Preschool & Children
FAMILY UPDATES
April 2024
CHILDREN’S NEWS
Like we Totally Need You!
Get your Volunteer Crew Backstage Pass today! Register to serve and register your VIP Kids!
It’s like totally time to “rock on” and get your VBS Backstage Pass! Discover your “totally rad” inner VBS Rockstar as we learn the solid rockin’ truth that we are children of God.
1 John 3:1 – “Look at how great a love the Father has given us, that we should be called God’s children.”
This “totally tubular” 80s retro VBS is June 24-27, from 9am-12pm each day. We are looking for totally awesome crew members (leaders too). Register HERE!
Summer Camps at JFBC
Looking for something fun for the kids to learn and do this summer? Check out our list of camps!
Dance Camp: July 8-12 | 1pm – 4pm | completed Kindergarten – 5th grade
Rising Stars Basketball Camp: June 10-13 | 8:30am – 4pm | ages 5-14
For more information, check here: https://www.johnsonferry.org/sportsandfitness/
Children’s Baptism
We want to invite you and your child to attend Step One of our Children’s Baptism Program. The Children’s Baptism Program is a great tool if your child is thinking about salvation or is ready for baptism.
This program is specifically designed to partner with parents as you lead your child through their salvation/baptism experience. Step One is a 30-minute presentation of the gospel developed to give the parents the tools necessary to have a meaningful dialogue with their child about how to begin their spiritual journey.
If interested, please join us this Sunday, May 12, for our next Step One (no registration required). We hope to see you there.
*If you cannot attend this Sunday, we hold Step One Baptism classes every second Sunday of the month in the Matchbox (Room 242) at 11:30am.
WHAT WE’RE LEARNING
Children's Groups
May 5
Group Focus: We Are Part of One Church (1 Corinthians 12)
Family Discussion Starters: Why did Paul compare the church to a human body? How do you use the gifts God has given you to serve your church?
Family Activity: Choose two family members and loosely tie one’s left arm to the other’s right arm. Ask them to perform a task like making a sandwich, folding clothes, or washing the dog. Discuss what made it difficult or easy to accomplish the task. Remind kids that all believers should work together to share the good news about Jesus.
May 12
Group Focus: Paul Became a Christian (Acts 9)
Family Discussion Starters: In what ways did Saul’s life change after he became a Christian? What’s the difference between knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus?
Family Activity: Parents, take time to share your testimony with the family this week. Think about how you can describe how your life changed when you met Jesus. If kids have professed faith in Christ, allow them to share their testimony with the family as well.
May 19
Group Focus: Paul Became a Missionary (Acts 13-14)
Family Discussion Starters: What difficulties did Paul and Barnabas have to endure while sharing the gospel? How can the work of missionaries help us be bolder in sharing the gospel with others?
Family Activity: Visit a local nursing home and lead a time of worship and Bible study for residents. Prepare activities like a Bible story, craft, or songs. Explain to kids that Paul visited different cities to share the gospel, and you can also visit people in your own community to share Jesus’ love.
May 26
Group Focus: Jesus Can Forgive Anyone (2 Corinthians 5)
Family Discussion Starters: How is Paul an example of how Jesus changes everything? What are some ways you can tell others about Jesus?
Family Activity: As a family, anonymously bless someone. Consider doing simple yard work, baking cookies, or writing a note of encouragement. Afterward, discuss how you blessed that person not because you wanted praise or because he deserved it but to show Jesus’ love and bring Jesus glory.
Kid's Church
May 5
Theme: God Provided Our World, and We Need to Take Care of It!
Bible Story: Adam names the animals (Genesis 1)
Verse: Genesis 2:15
May 12
Theme: I Should Trust God to Provide for My Needs When I Obey Him!
Bible Story: Ravens Bring Food to Elijah (1 Kings 17)
Verse: Philippians 4:19
May 19
Theme: God Provides Courage to Live for Him!
Bible Story: Daniel and the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6)
Verse: Psalm 27:1
May 26
Theme: God Provides Warnings So We Can Make the Best Choice!
Bible Story: Balaam’s Donkey (Numbers 22)
Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
KID’S MISSIONS
Glowing into May
We’re nearing the end of the school year, which means it is THE PERFECT TIME for kids to invite their classmates and friends to Johnson Ferry’s totally awesome ‘80s/‘ 90s-themed VBS in June. There, they will learn all about how to belong in God’s family! To help with the personal invite, we have provided you with your very own VBS invitations—all you need are GLOWSTICKS! See below for instructions.
JFBC’s annual Summer Lunches Outreach to our neighboring community is coming up soon. Be on the lookout in the next week or so for information about that coming from JFBC Global and us in the Children’s Ministry. This is a great summer outreach for families to be a part of that not only feeds kids in our local area but also provides connections for these kids as the food is delivered.
VBS Glowstick Invitations Instructions
- Purchase glowsticks from Amazon, Dollar Tree, or another store.
- Click here to download invitations (they are three to a page and will be printed on a regular sheet of paper).
- Separate and cut invitations.
- Tape the glowstick to the open left side of the invitation.
- Deliver glowsticks to classmates or friends!
preschool
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
The best way for you to know what your child experiences at church is to join them! Parents are valuable partners in providing loving and Bible-centered environments for all children on Sundays. Have you been here for six months or more?
It’s your turn! Sign up to serve, and we’ll work with you to find your place and set your schedule. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of class. Get started by serving with a veteran volunteer. Curriculum and supplies provided in the classroom.
VBS 2024
Vacation Bible School is June 24-27!
Preschoolers participate in an age-appropriate full VBS program when their parents serve (in preschool or elementary school). Training & classroom set-up is on Sunday, June 23, following late worship hour.
FAMILY MISSION TRIP
There is a Family Mission Trip to Chattanooga (September 22-26, 2024) that is now open for registration.
The team will partner with Daystar Baptist Missions and local churches to serve the people of Chattanooga. All ages are welcome. This is an ideal opportunity for a first-time family mission trip!
Visit the JFBC Mission Trip page and look by name/date.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
Not yet a church member?
The Johnson Ferry Membership Class is offered each month on the third Sunday. Becoming a member is required before participation in Parent Commissioning.
For more information and registration, click here.
RESOURCES FOR PRESCHOOL PARENTS
If you missed David Thomas and Sissy Goff in person, you could still find great parenting tips at their podcast: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/podcast
WHAT PRESCHOOL IS LEARNING
Children in 10:00 classes for 3s, 4s, and 5s are previewing a new curriculum. We’d love to hear your child’s reaction!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR FAMILIES WITH PRESCHOOLERS
Registrations and additional information for these events can usually be found on The Hub. If needed, use the “Church Calendar” button near the top of the page.
- June 9—Parent Commissioning in 8:30 and 10:00 services. Church Membership is required. Indicate your interest to participate here.
- June 24-27 – Vacation Bible School (volunteer training on June 23)
- June 30 – Family Worship. No Preschool Groups.
- July 16 & 17— Grand Camp for current 3s, 4s & 5s. Registration coming soon.
- Ongoing – Wee School Registration. Information here.
- Ongoing – 419 Small Group Discipleship for Adults – need a group, let us know!
- Ongoing – Kindergarten registration is now open at Johnson Ferry Christian Academy
Preschool Ministry T-Shirts
T-shirts representing your enthusiasm for ensuring that God’s truth is taught to our children, that we ensure ALL children belong, and that we lead our children to embrace their God-directed purpose in life are now available for purchase.
CARING WELL HOTLINE
In response to the independent audit of our policies and procedures regarding protecting children and vulnerable adults, we have created the Caring Well Hotline. This hotline is designed so that you have an outlet to report any abuse or suspicion of abuse you witness or experience related to Johnson Ferry staff or programs. The hotline number is 678.784.5399. The number can also be found on the footer of our website. The caller can remain anonymous; however, if you choose to remain anonymous, it will make it more challenging to investigate the reported abuse.
While we pray that no one has to ever report abuse, we believe this hotline not only helps protect those who are vulnerable but it also provides care to those who experience abuse. It strengthens our existing policies and procedures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly.