Children’s Ministries at MPC -

It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process, but God, who makes things grow.

1 Corinthians 3:6 The Message

Children’s Ministries at MPC is all about kids and families growing in the Lord!  Our purpose is to stand alongside families to equip, train and support them in raising their children to grow -- knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Our programs for children (from birth through 5^th grade) are designed to nurture them with God’s love and teach them Biblical truths and lessons, challenging them as they grow, to apply them to their daily lives.  In addition, through a variety of workshops throughout the year, families are offered unique opportunities to share the joy of learning about God and celebrating Him together.

Growing as we worship God -

Worshiping God together is a family affair!  Our Children’s Ministries at MPC partners with families in helping children of all ages appreciate and understand why and how we worship God.  Children are encouraged to discover the sights and sounds of worship alongside their parents—and to make them feel especially welcome, creative & fun children’s bulletins help highlight worship themes specific to that morning and an interactive children’s sermon time tailors the morning message to their young hearts and minds.  Children are then invited to expand their learning and participation in worship by dismissing to Wee Celebrate (for 3 year olds through Kindergarten), or Celebration for 1^st & 2^nd graders, or Music Celebration for 1^st-5^th graders (offered on alternating Sundays).

Childrens Ministries and Programs -

Moorpark Presbyterian has a very active portfolio of activities for children of all ages including:

• Nursery care (infant - 3 years)
• Sunday School (3 years - 6th grade)
• Tuesday Nights Together (1st - 5th grade)
• Vacation Bible School (K - 5th grade)
• Christian training for families
• Parent-Child communion classes

These programs are described in the following paragraphs:

Nursery Care -

Loving and safe nursery care is available throughout Sunday mornings in Rooms 1 & 2 for toddlers and infants under 3 years. Cathy and Ashley, our staff caregivers, as well as our team of trained youth and adult volunteers look forward to making your child’s play and discover time fun-filled and tear-free.  If your little one is happier being held by you during worship, our Cry Room is always available – just look to the right as you enter for worship.

Sunday School/Growing as we learn God’s Word -

Club 56 is our specially-tailored class for 5^th and 6^th graders -- where Bible learning is applied to their rapidly-changing lives.  All classes follow a Bible verse continuum that encourages lasting learning. Children are also invited to grow in caring for others through supporting a number of mission opportunities both here in Moorpark and throughout the world.

TNT/Mid-week Growing for Kids—

We call it T.N.T (Tuesday Nights Together)

T.N.T. is our special evening of small group Bible study with big group fun for all 1^st -5^th grade boys and girls on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.  Fall (Oct-Nov) and winter (Feb-Mar) sessions run for 8 – 10 weeks and cover both Old and New Testament themes such as The Fruit of the Spirit, Old Testament Heroes and The Armor of God, to name just a few.  T.N.T. is a terrific way for kids to grow friendships, deepen their faith and have a ton of fun ---all at the same time! 

Registration for each session is $20, with an additional charge for the optional, kid-friendly dinner.  New friends are always welcome!  Check this week’s newsletter or talk to Laurie Loring for more information on this popular ministry.

Vacation Bible School -

So how do you spell ‘VBS’?  We spell it M-A-R-K-E-T-P-L-A-C-E!

An annual highlight at MPC is our MARKETPLACE Vacation Bible School which happens the second week of July from 9 am – 12 noon for children entering Kindergarten – 5^th grade that coming fall.

MARKETPLACE is a unique Bible-times adventure where the church grounds are transformed into an ancient marketplace-- where shops such as brick-maker, weaver, jeweler or potter are open to give children a hands-on appreciation of those times and a deeper understanding of Bible truths.  Characters such as storytellers, Roman soldiers and tax-collectors bring Old and New Testament lessons to life.  Staff and child registration begins in May. 

Click here for Images from VBS 2007...

For more information, check the weekly newsletter (PDF) or talk to Laurie Loring at the church office.  Shalom!

Download the Vacation Bible School Application form:

Download the VBS flyer here:

Christian Training for Families -

For both the Advent and Lenten seasons, moms, dads, and kids share and learn together in creative and fun workshops designed to prepare hearts and minds (of all sizes!) for these very special celebrations.  Hands-on crafts and activities help bring a renewed excitement to home devotions and provide ways for parents to enrich both Christmas and Easter with the richness of God’s Word.  Workshops are held during the Sunday School hour on the first Sunday of Advent and on Palm Sunday.  A nominal charge is asked to cover the cost of materials.

Parent-Child Communion Class -

A wonderful opportunity for 3^rd-5^th graders and their parents to learn together about the Lord’s Supper happens every year in February.  Pastor Janet Loughry and Laurie Loring lead this interactive, Saturday morning class – where participants are welcome to ask questions as they discover together what Communion is all about and why it is so important to believers. The training time concludes with unique, hands-on activities that serve to remind both parents & kids of this special morning.