MINISTRY VISION
PREPARING KIDS TO FOLLOW JESUS IN A WAY THAT CHILDREN LOVE AND PARENTS TRUST.
In our Sunday School classrooms, children from birth — 6th grade engage in a curriculum and environment where the building blocks of a strong foundation to follow Christ are developed. In our class time we chronologically teach the Bible through discussions and activities, focusing on the Gospel message taught in The Gospel Project curriculum. The gospel is the good news – the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. We use these key concepts to share the gospel with our kids.
God Rules: God is in charge of everything (Revelation 4:11)
We Sinned: Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23)
God Provided: God sent his son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserve (John 3:16)
Jesus Gives: Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to life. Because Jesus gave His for us, we can be with God forever. This is the best gift ever! (2 Corinthians 5:21)
We Respond: Everyone has a choice to make. You can turn from self and sin and turn to Jesus. (Romans 10:9-10)
We Receive: When we decide to follow Jesus we receive the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us. (John 14:15-17)*
*added by Sycamore Hill Church to emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit through salvation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
9:00 AM - CLASSES FOR 6 WEEKS THROUGH 4TH GRADE
Babies through Kindergarten may join their classrooms beginning at 9:00 am. If you would like your child(ren) to attend worship time, please drop them off at their classrooms when our 1st-4th graders are dismissed to Kid’s Church*.
1st through 4th graders attend the worship time in church and are then dismissed for Kid’s Church, a time of Bible learning in large and small group settings.
Our 5th and 6th grade students attend the 9:00 am worship service with their families, and are invited to join us for Sunday School during the 10:30 am service.
10:30 AM - CLASSES FOR 6 WEEKS THROUGH 6TH GRADE
Babies through 2-year-olds may join their class at 10:30 am.
3-year-olds through 6th graders are encouraged to attend Sunday School. Each week, with the use of The Gospel Project, Bible stories come to life through engaging lessons, music, activities and more.
We give our 5th and 6th graders the opportunity to dig deeper through large group discussions about the Bible and what it means to follow Jesus. Using The Gospel Project curriculum, our students are encouraged to live out their faith in their schools, on their sports teams, and during their daily activities.
*Kid’s Church is not provided during the summer as it gives children an opportunity to sit in church with their parents.
If you have questions about our classes for babies-Kindergarten, please email Megan Wilkinson, our Preschool Coordinator.
If you have questions about our classes for 1st-6th grade, please email Christie Whalen, our Children's Ministry Director.
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
WHAT CURRICULUM DO YOU USE?
Children in Nursery through 2-year-olds explore bible stories, devotionals, and worship songs during both the 1st and 2nd services.
During the 1st service, our 3-year-olds through kindergarteners use the Gospel Project Worship Hour, where the children learn through worship and Bible Stories. Our 1st through 4th graders use the "What's in the Bible" curriculum.
During our 2nd service, Sunday School is provided for our children ages 3 years through 6th grade using the Gospel Project curriculum.
If you have any questions about the curriculum, please reach out to Megan or Christie.
HOW DO I CHECK MY CHILD(REN) INTO THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY?
In order to better serve our church community and keep families safe, Sycamore Hill Church utilizes an electronic check-in system for children nursery-6th grade.
Families check in their children at the Check-In Stations in the Lobby. First-time visitor? Have questions? Helpers are stationed nearby to answer questions and help you navigate Sunday morning for you and your kids!
Parents check in too! Parents must check in to let us know where you will be that morning (ex. 9:00 service, Sunday school classroom, serving downstairs, etc.). Knowing a parent’s location in the building is very important. This is most often used when a child is having a hard time settling, and we cannot reach you over text, but it’s especially important in the event of an emergency.
Every child (up through 6th grade) must be checked-in at a kiosk before going to their classroom.
Every child (up through 6th grade) is issued a name tag sticker. Each child must wear their name tag to class. For safety reasons, they will not be allowed in their classroom without one!*
*Our 5th and 6th grade students may choose to wear their name tags or place them on a board as they enter their classroom.
Every family is issued a Security ID Tag. Please put it somewhere safe! When it is time to pick up your child(ren), you must show the Security ID Tag to each of your child(ren)’s teacher(s). They will compare the code to your child’s name tag and verify that you are authorized to pick up that child. Children will NOT be released to ANY parent or guardian who does not show the Security ID Tag! Once you have picked up every child, you may dispose of the Security ID Tag.
Thank you for partnering with us to make the Children's Ministry both safe and welcoming for every child!
For step-by-step instructions for our check-in process, please visit the link below.
DO YOU HAVE A WAY TO ACCOMMODATE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
All kids along the spectrum of development and special needs are welcome at Sycamore Hill Church. We believe every individual is precious to God and made for a purpose. We strive to meet the needs of every child, regardless of the different ways that they learn. Accommodations might be limited, so please reach out to Megan if your child is age nursery-Kindergarten and Christie if your child is in 1st-6th grade. Your child is wanted here and we want to work with your family as best as we can!
WHAT SNACKS ARE PROVIDED?
Our preschool classrooms are nut-free, providing goldfish and water for 2-year-olds through Kindergarten. In the nursery and 1-year-old room, Cheerios and puffs are offered. Please feel free to bring in a nut-free alternative for your child if needed.
Our 1st-6th graders also receive a snack. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to Christie Whalen.
WHAT IS THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ILLNESS POLICY?
While we know that we cannot eliminate all possibility of illness, we consistently try to maintain a safe environment for our children and volunteers.
We strive to keep our rooms clean and sanitary by keeping toys disinfected. In order to maintain this safe, healthy environment for our children, and to prevent the spread of illness, a child who has displayed the following symptoms within the last 24 hours should not be placed in a children’s room:
fever of 100 or greater within 24 hours
diarrhea or vomiting with 24 hours
sore throat
persistent cough
contagious rash
runny nose that is persistent and/or opaque in color
infectious illness/disease
any other contagious condition
SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
VBS is a FREE week of Gospel-Centered fun and activities, which is held at our Hockessin campus for kids who have completed Kindergarten through completed 6th graders. VBS events include our Kick-Off, VBS week, and Family Night. It’s a summer highlight!
PIONEER CLUBS
Pioneer Clubs take place on Wednesday nights in Hockessin from 6:30-8 pm, during the months of October through April. We follow Pioneer’s DELTA program which stands for Disciples Equipped for Life Transformation and Action.
Pioneer Club integrates spiritual and personal development to help today’s kids learn to follow Christ in every aspect of life. Each week we will do a Bible lesson, a game, and an activity skill to help your child develop meaningful life skills, build relationships, understand how to live a Godly life, and most importantly know Jesus Christ.
If you'd like to learn more, please reach out to Christie Whalen.