KIDS AT FIRST CHURCH
We would like to welcome you and your children to Kids at First Church. Your children will have a blast in KidZone which is designed to provoke discovery and invite kids into a new understanding of how to grow in relationship with Jesus.
Everything that is taught in KidZone is based on one of three basic, but powerful, truths modeled by Jesus in Luke 2:52: I need to make the wise choice. I can trust God no matter what. I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
Everything in KidZone is carefully designed to help your child creatively learn about Jesus through interactive lessons, music and hands-on age-appropriate activities.
MEET YOUR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY STAFF
Dolly Baird
Director of Children's Ministry
Micah Lange
Assistant Children's Ministry Director and St. Joseph Campus Children's Ministry Coordinator
Megan Potter
Afternoon Receptionist, Children & Student Ministry Administrative Assistant
Melina Palomera
Benton Heights Campus Children's Ministry Co-Coordinator
Melanie Mannix
Benton Heights Campus Children's Ministry Co-Coordinator
Kelly Fee
Eau Claire Campus Children's Ministry Coordinator
Alana Hays
Stevensville Campus Children’s Ministry Coordinator
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Here’s what to expect when visiting KidZone for the first time:
First, find the area marked KidZone Check-in. This area is located at the Info Hub at the First Church Campus you’re visiting.
There, you will meet the First Church Welcome Team. They’ll check your child into the system, and one of our volunteers will lead your child to their age-appropriate classroom.
Upon checking in for the first time, you will be asked the following questions (NOTE: We value your privacy and will not share this information with anyone):
-Parent/guardian name(s)
-Email Address
-Child’s name
-Child’s birthdate
-Home address
-Phone number
-Any special instructions (allergies, special needs) for your children
To ensure safety, all First Church volunteers pass a background check before working with your child.
HOW CHECK-IN WORKS
You can check-in your child at any KidZone Check-in area. After finding your child’s name in the database, you and your child will be given matching name tags that are exclusive to your family. Your child will be required to wear the name tag portion, you will reserve the matching tag.
After the service is complete, you will return to your child’s classroom and show your child’s matching tag to the classroom leader and your child will be released back to you.
YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US
At First Church, your child’s safety is our top priority. Every volunteer serving in our Children’s Ministry age 18 and older has completed a thorough background check and received training to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Our secure check-in system is in place for a reason: when you check in, your child receives a name sticker to wear on their front or back for easy visibility, and you receive a matching claim ticket. At pick-up, our team matches your ticket to your child’s sticker to ensure that every child leaves with the right adult. Each child’s sticker also includes important details such as allergies or special needs, so our team is fully informed and prepared to provide the best care possible. We are committed to creating a space where children are not only loved and taught about Jesus—but protected and known.
CHILDREN WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES
At First Church, we believe every child is uniquely created in the image of God and deserves the opportunity to grow in faith and feel a sense of belonging. That’s why we offer our Buddy System—a one-on-one support program designed to help children with diverse abilities participate fully and comfortably in our Kids’ Ministry environments. Whether your child benefits from extra support, sensory accommodations, or a more structured routine, our trained buddies are here to walk alongside them with care and compassion.
In addition, we invite families to be part of The Gathering—a community group specifically for families of children with diverse abilities. The Gathering provides a space for encouragement, shared experiences, prayer, and practical support as we navigate the joys and challenges of life together.
To learn more or get connected, visit our Info Hub or contact our Kids’ Ministry team. We’re here to help every child and every family thrive.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
This program is offered September through April
KidZone WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) is for aged 2 years-5th grade (and our nursery for children ages 0-24 months, is also available during this time). KidZone WOW runs during adult programming at First Church on Wednesday nights. Parents of children ages 0-Kindergarten MUST stay on campus.
If your child has attended KidZone at least once, they’re all set. If you haven’t attended Pre-register now.
Both Little KidZone and Big KidZone Clubhouse open at 6:15pm for drop off and programming begins at 6:30pm. Pickup happens at 8:00pm, immediately after adult programming is finished. Please be respectful of the time of our volunteers with your children.
Check-in for KidZone WOW follows the same procedure as checkin for KidZone on Sunday morning.
WHAT'S COMING UP IN CHILDREN'S MINISTRY?
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We know a lot of you want to get plugged in at First Church. This is an area that needs a lot of adult hands and feet to keep up with all those little hands and feet! Even if you can only serve one time per month, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to make learning about Jesus enjoyable. We have openings in the nursery, running tech in the children’s department at St. Joe Campus, as small group leaders at most of our campuses, and more. And don’t worry about the work, there is little preparation needed as we provide the curriculum for you. If interested in getting involved, click the button below and fill out a Serve card, selecting Children's Ministry as your serve area. We look forward to hearing from you!
GOT QUESTIONS?
If you have further questions about KidZone or visiting First Church with children, simply use the form below and get in touch with us!
WE LOVE KIDS AT FIRST CHURCH
