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:

• 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)  

Is your child musical? Do they love to sing? We're excited to announce our 7th season for Children’s Choirs at Good Shepherd. This program is a fun, meaningful way for kids grades K-6 to experience group singing and learn about sharing God’s love through music. Groups rehearse weekly and sing in worship quarterly with additional opportunities for service and fun throughout the 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.

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.   Full-day attendance at the retreat is necessary to participate in the First Communion worship service.

RETREAT INFORMATION

• First Communicants will come with their parents, or other significant adult, to learn more about who God is and who we are as His children.
• Full-day attendance at the retreat is necessary to participate in the First Communion worship service.
• 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. Lunch is included.

SERVICE INFORMATION

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

SAVE THE DATES!

Saturday, October 20, 2018 | Retreat Saturday, October 27, 2018 | Service   Register here. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THE RETREAT AND SERVICE WILL BE OFFERED IN THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR.

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 to read the Bible regularly as a family! Childcare is available for a small fee.

Check back for details and registration for the next My Bible experience.

   

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.

Registration for VBS 2018 is now closed. 

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. Full-time leaders do not pay for nursery-aged registered children (birth - 36 months). A VBS T-shirt included in registration if registered by early deadline. Payment through online registration. For more information Roseanne at hoban@goodshepherd-naperville.org. Registration for VBS 2018 is now closed. 

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 Event:

Back-to-School Family Worship, including annual Blessing of the Backpacks:

Saturday, August 25, 4pm worship, 5pm optional dinner

Featuring illusionist Clayton Poland! The reality of God’s love will be revealed in an exciting and creative way that everyone can connect with and remember. Includes music, scripture, and Good Shepherd’s annual Blessing of the Backpacks. Stay for dinner ($5 per person, maximum $15 per family, pay at the door). Register HERE.

 

Annual events:

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

Dates and details will be posted as events are coming up.