Christian Education

NCF Children and Youth Ministries exist to partner with families to grow up each child to know and love God through

education, fellowship, and discipleship.

SUNDAY SERVICE

NCF offers children’s services on Sunday mornings during the time of corporate worship. We have a designated Watch Room for all children under the age of 4 years old. All children can begin service with their parents in the main sanctuary. After engaging in a portion of adult service and a prayer for the children, all elementary students (Pre-K4 through 5th grade) are dismissed to Children’s Service. Youth group (6th through 12th grade) remain in the sanctuary to continue worshipping with their parents. The Youth Group engage in bible classes and fellowship events outside of Sunday service.

* Upon arrival, please visit the welcoming table for more information.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE YOUTH TO DEVELOP:

Live for the audience of One: fear God not man.
Love God’s Church: its gospel, its people and its mission.
Learn God’s truth: discerning the world’s deception.
Lean on others: know your limitations and depend on others.
Leave childish ways: suffering well to be better not bitter.

Christian Education Board:

If you have any questions/concerns, feel free to reach out and we’ll be more than happy to assist you as best as we can.

“The Well” (Ages 0 - 3 YEARS)

Exists to provide a safe and clean environment for worship and play for the church’s infants and young toddlers, aged 0-3 years old, alongside their parents. This area is furnished with baby friendly playmats, toys, diaper changing area, and a mother’s station. Stroller parking is available upon entrance. The worship service is streamed live into “The Well” for parents to engage while watching their children.*

*We welcome all parents to stay in the sanctuary with their children for the entirety of the service. However, if your infant/toddler needs a break, you are welcome to use this area.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (Toddler & Elementary)

Exists to serve the next generation by providing a safe, fun and educational environment that focuses on teaching Biblical content, introducing them to bible stories, instilling Biblical character and forming Biblical convictions (Note: only members of NCF are permitted to serve).

TODDLER’s MINISTRY (Ages 2 - Pre-k3)*

Children from 24 months and up through PREK 3 begin together with a time of worship, including praise, body worship and a Bible message. Afterwards, younger toddlers engage in different stations according to their interest: coloring, playdoh, storybooks, blocks, STEM toys, etc. If possible, they are encouraged to stay in the room independently while parents attend adult service. Toddlers break out into a classroom for reinforcement of the Bible lesson through interactive lessons, crafts and activities. They end together with a bible video and snacks.*

*Due to Covid-19, at this time children under the age of 4 are required to remain, either in the main sanctuary or designated Watch Room. [Updated: 1/24] Please check back for updates.

ELEMENTARY MINISTRY (PRE-K4 - 5th Grade)

Elementary children from PREK 4 through 5th grade begin worship service with their parents in the sanctuary where they engage in main praise, confession of sin and Westminster catechisms. They are dismissed to hear a Bible message, and then break out into age/grade-specific small groups to deepen understanding of gospel truths and to foster personal connections.

Bridge Class (6th grade)

A 9-month class designed for students entering the youth group (6th grade). The purpose of this class is to prepare students to transition to the adult worship service by teaching them to confirm the faith (confirmation), defend the faith (apologetics) and worship of the faith (liturgy). Bridge Class meets on Sundays 10 AM-11 AM.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

Our church loves to bless our children through various events throughout the year including an Easter Event, Fall Festival, VBS and Moving Up ceremony before the beginning of back to school.

If you have any questions about our programs, please contact our Children’s Education Board at children@nyncf.org.

YOUTH GROUP (6th - 12th Grade)

Youth group functions with a group of leaders providing training and mentorship for the youth. Gathering on a bi-monthly basis, we ensure a safe space for students to share and grow together. Youth group’s mission is to develop the youth (6th -12th grade) to take ownership of their faith and realize their identity in Christ through discipleship, outreach, and social gatherings. We seek to build and deepen Christ-centered relationships for a greater understanding of each individual’s place in this church and the world. As each student completes his or her time in youth group, they will have an enhanced comprehension and application of the Gospel, learning to reflect God’s love as they enter adulthood.