Kindergarten (4 – 7 years): Children are encouraged to participate in the many planned activities. The program is interactive and designed to help develop a strong and loving relationship with Jesus. There are plenty of stories, songs, and crafts, so bring a friend and your imagination. You’ll find yourself singing songs throughout the week!
- Primary (7 – 10 years): Children meet for Bible study and interactive learning in an informal, yet structured setting. Songs, Bible and character-building stories and games help the children learn how to live in a way that pleases God.
- Juniors (10 – 12 years): Here, children continue to build their knowledge of God, learning to serve Him wherever they go, and increasing their trust in His leading.
- Earliteen (12 – 14 years): Young people are assured that God is with them throughout all of life’s changing circumstances. They are encouraged to grow in their faith and are given tools and methods for personal Bible study.
- Youth (Grades 9 – 12): This small group discusses issues of faith and discipleship that teens face in their Christian walk and development. There is intense and thought-provoking study of God’s Word. A spirit of love and service is encouraged. The Youth lead out in a monthly worship service called “Damascus Road.”
In addition to Sabbath School, we offer a variety of programs for children.
Pathfinders
Pathfinders is for those who are in the fifth (5th) grade or its equivalent through the eighth (8th) grade. 5th and 6th graders are often referred to as “Junior” Pathfinders, and 7th and 8th graders are often referred to as “Teen” Pathfinders. View more information about Pathfinders on our Pathfinders page.
Adventurers
The Adventurer Club is a Seventh-day Adventist Church-sponsored ministry open to all families of children in grades 1-4 who agree to keep the Adventurer Pledge and Law. The purpose of the program is to support parents and care-givers in leading and encouraging their children in a growing, joyful love relationship with Jesus Christ.
It offers instructional curriculum, family enrichment, supplementary resources, and volunteer training from within the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy. The Adventurer program should work to fulfill the gospel commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and depends on the support of a congregation strong in mission and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Eager Beavers
The Eager Beaver program is designed especially for kindergarten age children to learn more about their family, their environment, and God while strengthening the child-parent relationship. The Eager Beaver program is part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Youth Ministries and prepares kindergarten age children for the Adventurer program.