Common Ground Midtown values children as uniquely gifted individuals who are integral members of Christ’s body. Accordingly, our guiding vision for children is to include them in the life and work of the church so they can encounter Jesus.
what to expect on sunday mornings
Our children’s ministry rooms are open Sundays at 9:00 AM for nursery through 5th grade. We close the children’s ministry rooms and take time to worship together during the summer and Advent seasons. Our volunteers are excited to welcome each child and provide a space for everyone to grow, belong, and respond.
When you arrive on Sunday morning, sign in at the check-in desk. If it is your first time joining us, we invite you to come to the welcome center where a member of our hospitality team or children’s ministry team can help you register your child. If you would like to pre-register, please click here. At check-in, your child will receive a name sticker and you will receive a matching parent/guardian tag that you will use at pick up.
Our children in PreK through 5th grade will begin in the sanctuary to join in worship and then be dismissed to their children’s ministry rooms. Children in the nursery and the 2-3 year old room can go directly to their room.
Nursery
You will be greeted by a background-checked volunteer who will receive your child. This is an opportunity to communicate any needs your child might have with a children’s ministry team member. The nursery is a nurturing room where children play, listen to music, are read to, and held. Each child has a blessing spoken over them by our team.
2-3 year old room
Our toddlers begin learning about Jesus and hear God’s word through circle time, hearing a story, singing a song, and a creative response time. There is also free play and time for a snack. We serve pretzels as a snack and have gluten-free pretzels available for those who may need it.
Godly Play rooms (PreK-3rd grade)
Godly Play is not about keeping children entertained or just about learning lessons. It is about understanding how each of the stories of God’s people connect with the child’s own experience and relationship with God. Your child will be welcomed into the room each week by the shepherd. The storyteller shares the Godly Play story and then children are encouraged to wonder about the story before being welcomed into a time of response.
4th/5th Grade
Creating community and being in God’s word is the focus in the 4th/5th room each Sunday. A story from the Bible is read and discussed together. Then, there is a time of responding corporately or individually.
every child belongs
Every Child Belongs: Disability & Neurodivergent Support Ministry comes alongside any child that needs support as they encounter Jesus during our weekend services. We strive to provide each child with the environmental support that they need to fully participate in our church family so they can learn about God and hear from the Holy Spirit. We understand that accommodations and additional support with our programming on Sundays would allow some children to have a more meaningful experience. We are committed to working with families to ensure children of all abilities can feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow in their faith. If you would like to share information specific to your child to help them thrive when they are with us, please complete this form or reach out to Lynne Smiley to make your first visit with us a smooth experience.
Sensory supports are available for those who could benefit from them during church activities, including:
Noise-canceling headphones
Weighted blanket or weighted “lap buddy”
Fidget toys
If you would like to know more or join this ministry opportunity, please email Lynne Smiley.
Interested in learning more about serving in children’s ministry? Contact Lynne Smiley with questions or visit our Midtown Events page to check for an upcoming volunteer training.
parent resources
WE BELIEVE that parents have the primary responsibility for the spiritual formation of their children. It is our priority to support parents in this role and encourage families to center their lives on the person and way of Jesus.
If you have specific parenting needs, additional questions, or prayer requests, please contact Lynne Smiley.
If you would like to share information specific to your child to help them thrive when they are with us, please complete this form.
Subscribe to our Saturday morning parenting email for updates, resources, and fun activities for your children. Click here to find past issues of our weekly e-newsletter.
child dedication
As parents, you have an opportunity to express your gratitude to God for the gift of your child through child dedication. This is a practice where parents make a solemn commitment to raise their children in the way of Jesus.
baptism and communion
Baptism and communion are important parts of any Christian’s journey. What role do they play in the life of a very young follower of Christ? Click the buttons below to learn more about baptism and communion for children at CG Midtown.
