Whenever the children of believers are baptized at Third Church, our church family promises "to receive them in love, pray for them, help them in the faith, and encourage and sustain them in the fellowshuip of believers."  This communal commitment is the foundation for our Children's Ministry.  It compels us to offer a range of actvities and programs through which we seek to lead our children and youth to a life of following Jesus.

www.kidscorner.net

www.nurturekidsfaith.org

Worship Center Children and Worship

(Ages 3 through Grade 2)

Children ages 3 through Grade 2 meet for a children's worship experience on Sunday mornings during the 9:30 a.m. worship service.  After leaving the worship service in the sanctuary, the children meet together for a time of singing and hearing the Bible story for the day.  They go to their Worship Center rooms where they encounter God through an approach to his Word, a presentation of the Word, and a response time.  Worship Center runs from September until May.

Sunday Morning Classes

(Grades K-6)

Offered during the Education Hour (11:00 a.m. to noon), this curriculum builds on the Worship Center approach, but shifts from a worship focus to an educational focus.  Bible stories continue to be the main empasis of teaching.  Through discussion and activities the children are encouraged to apply the Bible to their daily life experience.

Small World Christian Preschool

(Ages 3-4)

This church-sponsored preschool offers a Christ-centered, developmental preschool experience.  It is our goal to provide a loving and encouraging environment in which each child can discover and develop his/her own uniqueness, abilities, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.  The preschool runs from September to May each year.  Please call 269-344-4920 for more information.

Small World Christian Preschool is a non-profit preschool established as a ministry for the community by Third Christian Reformed Church.  A preschool board, appointed by and accountable to the governing board of Third Christian Reformed Church, governs the preschool.

Our purpose at Small World Christian Preschool is to extablish a partnership with paretns that will:

•Help each child realize he/she is a special and unique child of God.

•Promote social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual development of the child in an atmosphere of Christian values through individual and group activities.

•Nurture and develop self-esteem and loving concern for others in a Christian environment.

Programs

Three Year Olds

2-day program on Monday and Wednesday 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Four Year Olds

3-day program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00-11:30 a.m.

The teacher at Small World Christian Preschool is State of Michigan certified. 

Cadets

(Grades 2-8)

This program is designed to provide spiritual mentoring and guidance for boys in Grades 2 through 8.  It meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. from September to May.  Activities include camping, snow derby, Bible study, earning merit badges, special outings, and such activities as woodworking and model building.

www.calvinistcadets.org

GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior)

(Grades 2-8)

A program for girls in Grades 2 through 8, GEMS meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:45-8:00 p.m. from September to May.  It provides spiritual mentoring and guidance through fellowship, Bible study, and community service and activities.  As part of the learning process the girls are able to develop skills and work on projects in order to earn badges.

www.gemsgc.org

Vacation Bible School

(Ages 4 through Grade 5)

Vacation Bible School is an outreach program offered for one week every summer for children from age 4 to those entering Grade 5.  Through a range of fun activities the children learn basic Bible truths in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

This program for this year's Vacation Bible School is called Babylon, which tells the story of Daniel.

www.groupvbspro.com