Our Sunday children’s ministry has age specific areas in which each child is secure physically and is loved and cared for by approved and responsible adults and youth support staff. At Higher Ground, each child is valued and taught the Word of God in age appropriate ways that let our children learn and have fun during their time in Harvest’s Children’s Ministry.
Sleepers and Crawlers (0-walking) – we have a comfortable ministry room where infants are lovingly cared for by workers. Private areas are available for nursing mothers in the Sleepers room.
Walkers (walking-2 1/2) – songs, activities and personal attention are important to these loved ones busy building their language skills.
Leapers ( 2 1/2 - 3 1/2) – active pre-schoolers are eager to learn about relationships with others and their importance to God. A shortened Bible story is shared as well as crafts and age appropriate activities.
Hikers ( 4 year olds ) - junior kindergarten children learn about God through crafts, stories and games. Children at this age start to join the group time in live worship.
Explorers ( 5 year olds ) - senior kindergarten children enjoy worship time with a live band and learn about God through crafts, stories and games.
Grades 1&2 – these school age children enjoy a time of worship with a live band and then have a time of teaching and learning.
Grade 3 - group worship with a live band starts out the morning that includes a time of teaching. Principles are reemphasized through games and activities.
Grades 3-5 – these school age children enjoy a time of worship with a live band and then have their own time of teaching and learning.
“In essence,” the researcher noted, “what you believe by the time you are 13 is what you will die believing. Of course, there are many individuals who go through life-changing experiences in which their beliefs are altered, or instances in which a concentrated body of religious teaching changes one or more core beliefs. However, most people’s minds are made up and they believe they know what they need to know spiritually by age 13. Their focus in absorbing religious teaching after that age is to gain reassurance and confirmation of their existing beliefs rather than to glean new insights that will redefine their foundations.”
WOW! That sheds some light on why we believe Children's Ministry is not a babysitting service but rather a real, vital, life-transforming ministry!
We also recognize that God has given you the parents the primary job of raising your kids to love the Lord their God with all their hearts, souls and minds. At Harvest London we have a large group of dedicated volunteers who take very seriously the privilege of coming along side of you in the monumental task of raising godly children. We love the privilege of caring for, mentoring, teaching and enjoying your children. Each week significant effort is invested in the lives of these young children. We always hear of how much 'fun' they had during their church experience but more importantly to us as parents we know they were also worshipping God and hearing His word taught in an age appropriate manner. Our Children's Ministry includes infants right up to those in grade five. All of these children attend their class for the entire service. Please register your child prior to 9:00 A.M. or 11:00 A.M. as this will allow them to get the full experience of their class. Workers undergo a detailed application process that includes a police check. Teachers are involved in training sessions twice a year in ensure top quality care. If a child comes to us with extra needs beyond the regular classroom, we have one-to-one caregivers. These people give support in the classroom to the child and the teachers. We have a security system in place to protect and care for your children as well as a mean to notify you during the service if you are needed in your child's class. We also have first-aid people on notice, an abuse policy in place and overall care and control of all areas where children are present seeking to honour and care for your family so they can enjoy their time and you can relax and concentrate in a distraction free service.