WHAT IS “DEC KIDS” ABOUT?
DEC Kids partners with parents to reach the children of DEC by creating a joyful environment in which children are encouraged to grow in their faith. We teach the children biblical principles through engaging, age appropriate lessons, songs and activities centered around stories from the Bible. Currently we are using the Hear, Know, Go Program for both DEC Kids Jr. and grades 1-5. During the summer we change things up with lessons coupled with a theme fun activity.
9:00 Service - For the whole hour the following takes place for children:
Nursery is 0-2 yrs. of age in the upstairs nursery by the Check In Station.
Children 2 yrs. of age meet in room 5 downstairs and are called Fireflies.
DEC Kids Jr. Worship is for children aged 3-5 and they use rooms 6/7, 8. & 9. Their names are Waterbugs, Bumblebees and Dragonflies respectively. They join together for a portion of the hour for a lesson and music.
DEC Kids is for children in grades 1-5 and they meet together in the Function Hall for a large group lesson as well as small adjacent classrooms for small group time. The breakdown of small groups are: grade 1, grade 2, grades 3-5 girls, grades 3-5 boys.
The 10:45 service is a Family Worship Service & Kid Lesson Time
Children ages 4 and up through 5th grade worship with parents for singing and are dismissed at announcements to go downstairs for Kids Lesson & Activities. Children ages 0-2 are in the nursery for the whole hour and age 3 goes to room 8 until the 4 & 5 year olds join them for a lesson.
If you have any questions or want to join our team of volunteers please email Suzanne Lull, Children's Ministry Director, at suzanne.lull@durhame.org.
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Where should we go when we arrive?
You can head right to the DEC Kids Check-In desk. There you’ll find friendly volunteers available to answer questions and help you check your child into the Nursery, Preschool, or Elementary age programs.
DEC Kids Check-In stations can be found on the upper level (on the left in the main hallway, if you come through the upper level main entrance) and the lower level (there is a station in the main hall.). Follow the outside flag.
What ages can attend DEC Kids?
Nursery: Ages 0-2
Ages 2: (depending on readiness)
DEC Kids Jr.: Ages 3-5 (including kindergarten)
Kids’ Church: Grades 1 through Grade 5
What time are the Sunday DEC Kids programs?
Our Sunday kids’ programs are open during the church service. We have full children’s programming at 9am service (age 0-5th grade) and part of Family Worship time during the 10:45 service.
Can my child attend a different age group?
Our goal is for each child to be in an environment in which he/she can best develop a relationship with God and others. If you feel that a different group would be best for your child, please talk with the Children’s Director.
I’m not ready to put my infant in the nursery yet. Is that okay?
We welcome children in the service! If your child is nursing or restless, there is a Parents’ room adjacent to the Worship Center where you can still see and hear the service.
What will my child do in DEC Kids?
DEC Kids partners with parents to reach the children by creating a joyful environment in which children are encouraged to grow in their faith. We teach the children biblical principles through engaging, age appropriate lessons, songs and activities centered around stories from the Bible. Each Sunday we begin with small group Get to Know you time called Belonging which is according to age. Then each group joins together for the large group worship and Bible Lesson followed by another small group time for follow up activities.
What curriculum do you use?
We’re currently using Hear, Know, & Go curriculum.
What else do you do to keep my child safe?
At check-in, your child will get a name tag with a random code. You’ll receive a security tag with a matching code. You’ll bring the security tag with you to pick up your child and the volunteer will make sure the codes match before releasing your child.
Food allergies (or any other info you want your child’s teacher to know) are printed on the name tags. We do not usually provide snack during the hour but on occasion might have a treat.
All volunteers age 18 and over must pass a background check. All volunteers wear a name tag and anyone without a name tag is not allowed into the children’s areas.
Do I need to sign up ahead of time?
No, but it will speed up the check-in when you arrive. You can sign up your child ahead of time by going to https://dec.churchcenter.com or downloading the Church Center app. Need help? Call x1006 or email suzanne.lull@durhame.org