PARENTS
WELCOME
WELCOME PARENTS
BRANCH KIDS
A Note From Our Kids Ministry Director
ALEXIS HALL Hi! I am Alexis and I am the Kids Minister at The Branch. I am so happy you are with us, and I hope you know you are welcome here! We would love to get you connected with our church family. We hope these pages help you learn what we are all about, and to know you are wanted here. God has put a burden on my heart to share the truth that children are blessings from the Lord (Psalm 127:3); that He made them with plans for good and with purpose (Jeremiah 29:11); and that we have a responsibility and privilege to teach them His Word (Deuteronomy 6:47, Psalm 78: 5-7). He has given me a great desire to help parents and caregivers raise their children in the truth of the Gospel, so that those children not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). I love the story of Jesus welcoming the little children in Matthew 19, because it reminds me that Jesus loves the little children! Those of us who have been around children realize why a child-like faith is beautiful – you have seen God’s light shine through them as evidence that the Spirit is at work; “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I believe God has equipped us, as the church, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is the God-given desire of my heart to help kids and their families know what it is to be an active member of the Body of Christ, and to grow in relationship with Him – not shrinking back, but persevering, because this Gospel is too great not to share (Hebrews 10:39). Branch Kids is a place where the Gospel is taught in its entirety – not watered down, or modified to fit what is easy. I love that we do not underestimate those who are young, for they can truly be examples for each of us (1 Timothy 4:12). Branch Kids is full of life and truth and love, and we are so excited to walk beside you as you raise your family; it is our honor. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. I am praying for wisdom and discernment as you are the most important part of your children’s faith walk. I am praying the Holy Spirit fills this place, and that the seeds planted will take root. I would love for you to join me in that prayer! Please do not hesitate to reach out – I would love to hear from you and I look forward to getting to know you! With much enthusiasm and love,
Email Alexis at
ahall@thebranch.org
BRANCH KIDS
We Believe Children have access to the same God as adults, and because of this, our Sunday morning program walks kids through a Christcentered, chronological journey through Scripture with the help of incredible volunteers.
The Bible is an amazing book. It’s not just a collection of stories, it’s one BIG story where everything points to Jesus. Every weekend, Branch Kids is connecting the dots that point to Jesus throughout the Old and New Testament in meaningful ways. Our journey even deals with the “tough stuff” in the Bible. Jesus’ friends carried His message to the ends of the earth. Faithful followers like Peter, Paul, and others shared the Good News wherever they went. You and I have the same calling. We are to share Jesus wherever we go until one day when He returns to make everything right again. We are privileged to share Jesus with kids every weekend. As we move into a new and exciting season at The Branch, we’re looking forward to the new stories, new faces, and new life that will come as more and more of these young people grow to know Jesus. We’re seeing children making their own decisions to follow Him, sharing their faith with everyone they meet, and living differently because of Jesus. We are striving to equip both our teacher volunteers and, more importantly, families for this mission. If you’re interested in seeing this mission carried out at The Branch, get in touch with us and be part of our ministry to children. We want to hear from you.
BRANCH KIDS
Where Do I Start? You may be wondering how Branch Kids works and where your child fits into the picture. F I R S T,
it’s important for you to know that we believe your child is already a part of Branch Kids – even as a newborn or first-tme guest. The fact that you’re reading this now means you and your child are a part of our ministry. Our nursery is open and available to your baby no matter how young they are.
We understand bringing your child to Branch Kids may be a bit overwhelming. We are hoping some practical information on what to expect will make you feel right at home. •
Each Sunday, we have check-in kiosks set up in the Kids & Youth area, where you will be greeted by our wonderful volunteers. They will gather your contact information and any special instructions for your child.
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Once registered in our system, you will receive a name tag for your child to wear, along with a pick-up sticker for you. This sticker is important, and allows us to verify that you and your child belong together when you come to pick them up.
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Drop off your child in the classroom indicated on their nametag. There will be ages posted by each doorway to help you find the right class. Babies can be dropped off along with their diaper bag, bottle, extra diapers, and anything else the volunteers might need to care for them.
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All of our Branch Kids classes include developmentally appropriate curriculum taught by volunteers who are following Jesus, and who are committed to showing His love to your kids. This includes the nursery, where even our babies are taught about God through interactive Bible stories, songs, and activities.
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Branch Kids abides by Ministry Safe policies and guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of all our kids.
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All of our preschool children will receive a snack of water and Goldfish. *Special precautions are available for kids with allergies.
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During service, we text parents if help is needed with their child, so please have your cell phone accessible.
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After service concludes, show your sticker to pick up your child.
P R AY E R S F O R YOUR CHILD Praying over your child is one of the most amazing gifts you can give them. God hears your prayers and is glorified as we pray to Him. Oh how wonderful it is for your child to hear you pray over them, and to see your relationship with God! Here are a few passages and prayers you can pray over your child. We would love to hear how you make this a part of your daily lives!
A Prayer of Thankfulness and Dedication to the Lord The Bible shares a story of Hannah, who prayed for a child – and God gave her a son! With a heart full of thankfulness, Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV) “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.
God, thank You for trusting me with ____________. You have answered my prayers, and my heart is overjoyed! Lord, for ____________ ‘s whole life, I give him/her to You. Give me wisdom as I teach him/her your ways and help point him/ her to You for all the days of his/ her life. I praise You with my whole heart! May I be a good steward of this most precious gift You have given me.
A Prayer for Salvation John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Acts 2:38-39 (NIV) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV) And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
I pray ________ grows up knowing the truth of Jesus – that You love us so much You gave your only Son to die in our place. I pray ________ believes in Him and repents – turning away from his/her sin and accepting the forgiveness offered in your mercy and grace. I pray ________ loves You with his/her whole heart, soul and mind, for all the days of his/her life. I pray for a heart of repentance as he/she grows and for the Holy Spirit to his/ her life. I pray he/she loves her/his neighbors as much as himself/herself, and points others to Jesus by being kind.
A Prayer for a Love for the Word When a child is willing to read and falls in love with God’s Word—and is willing to be taught by the Lord—everything will change. Psalm 1:2 (ESV) ...but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 119:102-103 (ESV) I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Isaiah 54:13 (NIV) All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.
Give ________ a deep love for the Word of God. May she/he delight in it and meditate on it day and night. May she/he find it more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. In times of confusion or doubt may she/ he look to You and trust in Your word and truth and guidance. You are good, God, and I know as she/he learns from You, great will be his/her peace.
A Prayer for a Teachable Heart When you look at your sweet little baby, it may seem hard to believe that someday your child will be stubborn and willful. While it’s important to raise children who are willing to be taught by us, it is even more important that they have teachable hearts when it comes to God’s Word. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Psalm 37:23 (ESV) The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.
God, I come to You asking for You to give ________ a teachable heart and that he/she is willing to be taught by You. I pray the same for myself as I teach ________ diligently and talk of your commands as I sit at home, and when I walk, when I lie down, and when I get up. I pray ________’s steps are ordered by the Lord, and that You direct and guide him/her throughout his/her life. In both the big things and the little things I pray he/she will bend to your will, and seek You first. Give ________ a heart for the things of You and may he/ she seek Your direction as he/ she grows up and begins making more choices on his/her own. I pray ________ knows of your goodness and Your Word that she/he may never depart from it.
A Prayer for Protection 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. Isaiah 54:17 (ESV) “…no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 16:33 (ESV) “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; l have overcome the world.” Psalm 121 (ESV) I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Mighty God, You are far greater than anything. You are sovereign and reign over all. Even though this world is full of trouble, and the enemy is prowling around, I pray ________ knows the power in the name of Jesus, and that no enemy has any power over her/him. I pray she/he will take heart and not fall prey to the schemes of the enemy. Remind her/him that You are faithful and will strengthen and protect her/ him from the evil one. I pray for protection from evildoers, protection in both her/his body as well as her/his mind. God, may Your truth be so much louder than the lies of the enemy. May she/he always turn her/his eyes to You for help, knowing You are her/his protector from all evil – You love her/him completely and You run to her/his aid when she/he cries out to You. May she/he grow closer to You when she faces trials of any kind. You are victorious and the enemy has no power over ________’s life. You have defeated death and have come to give ________ life abundant! Thank You for your love and protection!
A Prayer for Courage and Confidence Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
God, I pray ____________ knows of Your great love for him/ her. You made him/her on purpose, in Your image, and have plans to prosper and not harm him/her. ____________ is your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which You have prepared – may he/she walk in them and glorify You all the days of his/ her life! God, You go before and behind ____________. May he/ she be strong and courageous, knowing You go with him/her and will never forsake him/her. God, remind him/her there is no need to fear, because your perfect love casts out all fear. I praise You, Father, for the good work You are continuing in ____________, and I claim these plans for welfare and not for evil, a future and a hope in Christ for my baby!
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)