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!

KIDS' VBS

June 16-19
6:00-8:30
Completed Kinder-5th Grade

Actions speak louder than words. We’ve all heard this saying, but what if we could inspire our kids to live it out in a way that changes their lives—and the lives of those around them? Don’t miss VBS 2025, where together, we’ll discover how to live it out and prove that actions truly speak louder than words!

Registration opens April 20, 2025.

TRIUMPH SPORTS CAMP

June 23-26
9:00-12:00
Girls & Boys, Ages 5-12

Join us for an action-packed Multi-Sports Camp featuring dodgeball, kickball, soccer, capture the flag, and more! Through interactive games and activities, Triumph provides daily Bible lessons and memory verses in a fun, safe environment where kids can grow in both faith and teamwork.

REGISTER HERE!

BASKETBALL CAMP

June 23-26
1:00-4:00
Girls & Boys, Ages 5-12

Basketball Camp focuses on dribbling, passing, and shooting, giving campers a chance to build skills while having a great time on the court! Triumph also includes daily Bible lessons and memory verses in a fun, safe environment, making it a week of faith and fun!

REGISTER HERE!

DIAMOND DISCIPLES BASEBALL CAMP

July 7-10
9:00-12:00
Boys, Ages 5-12

Baseball Camp offers young male athletes the chance to enhance their skills, build lasting friendships, and experience God working in their hearts and minds through daily devotionals—all while creating great memories through teamwork and play.

REGISTER HERE!

KIDS' SUMMER CAMP

July 22-26
Completed 3rd-5th Grade

Join us for Church Camp at Mt. Lebanon, designed for kids who have completed 3rd-5th grade! With exciting activities like a ropes course, uplifting worship, and age-appropriate messages, every moment is packed with fun and faith-building. Campers will grow spiritually through dynamic worship and teaching while creating unforgettable memories with friends!

REGISTER HERE!

CROSS CHEER CAMP

July 28-31
9:00-12:00, Ages 3-6
1:30-4:30, Ages 7-12

Join Cross Cheer Camp for an exciting week of cheers, chants, stunts, jumps, dance, tumbling, games, crafts, and daily devotionals—all in a Christ-centered atmosphere! Campers will also learn a special Bible verse cheer and create a custom routine for performance day, making memories that last a lifetime.

REGISTRATION opens FEBRUARY 2025!

PROMOTION SUNDAY

AUGUST 3
Preschool, KIDS, and Students

Get ready for Promotion Sunday at church, where kids will "MOO've' Up" to their new grade levels for the 2025-2026 school year! We’ll celebrate the exciting transition and help kids grow in their faith as they move up to the next stage of their journey. Don't miss out on this special day of fun and new beginnings!

CLICK HERE for more information!

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.

Interested in finding out more?

Fill out our interest form, and a ministry leader will contact you.

Interested in Serving

Ready to dive right In?

Fill out our application form, and a ministry leader will contact you.

Adult Application Student Application (6th-12th Grade)