Ministries: Children & Youth

From pre-school through high school, young people at Fifth Church are encouraged to embark on a journey of spiritual growth. Adults introduce children to the great stories of our faith in a traditional Sunday School format, and guide them into adulthood through youth groups that tackle issues of Christian living. We welcome younger children to join us in regular Sunday worship, or to take part in alternative Worship Centers. Junior High and High School students often enhance our worship through song and instrumental music.

 
     


Preschool & Elementary Children

The Gate - for children from young fives through third grade
At both 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., children enjoy creative Biblical lessons and a time of practical application in small groups. Between the two worship services, kids take part in a variety of large group activities that reinforce Biblical learning, including music, art and literature.

Parents check their children in at the Gate prior to the 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. service, or before the middle hour.

Wednesday Night Kidz Clubs
January 9 - March 12, 6:30 - 7:55 pm children meet for Boyz and Girlz Clubs for 4 year olds through 4th grade upstairs. Child care is provided for nursery through preschool.

Lambs - for children from birth to 16 months

A safe place to play and learn as teachers shepherd them through an exploration of God's love as they read Christian story books and sing Christian songs, beginning with the 9:00 a.m. worship service through the end of the 11:00 a.m. service.

The Pasture - for children ages 26 months to 2.5 years

Children will learn age appropriate lessons with a Bible story and fun, interactive activities, beginning with the 9:00 a.m. worship service through the end of the 11:00 a.m. service.

The Flock - for children ages 2.5 to 4 years

Children experience group learning through singing, story time, prayer and hands-on activities using the God Loves Me curriculum, beginning with the 9:00 a.m. worship service through the end of the 11:00 a.m. service.

Contact: Lisa Scherpenisse (Lambs/The Pasture); Kim Bunsee (The Flock).

 

 
   

 
     
5th & 6th Grade

Sunday School
Fifth and sixth graders meet for prayer and discussion on a wide range of topics dealing with faithful living. When? 10:00 a.m. Sundays in "My Best Friends Basement" (sanctuary basement) Contact: Matt Zimmerman

Wednesday Nights
Their program includes Bible study, fun games with a message, and quarterly activities with an adult team. Contact: Matt Zimmerman

 
   

 
     
Junior High

Sunday School
Seventh- and eighth-graders meet in the Lounge for discussion on how to make decisions in line with Christian living. When? 10:00 a.m. Sundays
Contact:
Joanna Troke

Wednesday Nights
Young people meet in the Lounge for fellowship and fun with a message. Once each month, the group performs community outreach. When? 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Contact:
Joanna Troke

JHAF (Junior High at Fifth) Youth Group
Students come together monthly for service and social events, along with mission trips, camping and other recreational activities. Contact: Joanna Troke

 
   

 
     
High School

YAF (Youth at Fifth)

Sunday School
High School students in grades 9-12 share in-depth study of scripture in between the two Sunday morning worship services. When? 10:00 a.m. Sundays in the upper fellowship room. Contact: Christian Verwys

Sunday Night YAF
High School students gather weekly in a large group, small group or activity setting to spend time in worship, fellowship and discussion on how faith integrates into our world, especially as it relates to youth culture. Pizza and pop provided. When? 7-9 p.m. Sundays in the upper fellowship room. Contact: Christian Verwys

Trips
Youth at Fifth go outside of the church community to spend time with each other and share God's love with people around the world. Events for this coming winter and spring include tubing at Pando, Genesis 2008, spring break trip to New Orleans, continued work with our house church and local Grand Rapids ministries. Contact: Christian Verwys

 

 
     
Fifth Reformed Church, 2012 Griggs SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan   616.245.9247