CHILDREN

+VISION STATEMENT: Serving children from birth thru 5th grade

We exist to assist parents in helping children find "Ultimate Pleasure in God's Greatness!" We therefore seek to provide an exciting Biblically-based exploration of the God who made us and who loves us and who calls us to treat others the way He wants us too! We believe this process will result in "Godly Offspring" (Malachi 2:15).

We take the following verse to heart, and thus, seek to equip parents to fulfill their roles well as the main disciplers of their children.  God's people were given the greatest commandment and commanded to pass it on to their children in what the Jewish people refer to as the 'schma': "Hear, O Isreal, The Lord our God, the Lord is one!  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in  your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

[Deuteronomy 6:4-7]

+CURRICULUM

 We utilize the 'orange' concept and curriculum developed by rethink group.  They provide us with an adaptable curriculum and overall strategy for each age group.  The orange philosophy centers on the belief that two groups working together will provide the best effective team for teaching and training our children; the 'red', or parents, working together with the 'yellow', or church, to fulfill our call to raise our children in "the way they should go".  All curriculum is online and available to our volunteers 24/7 which enables them to prepare to serve at their convenience during the week.

The young children are utilizing what is called, First Look.  They are encouraged to discovered 3 basic truths that are repeatedly presented through various Bible Stories:  God Made Me, God Loves Me, and God Wants to be my Friend Forever. Our older children are going through 252 Basics based on Luke 2:52, which says,"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, 
and in favor with God and man."

 Here is the promo video of our curriculum for Toddlers - Pre-School called First Look:

Take a look for example of this video introducing the vision from our K-5th curriculum called 252 Basics...



+CHILDREN'S MINISTRY SERVANT LEADERSHIP TEAM:

OVERSEEING PASTOR
Pastor James, Family Ministries Pastor, works in partnership with Calvary SLO Elders and our Children's Ministry Coordinator (CMC) to choose and implement Biblical Curricula, as well as to intercede in prayer for the families involved.  He encourages team health and continuously evaluates effectiveness of the Children's Ministry.  Also, he ensures that overall vision for the ministry is being executed, meets weekly with the CMC to provide class curricula and practical support for Class Coordinators.  If you have any suggestions for the ministry overall, feel free to contact him anytime!

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR (CMC)
The CMC, Jocelyn Brennan, is a partner with the Overseeing Pastor in serving and equipping the Children's Ministry Volunteer Coordinators, Teachers, Parents and Helpers.  She makes sure all classrooms what they need to prosper, pours into our Classroom Coordinators and volunteers, as well as equips volunteers with trainings and information.  If you have any questions about the Children's Ministry, Jocelyn has the information and would love to answer any questions about the ministry.

CLASSROOM COORDINATORS (CC's)
Each classroom is coordinated by Classroom Coordinators.   The main function of this servant position is to work with the classroom teachers, parents, and helpers.  They ensure that the curriculum is being administered well, and that the volunteers are cared for.  A married couple or partnership of two couples serving cooperatively is a perfect fit for this ministry role.  The commitment is one (1) year, from September to September.  This ensures that the ministry flows smoothly and avoids difficult seasons where volunteers are a premium (e.g. summer and holidays), and they work hard to make sure all classroom schedules and needs are filled.  If you have a specific question about your child's experience on Sundays, these coordinators would love to speak with you!   They are in many ways, the backbone of the whole ministry who have hearts for the children and families in their class. If you are interested in this administration role within Children's Ministry, please contact our Ministry Coordinator, Jocelyn Brennan.

TEACHERS
These parents or other volunteers are given the curriculum in advance so that they can familiarize themselves with the lesson and related activities, prior to teaching the children.  These volunteers are scheduled on a rotating basis by the CC's, and they feed the children the Word of God. What a privilege to have this calling from the Lord!

Each teacher will have a minimum amount of experience in the classroom, having completed all necessary training provided by the CMA and Elder prior to filling this role.  All teachers will have signed and completed a sheet of agreement on the Church's doctrinal essentials, thereby committing to further their leaders' charge to serve faithfully as a teacher of the Word of God.  We know that as we seek to teach, the Lord blesses us more than those whom we teach.

All teachers and helpers are expected to be growing in their love for the Lord, partly demonstrated by their presence in Sunday services.  All classroom volunteers are expected to attend first service so that they themselves can be taught in the ‘admonition of the Lord' as well.  We realize that parents may have to work together to ensure that this happens when they are scheduled for helping in the classroom in some capacity, however this effort is worth the blessing of not missing out on the time of corporate worship!

[Note to Fathers! We would love to have more men teaching the K-5th classrooms so our sons & daughters can see the leaders of the homes being leaders in their church]

CLASSROOM HELPERS
This role is a vital part of every classroom.  The helpers assist the teachers in maintaining an environment conducive for the instruction in the Lord, and they must be prepared to have fun with the children as well!  They assist with children that may need individual attention as they may have an extra amount of energy that day, or may be especially shy or timid in a new environment.  Children that are distracted or are distracting other children may need re-direction as well, and the Classroom Helpers are there to provide assistance in this area.  Training is provided in being an effective Classroom Helper.  Parents are great in these roles as they are used to working with their own children, as some volunteers may be more timid with a lack of experience and not be as clear or confident in addressing a child's needs.

WORSHIP SERVANTS
These servants assist in providing the children with an environment conducive for worshipping God.  This can be in a musical environment, or simply assisting children in developing their prayer life.  Each week time is set aside for two groups of children to worship separately, one group for the younger children where more basic melodies and prayers are offered to the Lord, and the other group of older children where our own worship choruses are introduced and owned by the children.  It is such a blessing to observe these little ones worship Jesus!  What an honor to lead them to their God in devotion...

Currently, we have several worship leaders who serve the children in this capacity.  We therefore are able to rotate in this schedule as well, so this may be a perfect place for a couple with gifts in this area to serve.

There's a look at the different roles within the Calvary SLO Children's Ministry.  Pray how Jesus could use you to serve the least of these for His glory!!!

+PARENT RESOURCES
252basics.com
rethinkgroup.org

[All curriculum is chosen by the Elders, and distributed by CMC and overseeing Pastor]