Kids at First Melissa

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"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!

Kati Jones

Kids' Ministry Director

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT

We are hosting Parents' Night Out where you can drop your kids off at the church and take the opportunity to catch a movie, do some shopping, or take care of things around the house! Children ages birth through fifth grade are welcome. Parents' Night Out drop off begins at 5:30 pm and pick up is at 9:30 pm. The cost is $15 per child. Your children will enjoy games, crafts, recreation, and much more. A meal is provided.

JUNE PNO REGISTRATION

KIDS SUMMER CAMP

Join us at Mt. Lebanon KIDS camp June 12 -16! This camp is for completed grades 3-5. Each day is packed with exciting Bible lessons, games and activities that fosters strong friendships, energetic worship and connection with God.

KIDS CAMP REGISTRATION

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Ready, Set, Move! VBS helps kids Follow Jesus Here, There, & Everywhere. We are excited about hosting a hands-on, memorable week that will allow kids to grow their faith as they understand how they can follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere..

VBS is June 26-29 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm for children 4 Year Old – Fifth Grade (Registration is age by June 26 or grade completed in the 2022-2023 school year).

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT

JULY PNO REGISTRATION

PINE COVE CITY

Pine Cove is loading up all the fun activities and great staff of summer camp and bringing it right to First Melissa! Campers will experience Jesus through Bible study, worship, and time with their counselor as well as participate in tons of great camp activities! Your upcoming 1st-6th grade camper is sure to have a blast dancing, cheering, and jumping each and every day, Monday through Friday, July 10-14!

CHEER & BASEBALL CAMP

Cross Cheer's cheerleading camp provides a chance for girls to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading in a fun, Christ-centered atmosphere! Camp activities include cheers, chants, stunts, jumps, dance and tumbling and a special Bible verse cheer.

First Melissa KIDS will be hosting a baseball camp this summer for boys through Diamond Kings Baseball. This program is designed to develop the skill set needed for today's young player. Skills taught include hitting, fielding, throwing and base running. The goal of the camp is to provide an opportunity for God to work in the hearts and minds of young male athletes.

Camp dates are July 17 – 20 from 9am – 12pm for kids ages 5-12 years old. Register today!

CHEER CAMP REGISTRATION

BASEBALL CAMP REGISTRATION

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.