What's happening down on 

 UPSTREET!?!?!  

 

Check out our BLOG!

Click Here for the Spring 08 Newsletter

www.upstreetnews.blogspot.com  

 

Our Mission... is to partner with families in leading children toward an authentic and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Our Vision... is to provide kids with a kid- friendly, safe, secure environment in which they are free to hear the truths of the Bible, learn about Jesus, and build meaningful relationships with leaders and other kids in their small groups.

 

Our Values...

·  To be a child-targeted ministry

·  To teach lessons that are relevant to kids now  

·  To teach the Bible creatively

·  To intentionally shepherd kids in Small Groups

·  To keep children safe – spiritually, emotionally, and physically

·  To have fun!

 

Your child's safety is our Priority!

Your child's safety is important to you, important to UpStreet, and imperative for your child.  Our facility was designed with security in mind.  Upon check-in at their rooms, children ages infant through 2nd grade and their parents are given matching security tags.  No one will be permitted in the secured areas without an appropriate tag, and no child will be released without matching tags.

 

 

Age Specific Info:

 

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Infants:

Children will experience the love of God through the gentle care of committed volunteers.  There will always be one adult to care for every three infants.

 

1 and 2 year olds:

Slides, puzzles, books, and balls offer lots of opportunities for our busy toddlers in both of our toddler rooms.  Children will also experience songs, color sheets, and a light snack. *

 

Preschool:  3's, 4's and new 5's (readiness Kindergarteners and Kindergarteners move up in the fall)

Children will have their first tast of the Large Group/Small Group experience in Preschool.  Large Group teachers will continually find creative and fun ways to teach 3 basic truths:  "God made me," "God loves me," and "Jesus wants to be my forever friend!"  These concepts will be applied to their daily life in Small Group, led by fun, caring shepherds.  Snack time* and projects are always a favorite for this age group!  Parents, be sure to pick up the weekly "Small Talk" sheets, and the monthly Bible Verse magnets!  Check out www.myfirstlook.org to learn more about our Preschool Curriculum!

 

*Due to allergies, snackes in Nursery-Preschool rooms are limited to Cheerios, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers.  Please let us know of any allergies when you sign your child in. 

 

K-5th Grade:

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In K-5th UpStreet, we try to emphasise 3 basic truths that we think every child should embrace according to what Jesus modeled in Luke 2:52, which says, "...and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and man." 

Each week, your child will learn in a new way one of the following truths:

     -I need to make the WISE choice

     -I can trust God no matter what

     -I should treat others the way I want to be treated

Check out www.252Basics.org to learn more!

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K to 2nd Grade:

Run!  Don't walk as your child enters UpStreet!  Just as the children have matured with a greater awareness, so have the surroundings!  Multiple activity stations are set up to invite kids in and give Shepherds a chance to connect with their Small Groups.  As the Large Group program takes stage, children will sing fun, active songs, and learn Bible truths in a variety of creative ways.  Their attention will be captured with music, drama, video and puppets.  Audience participation is a favorite for this age group – so we incorporate it often.  Our Small Group Shepherds follow up on how to apply the Bible truths of the day while building relationships with kids.

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3rd to 5th Grade:

Kids will begin their morning in the Worship Center, and will be dismissed to Room 2, or "The Zone" after worship. Here, children will connect with their Small Groups. Together, they'll engage in the Large Group teaching time, where their hearts and minds will be taken captive by the biblical truths which are presented through drama, video, props, and other creative means.  At this level, Small Groups become a safe place where kids are cared for and challenged in a weekly lesson time to apply and integrate God's Word into their daily lives.

 

 

 

 Volunteer Section:

  

WANT TO LOOK INTO SERVING WITH KIDS?

 

We are always looking for people who love kids and want to serve God and families to come join the fun on UpStreet.  Contact Lisa for more info, or pick up information at the Children's Ministry Bulletin Board. 

 

Current Volunteers:

 

HUDDLES:

Don't forget to join us at the pre-service Huddle Sunday mornings.  The best way to make sure we're ready to serve God is to connect with each other in thought at prayer first!

Meet in the area you are serving.

Times:   8:30 (1st service); 10:15 (2nd service)

 

 

 

 

For more information, contact:

 

Lisa Schmuker

Early Childhood Coordinator

616.847.2540 x 104                  

lschmuker@ghclc.org   

 

Wendy Elzinga                                        

Large Group / Families                

616.847.2540                   

welzina@ghclc.org   

 

Carolyn Schamback                                         

Small Groups / Curriculum                 

616.847.2540 x 104                  

cschamback@ghclc.org