“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)
Manhattan is a wonderful and challenging place to raise kids, so we at Christ Church NYC seek to establish a strong community, where kids can have fun and learn and where there are ways for a whole family to serve and grow. Our church family sees that we have a great responsibility to support families in the hard task of bringing up children in “the nurture and training of the Lord”. We invite families to catch our vision to grow together as a fellowship that includes kids and adults of all ages!
Vision
As we minister to the children that God has placed under our care, we seek to guide them to an understanding of the glory and majesty of God as seen in his perfect character and as revealed in his Son, Jesus Christ. Recognizing that God has given parents the primary responsibility for the spiritual instruction and discipline of their children, we intend to partner with families in the process of teaching and training children in the prayerful hope that through the Spirit they will grow to trust, love, and worship Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Mission
The children’s ministry exists as part of the broader gospel-centered ministry of Christ Church NYC.
- We are committed to preaching the gospel for the salvation of everyone who will turn from their sin and put their trust in Christ alone.
- We are committed to providing gospel-centered discipleship and nurture, with the prayer that our covenant children will continually grow in their relationship with Christ.
- We are committed to preparing children to gather with the whole church and welcoming them into our midst.
- We are committed to coming alongside parents to serve and provide them with the resources and partnership they need to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- We are committed to providing a safe, Christ-centered, loving environment where children feel comfortable learning, and where parents feel secure entrusting us with their kids during the church service and other special events.
Sundays
Children’s Check In
When you arrive at church on a Sunday, please head upstairs on the left to the Children’s Check-In Table. Here all ages will be checked in for the 3 Sunday school classes we have: Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary. If you haven’t yet registered your child, you can fill out a form. After registering and checking in your child for the day, you’ll be given a pager, which we will use to call you if anything happens and we need you to come downstairs.
Seedlings – Nursery (0-2 years old)
After checking in your nursery-age child, you can head downstairs to drop him or her off with the nursery worker. Nursing mothers and infants are also welcome to stay in the nursery room. Our nursery class is mostly free play with toys and books, but no snack is provided. When the service is over, you can pick up your child by giving the nursery worker your pager.
Sprouts – Preschool (2.5-4 years old)
After checking in your preschool-age child, you can head downstairs to drop him or her off with the preschool teachers. Our preschool class consists of a short lesson with free play. During the lesson, the children will sing songs, pray, listen to a Bible story, and complete a craft, but no snack is provided. When the service is over, you can pick up your child by giving the preschool teachers your pager.
Branches – Elementary (K-5th grade)
After checking in your elementary-age child, you can head to your seats in the sanctuary because, here at Christ Church, we value engaging children in corporate worship by having them begin in the main assembly. In this way, they become familiar with the liturgy and your family has an opportunity to worship together. After the passing of the peace, the service leader will dismiss the children, who will meet their teachers in the back of the sanctuary. During our Children’s Worship, children grow in their knowledge of and love for God through prayer, song, Bible stories, and fun activities. When the service is over, you can pick up your child by giving the elementary teachers your pager.
*All of our teachers, whether parents themselves or not, are background checked members of Christ Church NYC. All are trained in curriculum instruction, safety procedures, and child protection policies.
Rhythm of Worship for Parents
While we have nursery and children’s ministries available during the service, we think it is extremely valuable for you to begin teaching and showing your children the importance of worshiping with the rest of the church, as well as learning to hear God’s Word through preaching. Consider having them sit with you once or twice a month. You can download a copy of Parents’ Worship Guide here. Another resource that you might find helpful is this short article by John and Noël Piper, The Family Together in God’s Presence.
Special Events
Occasional special events for children, parents, and families are offered throughout the year. Such events may include playgroups for moms & toddlers, hangouts for elementary age children, and parenting seminars. Children will also sometimes sing or take part in the morning service in seasonal events, including Lessons & Carols during Christmas time and Easter services.