WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BEGIN RECEIVING COMMUNION?

The decision of when your child will receive communion is one that every parent should prayerfully consider. The study of scripture, guidance by the Holy Spirit, and consideration of family beliefs are some of the things that help direct this decision. Regardless of when you choose for your child to begin receiving communion, Good Shepherd partners with families by offering Communion instruction beginning in 4th grade.

RETREAT & CELEBRATION INFORMATION

Communicants will come with their parent(s), or other significant adult, to learn more about who God is and who we are as His children. Prior to the selected retreat day, our team will provide you and your family with resources and conversations to begin at home. There is a cost to the retreat day for materials ($30/per Communicant). Scholarships are available as needed. If you have any questions, please contact us at children@goodshepherd-napervile.org.

Information on the next Communion Retreat will be listed here when available.

 

Midweek Preteen Ministry for 4th and 5th Graders

Tuesday evenings, 7-8pm CST

Club 45 provides a fellowship and outreach opportunity for 4th/5th graders. We are currently offering both in-person and online options to choose from! At Club 45, your preteen will learn about Jesus through games, a large group message, and connect group time with their peers and their Club 45 leader. This is a great bridging opportunity for 5th graders transitioning into our middle school ministry (FUEL). All 4th and 5th graders are welcome! Church membership is not required to participate.

Register here.

 

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.)
• Self-contained sensory room

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. CURRENT CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES REGISTRATION FORMS AND UPDATES CURRENT STUDENT REGISTRATION FORMS AND UPDATES

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! VBS 2021: At Treasured VBS, kids will dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures. Your kids will discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold - it’s them! Watch this year’s teaser video online here. 

When is VBS?

Vacation Bible School takes place one week every summer from 9am - noon. VBS 2021: Monday, Jul 19 - Friday, Jul 23

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! REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT (18+) LEADERS

• 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.
• A signed and submitted VBS 2021 Team Agreement (emailed to you upon receipt of this online registration).

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT (6TH GRADE - 12TH GRADE) LEADERS

• 6th-7th grade student leaders MUST serve alongside a parent and/or guardian.
• There is a 5 year age gap between leaders 8th grade and up (i.e., if you are in 8th grade, you will be able to work with children 3rd grade or younger).
• All 8th-12th grade Student Leaders 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 at the director’s discretion.
• A signed and submitted VBS 2021 Team Agreement (emailed to you upon receipt of this online registration).

Students entering 6th - 8th grade can consider signing up for Eternal Impact. Information will be available in Student Ministries.

---

Child Registration here.

Leader registration here.

For more information, reach out to our ministry leader by using the button below.

[embed]https://youtu.be/MXufN0BRyQA[/embed]

We are open!

Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is HERE. Classes available for children 2-1/2 to 5 year old by September 1, 2021. For more information, please contact us at 630-961-9055, preschool@goodshepherd-naperville.org, or www.gslp-naperville.org

---

Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool is a Christian-based preschool with experienced, caring teachers in a friendly, safe atmosphere. Our curriculum based on the Illinois Early Learning Standards and includes Spanish and Musik Garten enrichment classes, monthly Sanctuary visits with the pastors for spiritual growth, and Handwriting without Tears®. Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool Offers:

• A balance of self-directed learning and teacher planned experiences.
• Curriculum that includes many opportunities to participate in a wide variety of interests.
• Parent-teacher communication through monthly and weekly newsletters, e-mails, and parent teacher conferences.
• A team of director, teachers and teacher assistants who exceed the qualifications of DCFS.
• Field trips, Mom’s day, Dad’s day, parent informational programs and many other fun activities throughout the year.

For more information, visit the Preschool website.  

New babies are such a sweet blessing! Whether this is your first child or fourth, we want to celebrate with you. Our in-person services provide a Mother's Room available and welcome for mothers to use for feedings, rocking a child or diaper changing. Additionally, there is extra clothing for children, if needed. Additional Information for Parents of Newborns

• Sparklers is our nursery that is available for infants through 36 months of age during the Sunday morning services. Sparklers consists of an infant/crawler room and a toddler/walker room. *Due to COVID-restrictions, Sparklers is not currently staffed for our in-person services on Sunday mornings. As soon as we are able to begin operating the nursery again, we will make updates to all online platforms. 

Interested in learning about or registering for baby baptisms? Learn more through Blessed Beginnings here.

Sparks is our Sunday morning children’s ministry for kids ages 3 through 3rd grade! Sparks will be offered for both in-person worship services (8:30am and 10:01am) starting on Sunday, February 7. Participants are split into age-appropriate groupings where they come together to hear God’s Word, interact with God’s truths and join in discussion and prayer with their peers. Sparks’ program procedures are in alignment with Good Shepherd’s COVID-19 guidelines. We ask that children take bathroom breaks prior to arriving at check-in. Please note that there is no food or drink allowed in Sparks rooms. At check-in, children will receive their name badge and will be introduced to their room and leader. During Sparks, all participants will receive supplies that have been properly disinfected following COVID-guidelines ahead of time. If you would like to inquire about Fusion Support for your child during Sparks, get connected with our Fusion team here.  If you have any questions regarding reopening Sparks and Sparks procedures, please contact us at children@goodshepherd-naperville.org. We are happy to help!