ELEMENTARY MINISTRY
Elementary children are ready to dive in and learn more about how and why our faith matters. Discovering the “how” and “why” in concrete ways is imperative in order for them to truly make their faith their own. What children discover about God and Christianity at this time forms the foundation of a lasting relationship with Jesus. Did you know that most kids have fully formed their ideas about who God is and have decided whether or not they will have a relationship with Him by the time they leave 5th grade? Our passion is helping kids discover how truly undeniable God is in a world that tries so hard to convince them otherwise. Here are just a few of the ways we work towards that discovery: First Grade Bibles Putting the Word of God into the hands of children matters. When children are able to read God's Word for themselves and learn how to use a Bible from a young age, they are able to see God's promises, truths, and get to know who He is for themselves. Bibles are presented to 1st graders at Charity every fall. Monthly Themes and Life Apps Each month we focus on a different Life Application (or Godly character quality) that is incorporated into a kid-friendly, engaging theme. Every Life App is supported by weekly Bible stories and a monthly memory verse. Vacation Bible School VBS is held at Charity every summer during early June. VBS is 3 evenings of high energy worship, learning, and games, followed by a fourth evening of family fun. Jingle Jam & Easter Jam These annual family events are designed to engage parents in what their children are already learning at church. Everyone is invited to join us for larger than life fun, games, and family time! Visit us to learn more about these, and other opportunities for elementary aged students! CHECK-IN: All children in 5th grade or younger must check in at the self check-in kiosks located near the entrance to the children's wing. Children MUST wear their name tags until programming has ended. Elementary students gather in the large group area just inside the entry called the Gazebo. Each child is assigned a colored tribe and should join their tribe on the coordinating circle rug. Students in 4th and 5th grade will be released from the Gazebo as soon as service ends. Please make arrangements with them ahead of time so they know where to meet you. Students in Kindergarten - 3rd grade will be dismissed by a leader as parents arrive to pick them up downstairs. For the safety of all children and volunteers, the doors to the children's wing are locked once the service begins. The main doors will be opened at the end of service. If you need to enter the children’s area while the doors are locked, please use the doorbell on the right side of the main doors. This is the only accessible door during programming. The north and south entrances remain locked at all times. Forms Baptism Request Form Transportation & Medical Waiver 2021-2022 Charity Family Registration Have you already filled out the annual family registration form and added a new family member through birth, adoption, or foster care? Register them here: New Family Member Registration Form |
WHAT IS ORANGE? Orange is simple. It’s a strategy. Orange combines the influences of the church (yellow) and the home (red) to have a significantly greater impact on a child’s future. We want to partner with you to help your child develop a lasting relationship with Jesus! Looking for online Sunday School lessons? Click here!
If you asked 10-year old me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I probably would have said, "organize Vacation Bible School!" (Not that I thought it was a "real job", but it would have been my top choice if I had considered it one.) Through a crazy set of circumstances that can only have been set in motion by God, I now find myself blessed to be doing just that - and more - for the children at Charity. It's been nothing short of amazing to see how God has worked circumstances in my life to bring this calling He placed on my heart so many years ago into fruition.
I grew up in a Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod in Dayton, OH. I was fortunate to experience an incredible youth program that set our hearts on fire for Jesus. The time spent with that group continues to encourage my belief that one of the best ways to connect people to God is to get them connected to a church their kids want to go to. Now that I have kids of my own, I appreciate the difference a willing child makes even more! My husband, Chad and I live in Bismarck with our children, Luke, Sophie, Caroline, Harrison, and Ellery. With kids spanning all the way from the baby stage to high school age, we are always on the go. I would love to get together with you and learn more about your family. Please contact me to arrange a coffee or play date or to learn more about elementary ministry at Charity! Maggie Portra Elementary Director 701-955-5574 maggie.portra@charitylutheran.org |