Ontario First Church of the Nazarene

 
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Home Ministries Children

Children

Foundations

At Ontario First, our goal is to provide an environment where children can experience and develop authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe:

  • Kids at starting lineEvery child is a gift from God.
  • Every child needs to discover the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ through words and activities he or she can understand.
  • Every child should have the privilege of learning in a safe, secure setting.
  • Every child can ask questions and enjoy learning in class.
  • Every teacher has a responsibility to exemplify Christian living.
  • Every teacher is responsible to interact with children in ways that safeguard each child's self-esteem and provide a positive learning environment.

Through interactive, fun worship, creative teaching of Bible stories, and caring relationships with leaders who love Jesus and love children, each child will flourish in an environment of security and love.

 

 

Ministries to Children

 

Family Camp 2011There is always a lot going on for kids. In children's ministries at OFCN, all of our activities have one goal: to help raise up kids who follow Jesus! Toward that end, here are some of the opportunities for children:

Infants, crawlers, and beginning walkers need a safe place with plenty of nurturing love as they explore their surroundings and begin to develop relationships with people beyond their families. Our nurseries are equipped and staffed to provide quality care in a clean environment while other family members worship and learn elsewhere in the building.

Sunday School and Children's Church are excellent places for developing strong biblical foundations. Interactive curriculum and excellent teachers help children to experience fun, faith-building encounters with God's Word. Age-appropriate classes are offered beginning at age two.

Worship is recognizing and responding to who God is. "Cherub Church" engages toddlers in worship activities throughout the worship hour. "Children's Church" is for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Of course, children are also welcome to worship with their families in the Sanctuary if the parents prefer this option.

Children's Quizzing is for children in grades 2-6, providing more in-depth Bible study than most other gatherings for these ages. The children study a particular book of the Bible for seven months, and enjoy traveling to participate with kids from other churches at three enjoyable quiz meets.

Upward BasketballA Christian scouting program is offered on Wednesday nights, where kids learn practical life skills along with training in Christian discipleship. Children in Caravan (grades 1-6) earn skill badges in mental, physical, spiritual and social categories. Benson's Buddies (4 years old by August 31st through kindergarten) is a pre-Caravan experience with tons of fun for the littler ones.

Kids throughout our community are drawn to Upward Sports. This national program promotes character, self-esteem, and Christ. We currently participate in the basketball and cheerleading programs for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade.

The KidZ Video Library has VHS and DVD materials that can be checked out for a week at a time. Videos may only be checked out by adults, and while the selection is predominantly geared toward kids there are resources for youth and adults as well. The video library is open on Sunday mornings, 9:30am until noon, at the FIN table in KidZone.

Special events are available at various times throughout the year also, including Vacation Bible School and summer camp at Trinity Pines.

 

 

 

Leading Children

Pastor ConnieConnie Wheeler is our Pastor to Children and their Families. In addition, the directors of each children's ministries area serve together as a ministry team overseeing the children's program at OFCN. Those who are interested in joining this team of people should contact Pastor Connie or one of the ministry area leaders. Volunteer applications are available at the table in the KidZone hall on Sunday mornings.

 

 

Safety & Security

We are committed to the safety of every child at Ontario First.  For this reason, we register each family so that parents can be contacted quickly if needed. Children are not dismissed from their classroom until a parent/guardian signs them out. 

Before working with children, teachers fill out an application and go through a background check. Of course, teachers are chosen for both their character and their teaching skills.

 



Worship Service: Sunday at 9:30am and 11:00am
Sunday School: Sunday at 9:30am and 11:00am