CHILDREN AT RIVERSIDE

Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:16-17)
 

Mission

The mission of our Children's Ministries to build loving relationships with children in order to guide and involve them in a life of worshiping and enjoying God.  We want to teach children in a thoroughly grace-centered way about Jesus as their Savior, to guide them as they learn to come to God in prayer, and to equip them to share the good news of Jesus with others.  Our foundational prayer and assumption is that encouraging children in their faith at an early age will establish sure foundations for the rest of their lives.

Core Values

Teaching God's Word.  Our commitment is that all of our teaching to children be centered on the Message of God which is recorded for us (and our children!) in the Bible.  Our teaching is aimed not at merely imparting knowledge, but in such a way that God's truths are applied to the everyday life of a child.  Recognizing that each child has a unique learning style, we aim to teach children in a variety of fun, engaging, and creative ways.  Teaching must be appropriate to a child's social and cognitive development.

Reaching the Heart.  Because all behavior is rooted in the heart, we believe that teaching must be focused on cultivating a heart that loves and cherishes God above all things.  We are convinced that a child's primary motivation to become a follower of Jesus will be in response to God's goodness, grace, and love expressed in His Son Jesus.  Ministering to children must be based in prayer--pleading with and trusting God to change children's hearts.

Building Relationships.  Relationships, including peer relationships and teacher-student relationships, provide the best context for spiritual and emotional growth.  The church must work in relationship with parents, because parents are the primary teachers for their children in all areas of life.  Learning and relationship-building should always be in a safe, caring and comfortable environment for children.

Ministries

Nursery (Birth to age 2 - During all Sunday activities).  The Nursery at Riverside welcomes all children birth thru 2 years of age.  Our goal is to provide a loving, safe and enjoyable environment for your child while you worship God.  We realize that the church nursery is often the first place the child is cared for away from home and our desire is to introduce children to God’s wondrous love at this early age.  We are staffed with volunteers who have attended Riverside for at least six months, who have expressed a love for children and the desire to work specifically with children of this age.  Our nursery caregivers work hard to give your child the best care possible.  Our caregiver ratio is 1:3 for the babies and 1:4 for the toddlers.  Nursery care is provided during both the Sunday School and Worship Service hours.  For more info about the Nursery at Riverside, email Rachel Blazer.

Riverside Kids (Age 3 to 2nd grade, during the sermon).  Riverside Kids, our Kids Church ministry, is available to all children age 3 to 2nd grade.  We have two classes for this age group to best meet the developing needs of learning styles and abilities throughout these years.  Our desire is to model and teach our children to become active worshipers.  We use a topical curriculum to cover the many aspects of worship such as prayer and praise.  We sing songs and have Scripture based teaching to impart more knowledge of who God is – his character and his active role in our lives.  Through this active model of worship, we want our children to learn about the Gospel and being saved by grace alone.  Our time is filled with fun and learning, and is staffed with a team of adult volunteers who share the desire to train these young worshipers.  For more info about Riverside Kids, email  Melinda Hogan.