There 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. Click here for a detailed description of children's Sunday School classes.

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 4th grade. Of course, children are also welcome to worship with their families in the Sanctuary if the parents prefer this option.

Kids' 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.

A Christian scouting program is offered on Wednesday nights, where kids learn practical life skills along with training in Christian discipleship. Children in Caravans (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.

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 family fun night and summer camp at Trinity Pines.

Lois Knight 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 First Class Kids program at OFCN. Those who are interested in joining this team of people should contact Pastor Lois or one of the ministry area leaders. Volunteer applications are available at the FIN (children's check-in) table in the KidZone hall on Sunday mornings.

Pastor Lois has a blog here. Take a look, and leave a comment!

We are committed to the safety of every child at Ontario First.  For this reason, we register each family,  and provide a Family Identification Number (FIN).  This helps to ensure that leaders of children have the information they need about the children, and that parents can be contacted quickly if needed. Each time a child enters the KidZone a FIN slip is given to the person checking in the child. The FIN slip is required when picking up children 4th grade or younger at the conclusion of children's ministries events. 

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.