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Celebrating God’s Faithfulness and Growing Together
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Luke 18:16
This past year in Children and Family Ministry has been a beautiful reminder that God is always at work—often in quiet moments, small conversations, and joyful laughter echoing through our halls. It has been a year filled with faith, connection, and intentional discipleship as we partnered with families to help children know they are deeply loved by God.
A Place Where Children Belong
Each week, children were welcomed into spaces created just for them—places where they could feel safe, known, and valued. Through Bible stories, worship, prayer, and hands-on activities, children learned who God is and how His love applies to their everyday lives. We trust that the seeds planted this year will continue to grow as God faithfully works in their hearts. We have 3 classes during the 10:30 service with 45 students registered.
Partnering with Families
Our heart has always been to walk alongside parents and caregivers as they nurture faith at home. This year, we were grateful for opportunities to connect with families beyond Sunday mornings, building relationships and creating moments where faith could be experienced together. It has been a joy to serve families and support them in raising the next generation to love and follow Jesus.
Celebrations of Baptism, rejoicing as both infant/children and adults publicly declared their faith and took meaningful steps in their walk with Christ—powerful reminders of God’s transforming work across generations. We celebrated with 12 infant/children, 2 teens, and 3 adults. God is so so good!
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Luke 18:16
This past year in Children and Family Ministry has been a beautiful reminder that God is always at work—often in quiet moments, small conversations, and joyful laughter echoing through our halls. It has been a year filled with faith, connection, and intentional discipleship as we partnered with families to help children know they are deeply loved by God.
A Place Where Children Belong
Each week, children were welcomed into spaces created just for them—places where they could feel safe, known, and valued. Through Bible stories, worship, prayer, and hands-on activities, children learned who God is and how His love applies to their everyday lives. We trust that the seeds planted this year will continue to grow as God faithfully works in their hearts. We have 3 classes during the 10:30 service with 45 students registered.
Partnering with Families
Our heart has always been to walk alongside parents and caregivers as they nurture faith at home. This year, we were grateful for opportunities to connect with families beyond Sunday mornings, building relationships and creating moments where faith could be experienced together. It has been a joy to serve families and support them in raising the next generation to love and follow Jesus.
Celebrations of Baptism, rejoicing as both infant/children and adults publicly declared their faith and took meaningful steps in their walk with Christ—powerful reminders of God’s transforming work across generations. We celebrated with 12 infant/children, 2 teens, and 3 adults. God is so so good!
Highlights from the Year
God used many special moments throughout the year to bring families together and reflect His love, including:
Each event—whether large or small—served as a reminder that ministry impact is often found in presence, relationship, and love.
God used many special moments throughout the year to bring families together and reflect His love, including:
- Soup, Chili, plus Dessert Challenge. A fun way for our community to have a little healthy competition!! It’s always a great hit!
- Ash Wednesday Dinner
- Celebration of First Communion, as nine students took this important step in their faith journey, experiencing the Lord’s Supper and growing in their understanding of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
- This year, we joyfully welcomed children back into worship to receive Holy Communion alongside their families, nurturing a deeper sense of belonging in the life of the church.
- Easter Egg Hunt: thousands of eggs were scattered on our property on Easter Sunday for over 100 kids to run to find 1 of the 3 golden eggs!!!
- Vacation Bible School (VBS), a high-energy week filled with worship, Bible learning, games, and relationships—where children experienced God’s truth in fun and meaningful ways and were reminded that they are loved, known, and created with purpose. The kids raised over $3,000. For Joanie’s Closet (Lake Zurich) Abbott Middle School (Waukegan) and over 1,000 books for Bernie’s Book Bank.
- End of Summer Pool Party at Grayslake Aquatic Center
- Trunk or Treat / Fall Fest, where our church opened its doors to the community and shared joy, generosity, and hospitality.
- Donuts with Santa, creating a welcoming space for families to gather, laugh, and make memories.
- Family Christmas Program, where a Toy Shoppe keeper needed to be reminded of the true meaning of the season.
- Various Serving Opportunities at Feed My Starving Children
- Advent Food Drive: Collected 500 items that were split between COOL Food Pantry and Warren Township High School Food Pantry.
Each event—whether large or small—served as a reminder that ministry impact is often found in presence, relationship, and love.
Thankful for Our Volunteers
This ministry would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. Their commitment, patience, and servant hearts have made an eternal difference. They showed up week after week, greeted children by name, and reflected Christ’s love in tangible ways. I am deeply thankful for each and every volunteer who answered God’s call to serve our children and families.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we look to the year ahead, we do so with prayerful expectation. We are excited to continue growing, strengthening relationships, and creating environments where children can encounter Jesus in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. With God’s guidance and the continued support of this church family, we trust that He will continue to do more than we can ask or imagine.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support of Children and Family Ministry. It is truly a privilege to serve the next generation together.
This ministry would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. Their commitment, patience, and servant hearts have made an eternal difference. They showed up week after week, greeted children by name, and reflected Christ’s love in tangible ways. I am deeply thankful for each and every volunteer who answered God’s call to serve our children and families.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we look to the year ahead, we do so with prayerful expectation. We are excited to continue growing, strengthening relationships, and creating environments where children can encounter Jesus in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. With God’s guidance and the continued support of this church family, we trust that He will continue to do more than we can ask or imagine.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support of Children and Family Ministry. It is truly a privilege to serve the next generation together.
