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Children 
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Children's Programs and Activities: |
Our Values
Forest Hills is committed to the spiritual nurture of each child within our congregation. Through the use of a biblically based Anabaptist Sunday School curriculum, KIDS Church and Tot Time, mid-week clubs, a mentoring program, the celebration of milestones and participation in congregational worship, children are given opportunities to grow in a relationship with and commitment to God. We desire for each child to see themselves as a significant member of God’s kingdom and our church family.
Child Protection Policy
In September 2006, we adopted a Child protection Policy at Forest Hills Mennonite Church. All persons desiring to interact with children in an assigned role must read the child protection policy and comply with our volunteer worker application process. Anyone with a known record of child abuse is not permitted to work with children or youth in our congregation. Forest Hill’s Child Protection Policy is available to anyone wishing to read it.
Please contact Cheryl Hollinger for more information or to get a copy of the child protection policy
Activities for Ages infant - 5
Nursery services are provided for infants through children up to age 2 during Sunday School and our Sunday morning worship service.
Sunday School: Two separate Sunday School classes are provided for preschool children who turn two by the start of the church year up through age 5. Each class is geared to meet the needs and attention span of preschool children. A colorful curriculum, Gather ‘Round, produced by the Mennonite Publishing Network, is used in both classes.
Tot Time is provided for preschool children aged 2-5 during the Sunday morning worship service. Preschoolers are dismissed from the service before the sermon is given. Toys, games, music, stories and snacks allow children to interact in fun age appropriate play and worship while parents attend the worship hour.
Mornings Out for Mothers (MOMS) provides a great meeting place for mothers with young children. This long running church program includes speakers, crafts, food and much more. It meets on Tuesdays 9:00-10:30 a.m. throughout the church year. Free childcare is available for infants through kindergarten. For a current program schedule contact the church office.
Activities for grades K - 5
Sunday School: Forest Hills has two primary aged Sunday School classes. Each class interacts with Bible stories and lessons through an Anabaptist curriculum, Gather ‘Round, produced by the Mennonite Publishing Network. A team of dedicated teachers use a variety of activities to engage the children. Several times a year the teachers organize field trips or social events for these classes.
K f C (Kids for Christ) is a fun club with crafts, games, snacks, field trips, and weekly Bible lessons for children in grades K-4. KfC meets every Wednesday evening, mid October through March, at 7 p.m. These evenings are also used to help children practice for Christmas and Easter programs by singing, drama, or playing in the children's Bell Choir.
KIDS Church (for K - 5)is a separate children's worship service that meets twice a month during the adult worship time. KIDS Church includes singing, bell playing, Bible and object lessons, memory work and mission stories. More importantly, KIDS Church teaches children about God's love for them and helps them grow towards a commitment to follow Jesus. This program includes children in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Music, Bells & Drama: Primary children have regular opportunities to be involved in artistic ways of worship. Children are encouraged to play in the bell choir, perform drama pieces and sing. The congregation welcomes the children’s performances and participation in regular worship services and on special occasions. Children may also contribute to the congregational worship in other ways, prayers, readings, etc.
Junior Youth Grades 6 - 8
Sunday School: A seasoned and well-loved teacher leads the Jr. High Sunday School Class. The teacher encourages the youth to memorize scripture and make it apart of their lives. The class uses the Gather ‘Round curriculum produced by the Mennonite Publishing Network and meets in an informal room with comfortable chairs and couches.
Forest Hills provides a dynamic Wednesday evening program for youth in grades 6 to 8. The program runs from mid October through March . The meeting time is 7 p.m., usually at Forest Hills Mennonite Church. Parents are provided with a schedule of events throughout the year. Winter and summer weekend retreats and the annual Pinewood Derby competition are some of the highlights of the year.
Bible Quizzing
In 2006 Forest Hills revived the old tradition of having a Bible Quizzing team. This opportunity is open to Jr. High and Sr. High youth. Rigorous practices and Sunday competitions with other churches throughout Lancaster take place January through March. This is a great way for young people to learn scripture. For more information contact Cheryl Hollinger.
Mentoring Program
An optional Mentoring Program is available for young people in grades 6-9. Some older youth also choose to remain involved in the Mentoring Program. This program links youth with caring adults either in a one on one relationship, or small group structure. The goals of the Mentoring Program are:
- To create a small group experience that will provide spiritual nurture, friendship and accountability for youth.
- To meet 6 times a year for guided spiritual discussions and fun.
- To facilitate meaningful intergenerational relationships within our congregation.
Contact Cheryl Hollinger if you have interest in the mentoring program.
Mennonite Youth Fellowship (Senior High Group( Grades 9 - 12
The MYF meets weekly on Wednesdays for Bible study or another activity and on Sunday mornings in a Sunday School class. Throughout the year they have an active schedule which includes fund raisers for the annual mission trip or Mennonite Convention trip. For more information about the MYF see the youth page or contact the Youth Director, Don Nelson.
Milestones
Our congregation celebrates special milestones in the lives of the children within our church family. These include the birth and dedication of a child and their start into kindergarten. At second grade we Pass on the Book by presenting the child with a Bible. Other times of recognition occur when a child becomes a teenager, is baptized, and graduates from high school. A special service commemorates these milestone, and gifts are presented.
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Children