Discipleship Groups

There are many great ways to develop our walk with God. One of the best intentional ways is to join in a Discipleship Small Group. Discipleship means learning to follow Jesus and small groups are relational communities where we support one another in this quest.

Discipleship Groups form with a variety of people, each having a different Christian development. Getting to really know each other is a big part of the group. The groups study the Discovering the Christian Life Series that offers Scripture, case studies, contemporary readings, and thought-questions, all in a vibrant discussion format. Topics in the first series include: salvation, your position in Christ, walking by the Spirit, prayer, the church, and lifestyle choices. Opportunities are offered to meet weekly for twelve sessions, either at the church on Tuesdays or in homes on other days.

New groups will be forming at an informational mixer, Tuesday, January 20, 7 PM, room 255 (note the change of date). Call Randy Russell or Cheryl Mitchell (408-0310 x114) for more info.

What is the philosophy of the nursery ministry?

Our mission is taken from the words of Jesus, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes Me" (Mark 9:37). We want to serve Jesus as we welcome your little ones in His name. We want to serve these little ones, knowing that nursery is likely to be their first experience of the love of God through the body of Christ. We want to serve you, the parents, by giving you the opportunity to worship with the freedom of knowing that your children are being well–cared for.

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What ages does the nursery ministry serve?

Nursery serves children from the first few months of their lives until they move into the two year old class. (We recommend that parents do not place infants in the nursery until their immune systems are fully functioning.)

• Infants: children stay in the infant room until they are steady walkers, at which point, they are promoted to the toddler room.
• Toddlers: children in the toddler room range from young children who have just learned to walk through some children who have turned two, but whose birthday falls after the cut-off for the two year old Sunday school program. (The ages for the Sunday school program are based on the same cut-off date as the public school system uses-- October 15th. The two year olds all move up at the same time in August.)

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What if my child needs me when I am in the service?

Parents are given a beeper when they check their children into the nursery, so that we can contact you quickly if your child needs you.

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What do you do to provide for the safety of the children?

• Volunteer screening: All new volunteers to the nursery are screened. They fill out an application that includes references.

• Staffing patterns: We plan staffing so that there are at least two persons per room. Although we allow mature teenagers to serve in the nursery, at least one person in each room must be an adult. Additionally, we typically have one adult volunteer in each room who serves every week, allowing for vacations. That way, they get to know your child and his or her needs and routines, and your child gets to know them. Other volunteers rotate.

  At each service, we have a volunteer outside of the rooms to provide supervision and oversight. The supervisor is there so that even if there is a temporary situation with less staffing than planned, she can provide the additional "eyes on" supervision. The supervisor is also a volunteer who serves every week, allowing for vacations.

  We strive for a 3:1 ratio for the children, and 2:1 for the infants. The ratios are occasionally higher, as we might have an unusually high number of children at a particular service, or a worker may be unexpectedly ill. Again, the supervisor is the back up in these situations.

• Sign in and sign out procedures: Children must be signed in and out of the nursery.

  Each parent is given a pager when he or she checks a child into nursery. The person picking up the child must have the beeper in order to be given the child. Additionally, since the supervisors are there every week, they can get to know your family, providing an additional level of security.

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May I visit the nursery?

Parents with children in our programs are welcome to visit any of our Sunday school programs. We understand that, especially with little ones, you may want to "pop in" to see what is going on. If you do not yet have a child in the nursery, but are just "checking things out," however, we would ask that you observe from outside of the door, since you have not been screened, and since it can be disruptive to children for adults to go in and out. You may come to observe at any time. (Be aware that during check-in, and checkout, however, there is too much traffic for someone to simply stand and observe right outside the door.)

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How do I handle separation anxiety in my child?

That is a question that has a unique answer for each parent and child. We will support you in whatever way you think would be most helpful, as long as we can also meet the needs of the other children. (For instance, if you want to try "cold turkey" but your child cries at length and that disturbs other children, we would ask you to try something else.) If you would like to stay with your child in the nursery for a while to help him or her get used to it, you are welcome to do so.

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