We strive to provide nurturing, encouraging, safe, age-appropriate environments for our children to learn about and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. GCC Kidz exists to bring kids to know God through His Word, grow in relationship with Him and make Him known through showing Jesus’ love.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
KIDZ WORSHIP
Offered for all ages during our services on Sundays at 8:45am and 11:00am.
Preschool (3 months to 4 Years) | Children’s Wing
Our Preschool Kidz are divided into rooms by age and participate in age-appropriate lessons, games/activities, and crafts that teach our youngest Kidz about God, His Word, and His love form them.
Elementary (K - 5th Grade) | Stage 2 Room
Our Elementary Kidz meet together for an interactive experience to develop their relationship with Jesus. They participate in worship, games/activities, and a Bible story each week to help them grow in faith.
LIFEGROUPS
Offered for all ages on SundayS at 10:00am.
LifeGroups provide the opportunity for Kidz of all ages to connect on a deeper level. Our Preschool and Elementary Kidz are divided into rooms by age/grade level so that they can learn to develop relationships with their peers and adult leaders. They participate in a Bible story and crafts/activities to teach them more about God and His Word.
MIDWEEK PROGRAMMING
offered during fall, winter & spring semesters on wednesdays at 6:30pm
During the school year, our GCC Kidz of all ages have the opportunity to come together on Wednesday nights in a small group setting. Kids will participate in worship, small group study divided by age/grade, games/activities, and more in a fun, safe environment.
Join us beforehand for a meal provided by our wonderful kitchen crew at 5:45pm in the Gym!
GCC KIDZ FAQ
+ how do I check in?
All children attending Kidz Worship, LifeGroups, and/or Midweek Programming will be asked to check in beforehand. At the GCC Kidz Check-In Desk, to the left of the foyer, a volunteer is available to help you check your child or children in to whichever event(s) they are attending that day.
If you are already in our system, you'll be able to search by phone number and simply check your child(ren) in from there. If you are new and have never registered, we can get you registered at the Check-In Desk or you are welcome to pre-register in advance by following this link: https://gccky.churchcenter.com/people/forms/331699. (This isn’t a means to collect information, but allows us to provide full, appropriate care for your child, or to contact you if the need should arise while your child is in our safe-keeping.)
+ How does drop-off and pick up work?
When you arrive, head to the GCC Kidz Guest Check-In Desk to the left of the foyer. A volunteer will take you through the electronic check-in process. You're child will receive a name tag, while you will keep the security label which identifies you as the parent/guardian and authorizes you for pick up.
When it is time to pick up your child, you'll need to present that security label which we will match to your child's name tag. If you lose your security label, you will need to provide your Photo ID to verify your identity.
The Children’s Wing is a secure area which requires check-in and check-out by a parent/guardian. No one is allowed to check-out a child without the matching security label or a photo ID. Only GCC Kidz Volunteers are allowed in the Children’s Wing.
+ What will my child do?
At every age and stage of life, our GCC Kidz connect with God in a fun, age-appropriate environment.
Our Preschool Kidz are separated into rooms based on their age and participate in worship through song, games, activities, coloring/crafts, and play time. We believe that the youngest child is able to learn about God and His Word, so we begin Bible lessons at age 1.
Our Elementary Kidz are usually have a large group experience in Stage 2 that includes worship, games and STEM activites, Bible reading and lesson, Bible verse memory, and more. Your child will go deeper in the knowledge of God and learn to develop a relationship with Jesus!
+ What curriculum are you using?
Our Preschool and Elementary Kidz use the WonderInk Curriculum through David C Cook. This curriculum creatively engages kids and families in God’s Word— connecting the classroom on Sunday to their homes during the week. There are four key values emphasized:
- God knows me.
- Jesus loves me.
- The Holy Spirit leads me.
- I am a child of God.
The weekly lessons are enriched with these values—giving kids space to fully discover their place in God’s Big Story and resulting in an understanding of how their lives can tell the world of His wonder.
This curriculum takes kids through the entire Bible in three years. Each year encompasses major Bible stories grouped into themed series, balancing each year with Old Testament and New Testament stories, and connecting the Bible as a whole. It even includes special Christmas and Easter series that clearly connect the Old Testament to the New Testament in God’s Big Story!
+ Do you offer any parent resources?
At Gateway, we believe that the most effective ministry in the life of a child is that which takes place in the home. This happens as parents and guardians take the initiative to diligently teach and impress upon their children the truths of God’s Word. GCC Kidz Ministry desires to be a resource for families to find and equip the tools needed to build Godly homes for generations to come.
We send out a weekly parent email that includes parent resources like articles, books, and other info to help you connect your kids to God during the week. It also includes a Sunday recap and preview so you can discuss the Bible lessons as a family at home. You can sign up to receive this email at this link: https://gcch3.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=640d213450a01ce85e10360dd&id=861852db6b
UPCOMING EVENTS
Day Camp | June 10-14 8AM-4PM
Gateway is partnering with Bluegrass Christian Camp to provide an awesome Day Camp for your 5-11 year old! Each day, campers will participate in games, inflatables, crafts, and chapel time where they will worship and learn about God. On Friday, campers will take a day trip to Bluegrass Christian Camp and participate in swimming, ziplining, the giant swing, gaga ball, and more. Lunch and a snack will be provided daily.
The cost is 185$ per camper. Go to bluegrasschristiancamp.org for more information and to register. Scholarships may be available from Gateway Christian Church upon request.
Baby Dedication| June 16 8:45 & 11
Join us on this wonderful Sunday to support parents who are dedicating their child to the Lord! If you have a child less than one-year-old and would like to participate, contact Sarah Honaker.
Wacky Wednesdays
June 19, 26, July 3, 10
All kids and families are invited to join us for Wacky Wednesdays! Each Wednesday, we will travel to do something fun together. This is a great time for you to get to know other kids and families. Here are the events for each day:
June 19 10AM- Malibu Jacks
June 26 9AM- The Ark Encounter
July 3 10AM- Legacy Grove Park
July 10 11AM- Pool Party
Click HERE for more information on each event and to sign up!
CURRENT CURRICULUM SERIES
SARAH HONAKER
CHILDREN’S MINISTER
Sarah is from Lexington, KY where she has lived most of her life. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Brent. She received her Bachelor’s from Campbellsville University and her Master’s from Indiana Wesleyan University. Sarah loves her fur babies, Felix and Rose, all things Disney, traveling, music, and spending time with her family. She has had a passion for Children’s Ministry since High School and is excited to lead Kidz and families at Gateway closer to Jesus!