OAKIDS ministry seeks to “partner with Parents to preach the Gospel to the Next Generation” Psalm 78.
By innovative, age appropriate teaching, combined with dynamic worship and small group discussion the 10:30 service is more than Sunday school, it’s a fabulous launch into the world of worship and discipleship for children K5 through fourth grade. Our preschool offers great teaching from a traditional approach and during the 10:30 service they end their morning experience with a worship time in the gym. The 9:00 Sunday school hour is offered for ages 3 years up to 2nd grade that is a traditional Sunday school time. A nursery is offered for children from ages 6 weeks up to 3 years of age both hours with two paid, background checked caregivers in each room to care for your littlest ones while you worship with us at OMPC.
Communicants Class
Communicants Class is your child’s Inquirers Class, and the Session asks that each member’s child take this class prior to receiving communion. This is a huge step in their spiritual life, and if you truly believe your child is ready to take this step, please contact me ASAP to pick up the necessary materials for the class. We do ask that one parent attend the class with the child so that you can go through the study together. You can also work through the booklet independently and contact me to set up the elder interview if you can not make the class. We offer a Fall class and a Spring class. Please call our Children’s Pastor, Tim McCracken, with any questions at 981-4307.
Elementary
TRAILBLAZERS
Our ministry to children in grades 2-4 meets upstairs in the A & B Buildings. Classes are offered at 9:00 & 10:30 AM.
Children are divided into gender specific classes.
Like kindergarten, our elementary classes are designed so that your children attend a worship service with you. While you are in your adult community group, your children attend Sunday School.
The memory program extends into our elementary program; however, it takes on additional memory work from Bible books and the Apostles’ Creed, in addition to Bible verses and Children’s Catechism questions.
GoldRush for Preteens
We minister to the important needs of preteens as they begin making life decisions, grow in their understanding of God’s love, and prepare for the excitement and challenges of being a teenager. GoldRush, for 5th and 6th graders, helps preteens develop a deeper faith and love for God. It’s their own exciting Christian community.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have fun games, great snacks, and even better teaching. Our teachers strive to show kids how to apply God’s Word to their lives at school, at home, and in all their activities.
SUNDAY NIGHTS AT THE “GOLD MINE”
We have a great time being “social bugs” by playing group games and taking part in various activities. During our study time, we teach these preteens important spiritual skills, such as how to develop a personal “quiet time” with God and how to memorize Scripture.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We believe it is vital to provide exciting events where kids can build relationships with each other and their leaders. These events may include biking trips, ice skating, swimming, laser tag, lock-ins, and many other fun, interactive experiences.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Goldrush also provides opportunities for students from different schools to develop friendships with the adult leaders and their peers. We have several adult leaders who are investing in the lives of these 5th and 6th graders. Relationships are being built as our leaders continually seek ways to teach God’s Word and love to the students. Fellowship is marked by energy, exuberance and joy, and lasting friendships are developed.
Nursery
Currently being rewritten, will be posted soon.
Our Weekly Services
We are available during these times -
Sunday Mornings - 8:45 am - 12:15 pm
Sunday Evenings - Only available when LIFE Groups meet, 5:15 pm - 7:15 pm.
Tuesday Mornings - Only available when Bible Studies meet, 9:15 am - 11:30 am.
Wednesday Evenings - Only available when Choir meets, 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm.
We also offer nurseries for churchwide special events.
What to bring for your child while in the Nursery
- At least 2 disposable diapers
- Change of clothes
- Non-spill, sippy cup
- If the child uses a pacifier please provide pacifier clip
- Label Everything
Parent Guidelines
Currently being rewritten, will be posted soon. If there is a question concerning the parental guidelines, please contact Robin McCracken.
Call-And-Come-In Nursery
The Call-And-Come-In Nursery is a service we offer which allows you to call the Nursery and reserve a spot for your child for a fee of $20.00 per day. Offered only on Monday and Wednesday, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Restrictions apply, see link for details:
Preschool
SONSHINE CROSSING & ACORN VALLEY
Sonshine Crossing & Acorn Valley are our ministries to children who are at least three years of age and potty-trained by September 1 up through first grade. Our classes are staffed by church members who volunteer for at least one quarter though many volunteer for the entire school year. The two-adult policy is followed to help protect our covenant children. A security tag system is used for the preschool classes. Kindergarten and higher grades do not use the tagging system.
Each preschool class is named after a particular flower or tree, and with the exception of kindergarten and higher grades, each class meets for two hours. This enables parents to attend both a worship service and adult community groups.
At 9:00 we offer kindergarten through 4th grade classes, and all classes are divided by gender. During this hour, we use Great Commissions curriculum ("Show Me Jesus)". At 10:30 six classes are offered for preschool.
Once children enter kindergarten, they are to attend their class one hour and accompany their parents to worship the other hour. Oakids Ministry strongly recommends that parents with children entering K-5 purchase a copy of Parenting in the Pew, by Robbie Castleman. A limited number of copies are available at the church or you can buy online at www.pcanet.org and link to the bookstore from there.
Beginning in preschool and continuing through sixth grade is our Oakids Memory Program. As a supplement to our Sunday School curriculum, we have developed a memory program that is unique to Oakids and tailored to reflect our church calendar. For example, in February we have our mission’s conference, and the memory verses will usually reflect the theme with passages about God’s heart for the world. Copies of these are limited to one per family and can be obtained from either the Children’s Pastor or in Sunday School.
Special Events
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
This fun summer week is filled with God’s Word, songs, crafts, recreation, and fellowship.
KID’S QUEST
While parents are at their LIFE! Groups on Sunday evenings, children fellowship, play in the gym, and practice Scripture memory.
OAKIDS SUMMER
Our Summer program for K-5 – 5th graders includes activities, catechism questions & snacks, which makes for a great day!
MAY SPRING CARNIVAL
This is a time for the entire church to gather for food, fun, and fellowship on the OMPC campus. Events and games are planned for the entire church and community to enjoy!
OM KICK-OFF This is the official fall registration kickoff for the Children’s and Youth Ministries! The OM Kick-Off includes a churchwide picnic, carnival, games, and more!
MOTHER’S DAY OUT – “THE TREEHOUSE”
This program is offered September through May, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm; ages 1-4. Space is limited and registration is required.
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS
We have several special events each year including concerts, movie nights, and the Monster Mash, which is our Halloween alternative party.