About our ministry:
Our Children’s and Family Ministry (CFM) is a volunteer-led ministry. Our leadership is comprised of a co-pastor, two elders, and a steering team comprised of volunteers who have committed to working together to develop a volunteer-led parent (and grand-parent) co-op.
We recognize that our children are far more likely to grow in faith and character as they see their parents building church family friendships and making spiritual life a priority. For these reasons, we ask all parents who have a child involved to volunteer somewhere in the ministry. Our shared vision is that children, youth, parents, and families might enjoy the riches of LIFE IN CHRIST, LIFE TOGETHER, and LIFE FOR OTHERS.
Programs on Sunday morning – 9:30 am
NURSERY MINISTRIES (0-2 years)
Our ministry to the smallest of children includes play, Bible story time, singing, and personal attention in a safe, warm, environment. Caregivers surround children with God’s love.
Time: 9:15 – 12:25, Sunday Mornings
Location: Room 110 (located on 1st floor of CE bldg.)
SUNDAY MORNINGS – 9:30
Preschool
Children who are ages 2-5 by September 1st will be playing, praying, singing, and exploring Bible stories through active drama, art projects, building blocks, and games. Our curriculum is Gospel Light’s Growing with God. [2-3 Rm 210, 4-5 Rm 212]
Time: 9:15 – 9:30 a.m. arrival, 9:30 – 10:30 program
Elementary
Children in grades kindergarten-5th grade have a large group/small group format. In small groups, using the 252 Basics curriculum, leaders will mentor students through relationship building, discussion, developmentally appropriate activities and games, personal application of the week’s theme, and prayer. In K-3rd grade, all small groups come together to sing worship songs and encounter a dramatic and interactive presentation of the week’s Bible story.
The 252 Basics curriculum is build around three basic truths modeled by Jesus’ own life and childhood (Luke 2:52): I need to make the wise choice, I can trust God no matter what, and I should treat others the way I want to be treated. For more information about what the children are learning and resources for the parent, click on the link below. For more information, go to www.252basics.org.
Parents, please pick up children in person as soon as possible after the completion of the program hour.
11:00 Children’s Church
A primary goal of the 11:00 children’s program and the informal, band-led worship service will be to help children participate more fully in the worship life of the congregation.
Ages0-3: Nursery A place for children ages 0-3 years old to get personal attention in a safe, warm environment while hearing a Bible story, along with singing and playing.
Ages 4-7: At this service, children begin in worship with their family. After the opening singing and prayers, children ages 4-7 years old are invited to go to Children’s Church, where they will, using Gospel Light’s curriculum Discovering God’s Love, play, pray, sing, explore Bible stories through drama, art, and games. The children return to worship each week to share the Lord’s Supper with the congregation.
Ages 8 and up: These children will stay with their parents during the service to begin experiencing what it means to worship in a congregation. See below for ways to help children make this a meaningful experience.
Other Events
Family Friday Nights
It has been said that it ”takes a village” to raise a child. During our Family Friday Nights, community members gather to break bread and share in games, to laugh and to deepen our relationships. Join us on Sept. 30 and Nov. 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. We are an inclusive group sharing our faith and working to inspire our entire congregation and beyond. We welcome anyone and everyone willing to laugh, love, teach and learn within the Missoula community.
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See Youth Ministries for our Middle School and High School programs.
See our Adult Ministries page for Young Adults and College Groups.