Children @ First Coral Gables

One day, a bunch of parents wanted their children to meet Jesus so that he could give them a blessing. They had likely traveled a long way to approach this holy man, and were disappointed when some of Jesus’ followers told him that he was too busy to bother with their kids.

Oh, man. This did not make Jesus happy. He scolded his followers, holding up children as the model for what his followers should be.

That is why we are HAPPY to welcome children into all our worship services! We are very aware that the presence of children is a gift to the church & a reminder that we are growing.

We also know that God put the wiggle & giggle in kids, so do not feel the need to suppress it in God’s house. :) You might want to sit towards the front, where your children can see and hear better. If you need to leave the service (even in the middle of the sermon), that’s okay! Feel free to explain to your child what is happening. Sing, pray, participate, & enjoy!

CONNECTKIDS sunday school (ages 3 through 5th grade)

Our ConnectKIDS Ministry provides a foundation for children to start their faith journeys. The children learn a Bible point each week based on a story from the Bible. Interactive games, activities, stories, and songs reinforce the Bible point, providing multiple ways for kids to learn and remember the Bible point. ConnectKIDS happens during the 11:00 worship service. The children enter the Sanctuary with parents. Registration and check-in are located in the Sanctuary Lobby. Children stay in worship with their parents for the first part of the service.  They are invited to come up front for a “Children’s Moment,” after which they are escorted to the Kids’ Classrooms by screened and trained volunteers. Parents pick up their child after worship in the Kids’ Classrooms.

We use a registration system called KidCheck to provide maximum safety for our children. To save time when you visit, you can register on KidCheck ahead of time. Go to https://go.kidcheck.com/signin.aspx to create an account. The account is made in the parent’s name. Then add child(ren), plus additional guardians who may check in/out the child (spouse, partner, grandparent, etc.).

NURSERY (Birth through age 3)

Nursery is available for infants through 3 year olds at the 11:00am worship service. Our nursery is staffed by qualified, screened and trained caregivers every Sunday morning.

SIT TOGETHER SUNDAYS

About once per month we have a "Sit Together Sunday" in our 11:00am service. Instead of leaving the Sanctuary to go to ConnectKids Sunday School, the children and youth of the church lead us in worship! All kids are invited to sit with their families to enjoy worship and take Communion together! This is a fun, family-friendly service. Invite a friend... or two or three! Nursery is available for children birth through 2 years.

the growing place School

The Growing Place School is a well-established Christian early childhood center serving children ages one year through 2nd grade. We provide high-quality care and education based on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education, in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. Serving our community and beyond with love and dedication since 1963, The Growing Place School welcomes families from all backgrounds, faiths, ethnicities, and nationalities, as we value being part of a rich and diverse cultural community. For more information about The Growing Place School, click here!

Child & Youth Protection Protection Policy

First Coral Gables makes every effort to creative a safe, protected environment for our children and youth. All adult staff and volunteers who who work with children and/or youth must be fingerprinted and screened and take part in Child & Youth Protection Policy training each year. If you have questions about the Child & Youth Protection Policy, contact Director of Operations, Corina Dekker, by email or at 305.445.2578 ext 1002.