The FBC Children's Ministry logo is G2C or "Generations to Come". Psalm 145:4 says "one Generation shall commend your works to another. They will tell of your mighty acts." This is the foundation of ministry here at FBC. It is our desire to reach children and families for the gospel of Christ and make an impact for "Generations to Come". You won't want to miss out on the fun and learning at FBC!!!

PRESCHOOL & CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES:

The mission of the FBC Children's Ministry is to introduce individuals and families to Jesus Christ and then establish and equip them so that they might help others in the same way. Our core values are: (1) safety and security; (2) creativity; (3) community; (4) Biblical truth; (5) nurturing environment. Our Elementary Department emphasizes age-appropriate learning in a small group environment. Our Preschool Department desires that all preschool children begin in the journey of knowing God and experience His love through a caring staff. Preschoolers are nurtured in an activity-oriented , Bible-based, child-centered learning environment.

This ministry is facilitated through these activities: Sunday School, AWANA, Mother’s Day Out, Children’s Choirs, Vacation Bible School, and other special events.

MOTHER’S DAY OUT

Mother’s Day Out (MDO) is a ministry to both preschool children and mothers of preschool children. Mother’s Day Out offers children a variety of learning experiences — how to interact with others, a love for books, music, nature, art and physical fitness. And each of our classes have a Bible story each day.

Our MDO program starts in September and continues through the middle of May. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 - 2:30. Our Summer Session is on Tuesdays only during the months of June and July, except for the week the church has Vacation Bible School.

Questions about Mother's Day Out? Please email our Mother's Day Out director, Jamie Sykes, at jamie@fbcruss.org.

AWANA

AWANA is a Bible-centered activity providing Wednesday night clubs and programs for Kindergarten through fourth graders. The acrostic AWANA comes from the first letters of Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). The goal of AWANA is to reach boys and girls for Christ and train them to serve Him.  AWANA at First Baptist meets Wednesday evenings during the school year from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Clubs consist of a game time, handbook time (Scripture memory), and a council time of Bible teaching.  Come join us and experience the fun and spiritual growth of this exciting program

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Sunday School is offered for children (birth-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m.  All preschool children classes meet on the first floor of the Events Center building (this facility is located west of our main building).  All elementary age classes meet on the second floor of the Events Center building.  Dedicated adults teach the children the Word of God in an age-appropriate, small group environment.  At 10:50 a.m. parents of preschool children and other volunteers provide extended teaching care for children birth to pre-kindergarten age.  Children (kindergarten to second grade) participate in an interactive and vibrant large group time that includes active songs and creative Bible teaching.  Small group craft activities complement the large group time.

SUNDAY EVENINGS

Made for Praise Children's Choirs (5:00-6:00 PM) are offered for children age three years of age through seventh grade.  Children have the opportunity to learn more about God's love for them through God's gift of music in Children's Choir.  Childcare is provided for children birth through two years old.  Sunday evening worship is from 6:15-7:00 p.m.  Children age kindergarten through fifth grade participate in Sunday evening family worship in the Sanctuary.  Childcare is provided is provided for children birth through pre-kindergarten age.

VBS

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a one-week event each summer where the Bible is taught in an exciting setting built around a theme, such as sports, traveling, Bible lands, or even Bible characters. In past years, our children have experienced Veggie Tales, a Polar Expedition, and even a trip across the good ole' USA. The theme for 2009 is "Boomerang Express ", June 8-12 from 9:00 a.m. until Noon.  During the course of each day, the children participate in worship, Bible study, crafts, missions, and games. Vacation Bible School is offered for all children who have completed kindergarten through seventh grade.  Fifth-seventh graders will enjoy their very own "VBX" (Vacation Bible School Extreme).  Please contact the Children and Familiy Ministry Office for more information at 968-1316.

SPECIAL EVENTS

We offer summer camps for our children, a 4-day "day camp" at Ozark Conference Center for second and third graders (June 29-July 2, 2009); a five-day overnight camp for fourth and fifth graders in Siloam Springs (July 27-31). These camps emphasize both fun and spiritual growth.