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-5th grade) are designed to nurture them with God’s love and teach them Biblical truths and lessons, challenging kids as they grow to apply God’s Word to their daily lives. In addition, through a variety of workshops, families are offered meaningful ways to enrich their traditions and celebrate milestones.
Growing throughout the year: Children’s Ministry programs (overview) -
Moorpark Presbyterian has a very active portfolio of activities for children of all ages including:
These programs are described in the following paragraphs:
Nursery Care -
Loving and safe nursery care is available throughout Sunday mornings in Rooms 1 and 2 for toddlers and infants under 3 years. Little ones are welcome to join the nursery anytime of the morning. Jan Roberston, our Nursery Coordinator, as well as her team of trained adult and youth caregivers, 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.
Growing as we worship God on Sunday Mornings -
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. To make kids feel especially welcome, creative and fun children’s worship bulletins help highlight worship themes specific to that morning, and an interactive children’s sermon tailors the pastor’s message to their young hearts and minds. Children are then invited to expand their learning and participation in worship by leaving for Wee Celebrate (for 3yrs. – Kindergarten), Celebration Circle (1st-3rd graders) and Praise & Celebrate (1st – 5th graders).
Sunday School/Growing as we learn God’s Word -
Children 3 years - 5th grade are welcome to join in the fun and age-appropriate learning happening in one of our terrific Sunday School classes from 9:35-10:30 each Sunday morning throughout the school year. Here, kids are taught foundational Bible lessons and truths-as well as given hands-on ways to apply them. Teams of wonderful teachers really get to know your child throughout the year and encourage their spiritual growth.
Club 55 is our specially-tailored class for 5th graders-where Bible learning is applied to their rapidly changing lives. All Sunday School classes follow a Bible verse continuum that fosters lasting learning. Children are also invited to grow in caring for others by supporting and number of mission opportunities both here in Moorpark and throughout the world.
T.N.T. is our special evening of small group Bible study with big group fun for all 1st -5th 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 - Marketplace
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 for one amazing week in mid-July from 9 am – 12 noon for children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade that coming fall.
MARKETPLACE is a unique Bible-times adventure where our church grounds are transformed into a first century marketplace. Shops such as Brick-maker, Jeweler, and Potter are open to give children a hands-on appreciation and richer understanding of Bible truths and lessons. Authentic storytellers make Bible stories come alive and terrific music plants Scripture into hearts and minds. Staff and child registration begins in May.
For more information, check the weekly newsletter or talk to Laurie Loring at the church office.
Moms, Dads and kids share and learn together in creative and fun workshops designed to prepare hearts and minds (of all ages!) for Christmas and Easter, enriching family traditions. Hands-on crafts and activities help bring renewed excitement to home devotions and provide ways for parents to teach their children foundational truths of the Christian faith. Workshops are held during the Sunday School hour on the 1st Sunday of Advent and on Palm Sunday. A nominal charge is asked to cover the cost of materials.
A wonderful way to celebrate and recognize a spiritual milestone within a child’s heart! Every year, 3rd-5th graders, whose parents see a spiritual readiness for taking Communion in their child, are invited to learn with their parents more about the Lord’s Supper and what it is all about. Pastor Janet Loughry and Laurie Loring, DCM, lead this interactive, Saturday morning class—where participants are welcome to ask questions and discover this sacrament’s importance to the Christian faith. The workshop concludes with unique, hands-on activities that reinforce what was learned in a way that both parent and child will find meaningful and fun.
Trunk-or-Treat -
Are you longing to share in the neighborhood fun of trick or treating the way you remember it as a child? You’ll find this and more at MPC’s ever-popular Trunk or Treat event that happens in our church parking lot a weekend evening before Halloween. It’s a community event where kids 12 and under are invited to come as “treaters” in their favorite costumes (accompanied by adults, of course!) and visit a variety of creatively, decorated “trunks” that offer simple to elaborate games, treats or craft activities. Adults and older youth “gHost” by turning their car trunks, truck beds or vans into fun spots for the many costumed kids to visit. Prizes are awarded for best trunks and costumes.
