SPARKS is our year round Children's Ministry opportunity geared towards children 2 years old through 5th grade (by September 1 of any given year). Offered during:

• 5:05 Saturday services
• 9:29/9:30 & 11:00/11:01 Sunday services

During SPARKS, your child(ren) will experience: hearing The Big God Story and responding to it, worship, small group discussion, prayer, blessing, and other crafts/activities. Children are grouped by age and school they attend to help foster Christian relationships even outside church. We aim to have the same small group leader, who is background checked, each week so children can build in relationship with the leader and peers. All are welcome! Church membership is not required to participate. Register on the main children's ministry page. Already Registered: Forms (downloadable pdfs) Important Information & Useful Tools (downloadable pdfs)  

Children’s Choirs at Good Shepherd provide a fun, uplifting, spiritual environment for kids to experience group singing and learn about sharing God’s love through music together. Rehearsals teach basic vocal skills and the early fundamentals of rhythm and music theory. Both groups rehearse weekly and sing in worship quarterly with additional opportunities for service and fun throughout the choir season.

• Grace Notes (Kindergarten -2^nd grade)
  • Rehearses Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:15pm
• All God’s Children (3^rd-6^th grade)
  • Rehearses Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:15am

Register on the main children's ministry page.

First Communion is a monumental time in every child's life.  Each January, all parents and their children, ages 4th grade and older, are invited to join us on a 4 1/2 hour retreat, which focuses on the importance of the eternal gift Christ has blessed us with. THIS IS A TWO-PART EVENT. In order to participate in the First Communion worship service, FULL participation in the entire retreat is essential.

• Has an understanding of sin and knows the difference between right and wrong.
• Recognizes that we are all sinners and that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin.
• Desires to have an ongoing relationship with Jesus.

• 1st Communicants will come with their parents, or other significant adult, to learn more about who God is and what Communion is.
• The cost is $35 per child for the day. This includes lunch and materials.
• Scholarships are available if needed.
• Childcare is available for siblings for a $15 fee per child.

• Invite family to a special 1st Communion Service
• Optional cake reception following
• If you cannot attend, your child can receive communion on the next Sunday your family comes to church. Please understand that 1st Communicants will only be recognized at the 1st Communion Service.

Registration begins in November for the next First Communion Retreat and Service. 

For kids in kindergarten - 2nd grade + parents. God tells us that we have a responsibility to open up Scripture with our children. Children's Ministry offers this pastor-led interactive Bible experience to share tips, practical ideas, and resources. Our goal is for you to feel motivated and equipped read the Bible regularly as a family! Childcare is available for a small fee.

Register for the My Bible Experience on Monday, May 7 from 6-7pm

   

Our goal is for all children and students to be able to successfully participate in all ministries with their peers. Based on each child’s individual needs, we provide:

• One-on-one buddies
• Coordination with staff and small group leaders
• Accommodations (visual schedules, fidgets, etc.)

These supports are available in all children and student ministry opportunities and special events. If you have any questions, please click the "Email Leader" button below. Register for children's ministry activities on the main children's ministry page. Registration for student ministry activities coming soon.

VBS registration

What is VBS?

Vacation Bible School is a hands-on, Spirit-led week, which focuses on a different theme each year. Our theme is explored through prayer, singing worship, crafts, games, small group discussions, and so much more!

When is VBS?

Vacation Bible School takes place one week every June from 9am - noon.

Who can attend?

• Birth - 36 months (children of FULL-TIME LEADERS ONLY) - nursery • Age 3 by 9.1.of given year (children of FULL-TIME LEADERS ONLY) - Early Childhood VBS • Age 4 by 9.1.of given year thru Kindergarten - Early Childhood VBS • Children entering 1st - 5th Grade - Elementary VBS Accommodations are available for children with special needs. Contact special needs ministry for more information.

Who can be a leader for VBS week?

This is not only a transforming experience for the children attending, but also for the 200+ leaders! Adult and student leaders welcome!

• A background check for adults 18 and older is required. If you do not already have a current background check on file, this will be emailed to you by our HR team.
• It is mandatory for all leaders, even if you have served before, to go through the leader training.
• 6th - 7th grade student leaders must serve with a parent.
• There is 5 year age gap between leaders 8th grade and up. (i.e., if you are in 8th grade, you will enjoy working with children 3rd grade or younger.)
• 8th - 12th graders will be partnered with an adult leader. 11th - 12th graders are able to lead a small group with another 11th - 12th grader. An interview with a staff member is required for both students.
• For Special Needs (FUSION) buddies, 6th - 8th graders MUST serve with a parent. 9th - 12th graders will be paired one-on-one with a FUSION student at the director’s discretion.

Students entering 6th - 8th grade can consider signing up for Eternal Impact. Information will be available in Student Ministries. Registration begins Monday, April 2. Cost is $45 per child. Full-time leaders do not pay for nursery-aged registered children (birth - 36 months). A VBS T-shirt included in registration if registered by May 20. Payment through online registration. For more information Roseanne at hoban@goodshepherd-naperville.org. Register children for VBS Register as a volunteer leader for VBS

All of our family ministries work together to create a worship experience geared towards the ENTIRE family (parents, kids, teens and grandparents, too). In addition to the service, family worship events may include an optional meal, encouraging fellowship time with our community. Watch for details on upcoming events.  

Purpose/Vision of Family Worship:

Connect families in community to engage in activities that foster a heart posture toward God in everyday life.  

Upcoming Events: Save the Date!

• June 15, 2018: Summertime Family Worship (following VBS) - NEW DATE!

Future events:

• ADVENT Night
• Back-to-School Worship
• Ash Wednesday