Kids at First Melissa

KIDS at First Melissa

"Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' "

In Matthew 19:13-14, Jesus himself demonstrated how important kids are. We believe every age is the right age to start learning to love Jesus. That's why our children's ministries help introduce kids to Jesus and the Bible through age-appropriate curriculum, stories, scriptures, and activities that help them learn who God is and what it means to have Him in our lives and hearts.

First Melissa Kids is where kids learn about God's love for them in a safe, exciting, and encouraging environment. An amazing team of volunteer leaders teach, challenge, and encourage children (kindergarten through grade 5) each week, using age-appropriate lessons from the Bible, applicable activities, and games that are more than just fun. We hope to see your kids every weekend as together we raise the next generation to know and serve Jesus and others.

Guest Information

First Melissa is open for in-person small groups and worship at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 am for children in kindergarten through 5^th grade! For maps, parking protocols and other great information, visit our PLAN YOUR VISIT page. If you are a first time guest, you can CLICK HERE to register your children before your arrival. When you arrive, check in all your children at one of our manned check-in stations located in both Building A and in Building B. We look forward to meeting you and will have volunteers waiting to assist you!

TAKE 5

Serve five Sundays in 2023 with FM KIDS or FM PRESCHOOL! Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Background checks and child safety training are required for all volunteers in these ministries. Please be expecting an email after you sign-up to consent to your background check. We are excited to serve with you!

TAKE 5

Resources

Conversations about Jesus

We encourage young families to live out your faith daily; leading your children by example is the first step to introducing them to Jesus. Moms and dads can teach their children to understand their sin and need for a Savior. Share stories from the Bible at every opportunity! Teach them that God loves them and is always there for them! As we do this, we are laying the foundation for them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

Studies show that if a person is presented with the Gospel message before the age of 14 they are 80 percent more likely to trust Jesus as Savior. At First Melissa, we are excited to walk alongside families and teach children about the Lord. At very young ages, children are like sponges soaking up the love of Jesus and spiritual truths. Their innocence and humility open the door to the Holy Spirit. God can make His truths about Jesus comprehensible to all irrespective of age.

For children to put their faith in Jesus, they should be able to communicate a basic understanding of the following:

Their sin and need for a Savior
Affirmation of Jesus’ death and resurrection
Confession of sin and God’s forgiveness

Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic portrayal of us burying our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ. Just as little children can come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, they can also understand baptism. What would a child understand from reading the story of the baptism of Jesus? Luke 3:22 tells us that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him “in bodily form like a dove,” and a voice came from heaven saying, “This is my Son with whom I am well pleased.” A child can understand from this story that God was pleased with the baptism of Jesus and make the decision that they want to do the same.

We explain to children that baptism is an opportunity to express to others the faith they have placed in Jesus and that it is a symbol of that faith but not a requirement for salvation.

Just as each child as unique, each time a person comes to faith in Jesus is unique. If a child can communicate the simple truths about salvation and baptism, then we praise God for His work in their young lives. First Melissa does not set a pre-determined age to which a child can be baptized because we do not presume to tell God at what age He can begin His work in the hearts of his children.

Baptism Interest Form

Serve

There are so many ways you can use your giftedness to make a difference in our church! From helping guests find their way on our campus to sharing about Jesus with our littlest worshipers, to discipling kids and students, serving others through prayer and support ministries – even behind the scenes on our production team – you are valued and needed in the body of Christ.