Preschool & Children
FAMILY UPDATES
April 2024
CHILDREN’S NEWS
Spring into action and register for VBS!
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
Golf Camp: July 15-19 | 8:30am-noon | Ages 4-9
Rising Stars Basketball Camp: June 10-13 | 8:30am – 4pm | ages 5-14
For more information, check here: https://www.johnsonferry.org/sportsandfitness/
WHAT WE’RE LEARNING
Children's Groups
April 7
Group Focus: Peter Performed Miracles (Acts 9)
Family Discussion Starters: What did the Holy Spirit help Peter do? How does knowing Jesus give us hope that one day, He will make all things right?
Family Activity: Conduct a family strength competition. Gather objects of various weights to see who can lift the heaviest or most objects. Talk about the power of the Holy Spirit and how it is greater than human strength. Remind kids that every believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus and to share Him with others.
April 14
Group Focus: Peter Learned That Jesus Is for All (Acts 10)
Family Discussion Starters: What was Peter’s vision? How do our differences show God’s creativity?
Family Activity: Celebrate the differences in God’s creation by having a buffet of different meats, fruits, and vegetables for a family dinner. Try to find items that kids might not have tasted before. As you enjoy the meal together, talk about the differences we see in God’s creation. Remind kids that God loves all people equally and wants everyone to hear the good news about Jesus.
April 21
Group Focus: Gentiles Became Part of the Church (Acts 11)
Family Discussion Starters: Who did God call Peter to share the gospel with? Why should we celebrate when others repent and turn to Jesus?
Family Activity: Think of a friend, family member, or someone in your church who has recently chosen to give her life to Jesus. As a family, create a card or banner to celebrate her decision to turn to Jesus. Mail her the card or give her the banner in person and congratulate her on her choice to trust Jesus.
April 28
Group Focus: Peter Was Rescued from Prison (Acts 12)
Family Discussion Starters: What were the believers doing while Peter was in prison? How was a difficult situation in Peter’s life used to show that God is always good? What difficult circumstances has God used in your life to show that He is good?
Family Activity: Ask friends how your family can pray for them and make a list. Take time each evening to pray for the requests collected from others.
Kid's Church
April 7
Theme: I Will Tell The Truth!
Bible Story: Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22:55-62)
Verse: Proverbs 12:19
April 14
Theme: I Will Seek Answers When I Have Doubts!
Bible Story: Doubting Thomas (John 20:19-29)
Verse: John 20:29
April 21
Theme: I Will Obey Jesus!
Bible Story: Miraculous Catch of Fish; Reinstatement of Peter (John 21:1-19)
Verse: Matthew 7:26
April 28
Theme: I Will Tell Everyone About Jesus!
Bible Story: The Great Commission and Ascension (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-9)
Verse: Acts 8:4
KID’S MISSIONS
Kids Missions is Shining Bright!
April marks the end of our 2023-2024 GA/RA missions year, and what a year it was! The theme for this past GA/RA year was “Shine Your Light” (taken from Matthew 5:16), and kids got to see how JFBC has been a part of shining the light of the gospel to so many different aspects of our city, state, country, and world. Kids got to hear from JF kids, adults, and other ministry partners about the missions endeavors they have been a part of over the past year – everywhere from New York City to Poland to Hawaii and more! Kids were also able to be engaged in missions this year by doing mission projects for our senior adults, various mission trip participants, the local Storehouse Ministry food bank, and more.
We are recruiting NOW for men, women, and junior leader volunteers for the next GA & RA year that starts this fall! Do you have a passion for missions and helping others develop a mission lifestyle? Come join us! No previous teaching experience is required. Email Allison Young for more information.
And just because GAs and RAs are over for a few months doesn’t mean missions end. There will be plenty of opportunities for kids and families throughout the summer! Stay tuned to upcoming updates to find out more information.
preschool
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
ALL PARENTS of regularly attending children are urged to participate in the success of our Preschool Sunday Groups by serving in a classroom where a regular volunteer is not scheduled. These positions may be in any age group (birth – Kindergarten). Must be Safe Harbor Approved.
ALL PARENTS should serve a minimum of 6 times a year in any position unless scheduled for another regular serving commitment (ex. teaching in Elementary, Students and Adults on Sunday morning, singing in Choir, playing in Orchestra, a regularly scheduled Connections Team member, regularly serving in Kids Church). Please ensure your Safe Harbor Approval no later than two weeks prior to serving. Sign Up available here!
We’re using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps. Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
- Click this link to see our SignUp
- Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
- Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, don’t hesitate to get in touch with [email protected], and we can sign you up manually.
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.
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.
- April 17 | 3-year-old Choir Parent Night at 6pm for children in Wednesday night classes
- April 24 | Kids Music Spring Worship Event at 6pm for children in Wednesday night classes | Wednesday night Children’s Choirs program
- June 9 | Parent Commissioning at the 8:30 & 10am services. Church Membership is required. Indicate your interest in participating here.
- 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.