Children

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and don't try to stop them! People who are like these children belong in God's kingdom." (Matthew 19:14; CEV)

We offer a variety of spiritual, educational, social, and recreational opportunities for our children. We strive to nurture a warm, loving, safe, and inclusive environment in which children can grow and develop in their faith and understanding of Jesus Christ.

Sunday School - Provides the primary opportunity for children to learn the stories and lessons from God's Word each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Age-appropriate lessons and activities are provided by loving and caring teachers in a clean and safe environment each Sunday morning.

Bible Skills, Drills, & Thrills is offered each Sunday at 5:00 p.m. (September - May) for all children in grades one through six. We offer a class for children in grades 1-3 and another class for children in grades 4-6. Boys and girls have fun actively learning more about the Bible and memorizing selected verses each week.

Girls in Action - (GA's) - Is offered for all girls in grades 1-6 each Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. GA's provides opportunities to study and learn more about local and foreign missionaries and how we might help these missionaries. GA's also participate in short-term, "hands-on" mission projects, adopt grandparents, and are sensitive to other needs in our church and community. GA's also participate in a spring retreat and have opportunities to attend a week long summer camp.

Royal Ambassadors - (RA's) - Is offered for all boys in grades 1-6 each Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. RA's spend time learning about local and foreign missionaries and the cultures in which our missionaries live. RA's participate in short-term, "hands-on" mission projects such as the CROP Walk and collecting shoes boxes for the Samaritian's Purse ministry. RA's have a pinewood derby car race in the spring and also have opportunities for camping and other activities. Our RA's also participate in a basketball league with other churches in the Raleigh area.

Open Play - Meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. (September through May) in our Family Life Center Multi-Purpose Room and provides recreational opportunities for children to play ball and meet new friends.

Discipleship - Children in grades 1-3 are encouraged to participate in an "Introduction to Worship" class each year. Children learn about the elements and symbols of worship, worship leaders, hymns, and information regarding the church year. First graders are given Bibles each year.

Opportunities for children in grades 4-6 include special lessons dealing with conversion and church membership, "What it means to be a Christian" and "What to do now that I'm a Christian." Children are also introduced to special studies on prayer and what it means to be a Baptist.

Children in grades 3-6 are encouraged to serve as Acolytes during our 10:30 a.m. worship service each week.

Children's Day is typically held in the spring and provides an opportunity for children to plan and lead a morning worship service. This service is always a special day in the life of the church family.

Vacation Bible School - This week long, fun-filled annual event is typically held in late June or mid July. Activities include: appropriate Bible stories, music, crafts, games, snacks, and tons of fun for children!

Summer Camp - Boys and girls in grades 3-6 are invited and encouraged to go to Passport-Kids Camp, which is typically held in late June or July. Passport-Kids Camp goals: provide encounters with Christ and opportunities for faith expression, building self-esteem in every child, nurturing community, exploring the Gospel through mission interaction, and having fun!

Fall Camp - Friends, Inc. is a children's camp for boys and girls in grades 3-6. This weekend camp is typically held in September and provides opportunities for Bible study, worship, games, music, food, fellowship, swimming, canoeing and lots of fun activities.

Fall Carnival - Always held on October 31 at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., the Fall Carnival provides a wonderful opportunity for children to have a great time while creating positive memories regarding their church family and faith. Activities include: food, lots of games, door prizes, candy, pony rides, trunk-or-treating, and more. It's free!!!

Other activities for Children include: "Breakfast in Bethlehem" (Christmas), Winterfest, Easter Party, Wacky Wednesdays (summer months), Skate Parties, and other "fun" activities throughout the year.

A children's resource table is located in both worship services and provides children's bulletins, coloring pages, and activity sheets for children to use during corporate worship services.