Our Children’s Ministry is divided into two main areas. Kids Cove, which is on Sunday mornings, serves children birth through 6th grade and Connect serves middle school through high school and meets on Thursday evenings. At Waterfront, we provide a clean and safe environment for our children. We make both a high priority and take them very seriously. Everyone that serves with our children’s ministry is required to go through an application process and have a background check. We also have a secure check-in system for efficient drop-off and pick-up at classrooms. New volunteers are always welcomed. If you are interested in volunteering with Children’s Ministry, please call the church phone number 847/668-8030 ext. 555
Kids Cove
Our kids help make our mission of Loving God and People Well a reality by learning that God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. The kids also serve the community in various ways such as visiting the often forgotten in local nursing homes. The children help donate money to help meet the needs of those locally and around the world. Each Sunday, service at Waterfront begins at 10am. Adults and children gather together for the first 15-20 minutes of service because it’s important that kids and parents participate in worship as a family. After worship and announcements, parents check their children in with our children’s ministry leaders. Kid’s Cove is organized by age group as follows:
Lily Pad
Infants – 3 years
Hop on over to the Lily Pad where your 0 to 3 year old will be loved on, cared for, and shared the love of Christ with. We strive to create an atmosphere where children can begin to feel who God is through songs, nurturing, and play. What better way to enjoy the service than knowing that your child is being played with in a safe, clean, and fun environment by a team of experienced volunteers. Hope to see you soon!
Friendship Beach
3 years – Kindergarten
Friendship Beach is our ministry especially designed for 3 year olds through Kindergarteners. At Friendship Beach we provide a safe and loving environment where children learn that God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them through visual Bible stories, memory verses, crafts, and interactive play. We believe that each child is unique and special, made in God’s own image, and that we are partners with parents and caregivers to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
Splash Pad
Grades 1, 2 and 3
Splash Pad is such a fun place! In the Splash Pad, your 1st through 3rd grader will have a great time learning about the Bible! We have an interactive classroom where a lesson plan has been created to discuss the Bible. Each lesson plan includes time spent reading from the Bible, crafts, and activities for the children to participate in, as well as a fun games to aid in memorizing Bible verses.
Big Wave
Grades 4, 5 and 6
Big Wave is a fun place where children, through games, activities, and discussion, learn some of the foundational Christian principles and why we believe what we believe about the awesomeness of God and the saving grace of Jesus. Our students learn how to use the Bible as the ultimate source of knowledge and a place to find encouragement. We take time to pray and listen to each other describe the highs and lows of the week. Big Wave is an amazing place to learn how to be a follower of Jesus and to have a great time doing it!
Connect
Middle School and High School Ministry
Our greatest desire is to see students’ lives impacted by the love of Christ. We call ourselves Connect because our goal is to connect in three ways: Connect in healthy relationships with each other, Connect deeply with God, and Connect with those who are not a part of us… yet. Whether connecting through worship, experiencing community through groups, serving in the community, playing and praying together, or having fun at events/retreats, this is a place where every story matters as we seek to know Jesus more. We meet every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the church. For more info contact John at john@jims36.sg-host.com or 847-624-3531.