“I will teach all of your children. And they will enjoy great peace.” ~Isaiah 54:13 NIrV

The purpose of the children’s ministry program of First Baptist Church is to bring children into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  We desire to demonstrate authentic faith that reflects Jesus to every child we encounter and through the process watch them grow and develop spiritually.  We seek to accomplish this goal by providing solid Biblical and relational teaching and programming that is consistent and appropriate for each stage of a child’s development.

The FBC Children’s Department provides opportunities for infants through sixth grade.  We offer Sunday School and Nursery at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings, and Church Time and Nursery for infants through preschool during the worship hour.  Children age 4 through grade 6 participate in the congregational worship until being dismissed before the sermon to Church Time or Jubilation Choir & Worship.

Other programming for children and young families includes an AWANA program and nursery on Wednesday evenings throughout the school year, summer camps and winter retreats at Camp Lebanon, and Vacation Bible School the first week of August.  Children also enjoy participating in the Palm Parade, the All-Church Retreat at Camp Lebanon, family day at the Bunker Beach Water Park, and the AquaFest Carnival.

AWANA

AWANA is an international, non-denominational, Bible-centered youth program for children age 3 through grade 6.  The acronym AWANA comes from 1 Timothy 2:15 which says, “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.”  Join us Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm September through May for Bible lessons, small groups, game time, and events!  To learn more about AWANA, visit AWANA Clubs International website.

Sunday School

At First Baptist Church we have Sunday School for all ages throughout the year.  Children are invited to join us from 9:30 am to 10:30 am for Sunday School using the Gospel Light curriculum, which challenges children through creative learning activities, exploration of Bible stories and verses, games, art, and storytelling based on a strong foundation of Biblical truths. Check at the registration desk outside Room 108 to find your classroom.

Church Time

Church Time is provided for children under the age of 4 during the entire worship service and for children age 4 through grade 6 before the sermon.  Church Time for preschoolers and kindergartners builds on the teachings and truths taught during the Sunday School hour.  Elementary children participate in Jubilation Choir & Worship where they practice  for  the Sunday service and enjoy a time of teaching and storytelling the last Sunday of each month.

Jubilation Choir

Children in elementary school are invited to participate in children’s choir and worship.  The choir practices during the last half of the worship service each Sunday.  They sing during Sunday worship the third Sunday of each month and present a musical during the Christmas season.

Vacation Bible School

VBS takes place the first week of August for children ages 4 to 12.  Each year FBC is transformed into a magical new place.  Past adventures have taken us to the county fair, on an African safari, and to the Olympic Games in Athens.  Children enjoy stories, music, crafts, and games during the morning and then head to the beach for the afternoon.  VBS is always a great time for everyone and it’s free!  We’ll see you in August.

Camp Lebanon

Camp Lebanon is located in Upsala, Minnesota on the beautiful, spring-fed Clear Lake.  Camp Lebanon programs approximately fifty events for youth, families, and adults throughout the year, offering something for just about everyone.  As a place that desires to provide the church with “a meeting place with God,” Camp Lebanon is dedicated to relationships and serving with the love of Jesus.  Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing, volleyball, carpetball, campfires, hiking, singing, and more.  To learn more about camp visit, www.camplebanon.org.

For more information about our children’s ministry,  please contact the church office at 612.332.3651 ext. 19 or sking@fbcminneapolis.org.