Kids & Family at Fresh Encounter Church
Nurturing young hearts to know and love Jesus.
At Fresh Encounter Church, we believe children are a precious gift from God and providing them with opportunities to grow in faith is one of our highest priorities. Our programs serve a dual purpose: creating engaging spaces for children to learn about God while also allowing parents to fully participate in worship and spiritual growth themselves.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14
Sunday Morning Kids Encounter Church
Every Sunday is an adventure in faith. Our Kids Encounter Church program creates age-appropriate spaces where children discover biblical truths through engaging activities, meaningful discussions, and joyful worship.
Want to Join Us Sunday?
Our Sunday Morning Flow:
- Our staffed nursery (newborn to age 3) is available throughout the entire service
- Children ages 4 and up begin in the main service with their families for worship
- Around 10:15 am, children are invited to transition to Kids Encounter Church for age-appropriate Bible teaching and activities (Basecamp: Ages 4-7/Pre-K through 2nd Grade, and Trailblazers: Ages 7-10/3rd through 5th Grade)
Family-Friendly Options:
We believe in supporting your family's preferences:
- Parents are welcome to remain in the nursery with their children if desired, with live streaming so you can see the main gathering while tending to your little ones
- Children of any age may stay in the main service for the entire gathering
- Parents can accompany younger children to Kids Encounter Church to help them settle in
- Our casual table setup makes it comfortable for families to sit together
- Feel free to step out with your children whenever needed
Whatever works best for your family each Sunday, we're here to support your worship experience together.
Wednesday Night AWANA
Building a foundation of faith, one verse at a time. AWANA Clubs are part of our Wednesday Nights at FEC program for the whole family, designed to help children memorize Scripture, understand biblical principles, and develop a lifelong relationship with Christ.
- 5:30 pm: Freewill Offering Meal for the entire family
- 6:15-7:30 pm: Age-appropriate programs including Nursery (ages 0-3), AWANA Clubs (ages 3-11), Youth Group (middle/high school), and Adult Bible Study
AWANA Clubs
AWANA Clubs for kids meet from 6:15-7:30 pm. AWANA stands for "Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed" from 2 Timothy 2:15.
AWANA is a fun approach to making the Bible come alive with caring, trained leaders who invest time, love, and wisdom into shaping children's lives. While kids enjoy activities together each Wednesday night, they're learning about Jesus, memorizing Scripture, and growing in their faith.
AWANA Groups:
Cubbies: Preschool 3-5 years old (by September 1)
Sparks: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
T&T (Truth in Training): 3rd through 5th Grade
Nursery: Available for children ages 0-3 so parents can volunteer with the AWANA program or attend the adult Bible study that runs simultaneously
Want to Join Us for AWANA or Learn More?
Parent Involvement:
Fresh Encounter encourages every parent to be involved in AWANA. When you register your child, please consider volunteering in any way possible. For the safety of our children and volunteers, we require everyone who serves to complete a background check.
To learn more about the AWANA program, please visit their website.
Special Events
Creating memories that point to Jesus. Throughout the year, we offer special events and activities for children and families to deepen their understanding of faith and build community together. These moments of celebration, learning, and fellowship become touchpoints that reinforce biblical truths in memorable ways.
Want to Get Connected for Special Events for the Whole Family?
Past and Future Special Events
Kids Encounter the Resurrection: Children learn hands-on about the events of Jesus's Resurrection week through interactive lessons and activities
Christmas Eve Sing: A special service where our children prepare and perform songs celebrating the birth of Jesus
VBS Day Camp Events: Summer vacation Bible school activities packed with fun, games, crafts, and Biblical learning
Fellowship Encounter on the Green: A community event featuring bounce houses, food, games, and the option for families to camp overnight together
Nishna Bend Trunk or Treat: Each October, our families participate in this community-wide event providing a safe, fun trick-or-treating experience
Family Ministry Nights: Periodic special events designed to bring families together for learning and fellowship
These events provide wonderful opportunities for children to experience faith in action while building relationships with other families in our church community.
