7851 W. 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213 P: 913-491-8022

Children's Ministry

Click here to register for Children's Ministry, 2010-2011

You must use Adobe Reader 9.0 or later to complete the 2010-2011 registration form. To download the latest version, click here.


 


Chidrens Ministry

 

 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”  Matthew 19:14

The congregation of Holy Cross walks with children and families in their faith journeys, following Christ’s example of inclusion of children.  As the world constantly increases its demands on our time and energy, we help families focus on the importance of living in relationship with God.

 

Click the links for information about our ministry programs:

How to Serve
Sunday School
Community Café
COGS – Children of God Support Ministry
TLC Nursery
Faith Stepping Stones
Congregation Protection Policy
Christmas Program
Vacation Bible School
Camping Opportunities
Wednesdays at the Well

 

Have questions or want more information?  Contact Amy Viets, Director of Children’s Ministry, amyviets@holycross-elca.org

HOW TO SERVE

Opportunities for Children

  • Weekly  offering
  • Service projects throughout the year
  • Assist in Worship (link to worship assistant information)
  • Acolytes (5th and 6th graders)
  • Community Ministry service events

Opportunities for Adults
We ask that all parents with children enrolled in Children’s Ministry programs serve in some capacity. Your gifts and your input are important.  We also welcome the gifts and time of those who don’t have children in Holy Cross programs – it takes people of many different ages and stages of life to nurture faith in our children!  Here are some areas in which you can serve:

Preschool Sunday School Teacher/Shepherd
Preschool Sunday School Coordinator
K-6 Sunday School Teacher/ Shepherd
K-6  Sunday School Coordinator
Sunday School curriculum writing
Collect Sunday School attendance/offering 1x monthly
Sunday School Greeter
Supplies—shop, organize
Special Events—Kickoff Day, Christmas Program, Carnival
Sunday School Service Projects
Holy Cross Herald (Sunday School Newsletter)
Mentor a student with special needs
Vacation Bible School
Teacher appreciation events
Wednesdays at the Well (crafts, teachers)
Data Entry/Administrative
Community Café  
Children’s Ministry Team

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School Registration Form

You must use Adobe Reader 9.0 or later to complete the 2010-2011 registration form. To download the latest version, click here.

Click below for the Sunday School schedule through December:
             • K-6 Schedule          • Preschool Schedule

Holy Cross offers Sunday School for children ages three through 6th grade every week at 9:15.  We strongly encourage families to attend both worship and Sunday School.

Guests are always welcome in Sunday School.  Just come downstairs and look for our Sunday School Greeter, who will help you find the right classrooms for your children.

Preschool Sunday School – for children ages three through pre-K
Our preschool classes follow the traditional model.  Children are always in the same room, with the same teachers and shepherds each week.  Class time includes 15 minutes of music and age-appropriate crafts, games, and activities, all designed to help preschoolers begin their life-long relationship with our loving God.

What do we want our children to learn in Preschool Sunday School?
In their earliest years of Christian formation, we want our preschool students to come away with these Big Ideas:

  • God loves me and takes care of me.
  • Jesus is my friend who loves me.
  • The Bible tells me about God.
  • God listens to my prayers

K-4 Sunday School
Classes for kindergarten through 5th grade students begin with shepherd time, in which our shepherds lead the children in prayer, group-building activities, and memory work practice.  Children then attend classes based on the rotational model.  Children receive the same lesson for four weeks in a row, presented in a variety of ways to accommodate a variety of learning styles.  Rotation activities may include Games (Joyful Noise), Foods (Daily Bread Café), Stories (Holyword Storytelling), Art (Creation Station), and Movies (Biblebuster Videos). 

What do we want our children to learn in K-4 Sunday School ?
As they continue on their faith journeys, we want our K-4 students to come away with these Big Ideas:

  • God has a plan for me and you.
  • The Bible tells us God’s story.
  • What does Jesus want me to do?
  • God made me good at ____________ so I can help others.
  • I am loved and forgiven through God’s grace.

5th/6th Grade Sunday School—The Bridge
Fifth and Sixth graders meet at the Bridge (Room 27 in the lower level) at 9:15-10:15 Sunday mornings throughout the school year .  Kids in this class cross the bridge from “going to Sunday School because my parents make me” to taking ownership of their own faith as they move into affirming their baptism.  Fellowship and service opportunities are scheduled throughout the year. For more information, contact Amy Viets,  Amy Viets.

Parnet CafeCOMMUNITY CAFÉ
Parents, you’re invited to enjoy a cup of Fair Trade coffee, a breakfast pastry, and a few minutes with other moms and dads. 

When? Sunday mornings after Sunday School, 10:15-10:45, September - May
Where? Lower level, fellowship hall
Why? Because you deserve some time to relax and have some grown-up conversation! Come when you can!

 

COGs

COGS…CHILDREN OF GOD SUPPORT MINISTRY

Holy Cross COGS Team works to remove the barriers that make it difficult for those with special needs to participate in the church community.  Our team members work with parents and with teachers, shepherds, and guides within Children’s and Student Ministries.  Want to get connected?  Check our brochure. (view COGS brochure).

 

TLC NurseryTLC NURSERY

Holy Cross provides loving nursery care for children ages three and under during all Sunday worship services, for our Wednesday evening events, and for Praxis on Thursday nights.

Our TLC Nursery attendants are trained in the Holy Cross Congregation Protection Policy and in infant/toddler CPR. 

Two paid attendants are on duty whenever the nursery is open.  On Sunday mornings, we also schedule TLC Shepherds to assist the paid attendants.  We ask all parents who use the nursery to serve as shepherds approximately once every other month.

Our Mothers’ Room is located in the west room of the nursery.  This room is a quiet place for mothers to feed and care for infants while they’re at Holy Cross.

FAITH STEPPING STONES

Stepping Stones is our system of faith development for children, youth, and families, calling parents back to the promises of baptism at crucial points in a family’s life.  For more information about Stepping Stones classes and events, contact Amy Viets, Director of Children’s Ministry, 491-8022.

For more information on Children and the Sacraments: Baptism and Communion, click here.

Stepping Stone 1 – Baptism

  • Baptism/Stepping Stone Class led by Pastor Mike and Amy. Next baptism/Stepping Stones class for new parents: October 6
  • Baby Boosters
  • “Splash!” faith formation resources sent monthly to parents of newborns through age three.

Stepping Stone 2 – Entry into Sunday School (age 3)

  • Preschool Preview takes place on Sunday School Kickoff Day each year.
  • Presentation of Preschool Story Bibles takes place during worship in the fall.
  • “Get Ready For Worship” class for young families. Discuss the joys and challenges of having young children in worship and learn tips to make worship meaningful for all. Next class: October 20

Stepping Stone 3 – First Communion (second grade)

  • First Communion classes for children with a parent are held during Lent, with celebration of First Communion at Maundy Thursday worship. Children older than second grade are invited as well. Younger children expressing an interest in receiving communion are also welcome - please contact Pastor Mike. For more information contact Amy Viets.

Stepping Stone 4 – Third Grade Bibles

  • 3rd grade Bible class is held in September or October, with presentation of Bibles in worship the Sunday following the class. Next class: October 13.
  • “Dig into the Bible” Class led by Amy in fall for parents and children
  • Bibles presented during worship the following Sunday

Stepping Stone 5 – Entering Confirmation (seventh grade)

  • Orientation the previous Spring
  • Wednesday Evening Confirmation throughout middle school

Stepping Stone 6 – Rite of Confirmation

  • Held on Reformation Sunday
  • Confirmation retreat in late August

Stepping Stone 7 – Graduation from High School

  • Blessing of Graduates held on graduation weekend in May

CONGREGATION PROTECTION POLICY

In 2005, Holy Cross congregational council approved the Holy Cross Congregation Protection Policy, in the interest of ensuring to the best of our ability the safety of children and their caregivers at Holy Cross.

All Holy Cross youth/child workers, including but not limited to Sunday School teachers and shepherds, TLC attendants, and confirmation guides are required to be trained in this policy, attend an annual review session, and to complete paperwork regarding the policy.

To view the complete document, including all paperwork required for child/youth workers, click here.

We hold Congregation Protection Policy training sessions in late summer and spring.  Those who begin a Student or Children’s Ministry worker position in between these times are required to complete online training when they begin their position, as well as attending the next available group training session at Holy Cross.

Main points of the Holy Cross’ Congregation Protection Policy include the following:
  • Any group of children requiring supervision at Holy Cross must have at least two caregivers in attendance.
  • Activities involving children/youth should be held in places where either the door can be open or the classroom can be viewed through a window.
  • Child/youth workers must complete an application form.
  • Child/youth workers over the age of 18 must submit to a national criminal and sex offender background check.
  • Child/youth workers must have been consistently active at Holy Cross for at least 6 months OR they must be working in a program that directly involves their child(ren), be trained in the policy, and be working with someone who has been active at Holy Cross for at least 6 months.
  • Child/youth workers must attend an annual CPP training/review session.

Not only is this policy important to the safety of our children and their caregivers, but we believe it is an important component of helping families feel welcome and comfortable at Holy Cross because they can know that we’ve done all we can to provide for their children’s safety.

To complete your individual, online training session, please click here and follow the outlined directions.

Christmas ProgramCHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Holy Cross’ annual Christmas program is a wonderful way to keep Christ at the center of our Advent season.  Join us as our children share the story of Christ’s birth!

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

 

Join us in June for a week of singing, playing, and learning and growing with God. Date and theme for 2011 TBA.

 

CampingCAMPING OPPORTUNITIES

Nebraska Outdoor Lutheran Ministries in Ashland, Nebraska and Camp Tomah Shinga near Junction City, Kansas provide many opportunities for Christian growth and education through great camping experiences for children and families.  For more information, check out NLOM at www.nlom.org or Tomah Shinga at www.tomahshinga.com.