Family ministries

“One generation will commend your works to another, and declare your mighty acts.”

Family Ministries at Zion aim to support parents as they disciple their children. We take our vows as a church seriously to come alongside them as they raise their children to the glory of God. We have various ministries under the umbrella of Family Ministries, and they work together to support and encourage families throughout the phases of childhood and adolescence.

woman reading a book to children
Zion Youth Group (ZYG)
youth outside Fontenelle Forest

Preparing youth for lifelong discipleship

Zion Youth Group partners with parents by equipping middle and high school students with a biblical worldview as they prepare for the next phase of life. Through the various programs at ZYG, we help youth grow in their love for Jesus, encourage them to ask questions, dig deeper into the Word, and find community. All of the ministries at ZYG are open to middle and high school students.

Sunday Mornings

During the Sunday school hour, ZYG meets in the youth room downstairs for donuts and fellowship. It then splits into middle and high school groups for teaching. Students are encouraged to ask questions and be prepared to engage with the Bible.

Wednesday Evenings

The youth group meets in the gym following a connection meal for games and fun. They then move to the Youth Room for worship and a lesson from Scripture, followed by connecting with others in a small group.

Children’s Ministry

We partner with parents

We desire to equip our covenant children to be lifelong, active members of Christ’s Church by teaching children the Bible in a learning environment where kids are known and loved.

We believe parents are the primary disciplers of their children, and through our membership vows, we have covenanted together to walk with parents and children by connecting with children relationally, teaching them the whole counsel God’s Word (Proverbs 2:1-6, Eph. 3:17-19), and applying the Word to all areas of their lives.

At Zion church, our children experience safe, age-appropriate environments where they learn about Jesus in a biblical and engaging way. 

We have multiple opportunities for children to learn and grow in their knowledge of God on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, as well as special church family events like our Cocoa and Carols night, our Zion Grand Prix, and VBS. 

Sunday Mornings

Sunday School is available for potty-trained children aged 3 years through 5th grade. Children meet in the gym downstairs during the education hour for a time of singing. After 15 minutes of opening time in the gym, each class (Preschool, Kindergarten/1st grade, 2nd/3rd grade, 4th/5th grade) then goes to their classroom for their lesson time. Parents or guardians pick children up from their respective Sunday school classrooms. 

Wednesday night Kids Club

Zion Kids Club is a part of our Wednesday night Connection gathering. From 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm, children aged 3 (potty-trained) through 5th grade can participate in our Zion Kids Club. Through singing, teaching, games, and Scripture memory, we want to encourage our children to grow in their knowledge and love of God. 

**We are currently on break for Zion Kids Club, but will resume in the fall of 2025. 

children walking with adult holding hands
Nursery
children and woman in nursery

Caring for the smallest members of the church

The Zion Nursery aims to bless our families by allowing parents to worship and serve while knowing their children are in safe and loving hands. Nursery care assures parents and children that people of every age - even babies - have a special place in our church family.

Nursery is for ages 6 months to 2-years-old. The Nursery is located downstairs near the restrooms. Nursery care is available during worship service and also during Education Hour, as well as on Wednesday nights during Zion Connection.

Before Service

First, fill out the provided nursery check-in card and clip this inside the nursery above your diaper bag at drop-off. Please take your toddlers to the restroom before drop-off and provide any special instructions to a nursery volunteer.

During Service

Your check-in card gives our nursery volunteers the information we need to best care for your child during the service.

  • Contact info: Parents must remain in the building and be reachable by phone or text.
  • Allergies: Toddlers are given a mid-service snack of Cheerios. If you are sending an alternate snack please provide one that is gluten, dairy, and peanut free.
  • Crying Policy: A little separation anxiety is to be expected, especially if this is your first visit. Our volunteers will do our best to distract, comfort, and calm crying children at drop off. Let us know your strategies and comfort level for soothing your child. If a child is inconsolable about 15 minutes, we will let you know via text.

We do track diaper changes with yellow and brown stickers on your child's name tag.

After Service

When you pick up your child, please return your card to the basket outside the nursery, which contains tabs for cards to be alphabetized by last name. Pickup is only allowed by a parent or sibling who is at least 16 years old and has parental permission.

Health & Safety

Children will not be admitted if they have been ill within the past 24 hours. We will notify parents immediately if these symptoms occur while in the nursery.

All adult volunteers go through the steps of our Child Protection Policy, a background check, and Darkness to Light training. Youth volunteers serve alongside adults - this is a great way for families to serve together!

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Pray for Me logo

Zion takes the vows of baptism and church membership seriously when we promise to assist parents as the primary disciplers of their children. One way we come alongside families is by praying for all the youth and children and Zion as a church. Each year, every member is assigned a child to pray for; they then pray for the child throughout the year and receive a new prayer buddy before summer begins. When seniors graduate from high school, their prayer partners from all the previous years join in praying for them during the service. God cares about children; therefore, we pray for them!