Central to our philosophy is that children are very important to God; therefore, we are dedicated to communicating His care for them by embodying the following seven values that serve as a guide to all our decisions and behaviors within the context of our ministry to children:

• Safe Environment for Kids – Watch the local news and you will see our world described in many ways…but “safe” will not be one of them. We understand that safety and security are two of a child’s highest needs. Children have to face scary situations too often in their lives. We want our kids (and parents) to be able to know without hesitation that they are safe in KidzTown.
• Child Targeted - Just as missionaries immerse themselves in the culture of the people they are trying to reach, we want to immerse ourselves into and know the culture of children today. We will do what we need in order to reach this generation for Christ.
• Family Affirming – At Calvary , we believe that parents are primarily responsible for the spiritual formation of their children. We seek to provide an atmosphere that strengthens and supports parents in that process, and we encourage parents to be actively involved in the children’s ministry programming.
• Biblical Teaching that is Creative and Relevant – Children need to know the Bible was written for them and that it can be applied to every day life. Our goal is to help kids discover the relevancy of the Bible and the personal application of the Bible truth taught, while not forgetting to apply creativity and excellence so that kids “get it” rather than “endure it.”  We want Bible lessons to come alive for children, whether that means using a game show format, a competitive activity, or interactive storytelling.
• Small Group Based – We emphasize small groups as a primary means for believers to care for each other, develop friendships, and share their lives. We believe it is possible to provide a place where every child is individually treasured and valued, and where kids can build healthy bonds and trust with the same children and same leader.
• Team Based – A key ingredient in a team-based ministry involves a healthy volunteer base.  We are passionate about training volunteers and helping them find their spiritual giftedness. We believe that when volunteers are serving in areas where they are gifted, this is the beginning of an effective children’s ministry.
• Fun! – We realize that kids will not come back willingly to a place that’s not fun. And they certainly won’t invite their friends. In addition, we believe children are more motivated to learn in a fun-filled environment. Our goal is to have kids come back week after week because they can’t wait to return.

These seven values serve as guides to all our decisions and behaviors within the context of our ministry to children. If you have any questions or would like to serve in the KidZone ministry, feel free to contact Pastor David Stern at 563.263.3367.

We offer loving care for your child during our regular Saturday Night Worship service.  Children from age 0-1 year are together in our large nursery space.  Children from age 2-3 years are in another room, with great play space and age appropriate toys.

SUNDAY MORNINGS, 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM

We offer loving care for your child during our regular Sunday Morning Worship Service, and continue this care during our Community Hour (10:30-11:45).  Children are divided into 4 spaces:  Infants (0-12 months), Toddlers (13-24 months), Preschool 1 (age 2) and Preschool 2 (age 3).  Each room offers age appropriate toys.  The 2 & 3 year old rooms also feature a Sunday School teaching time during the 10:30 AM Community Hour.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Pastor David Stern at 563-263-3367.

KidZone is our high energy, age appropriate, kid-friendly program!  This is a new kind of Sunday School!  KidZone is broken into 4 groups:  Pre-Kindergarten (4 & 5 year olds), K-1 (Kindergarten-1st Grade), 2-3 (2nd & 3rd Grade) and 4-5 (4th & 5th Grade).  Each group has it’s own room, teachers and excellent bible-based curriculum.  KidZone features interactive large group teaching times, small group connecting, dramas, music, videos….you name it, it might happen in KidZone!  It all takes place back in KidzTown, a secure and kid-friendly facility just off the Commons.  On Saturday nights, KidZone runs during the Worship Service Time (6-7:15 PM).  On Sunday mornings, the program runs during the Community Hour (10:30-11:45 AM), AFTER the Worship Service.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Pastor David Stern at 563-263-3367.