Children

Birth to 5th grade

We believe everyone matters and that includes our youngest members, especially in worship. The experiences of family remind us that we are all God’s children, every single one of us. Highland Park strives to be a place for families to connect with one another and for children and parents to learn about God together. We hope your family will find support and friendship here at Highland Park. If you have specific questions about the Children’s Ministry, please contact Abby Byrd, Children’s Ministry Coordinator.

Children are free to join us during Sunday School from 9:30-10:30am in the multipurpose room, and then again during Extended Session after the Children’s Sermon. During the worship service at 11:00am, they have the opportunity to chime the hour at the beginning of the service and participate in the children’s sermon on the altar steps with our Children’s director Abby.

On Sundays:

Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. for all ages. Our pre-elementary children gather in the Nursery wing and school-age children gather in the first floor Multi-Purpose room, Rm. 134. The school-age children begin with Opening Assembly and then continue with a lesson through age-appropriate activities.

The school-age children are invited to the 10:55 a.m. church service, where our older kids assist with carrying elements like the Christ Candle or Gospel Book, and we ask 3rd graders and older to stay in worship with the adults. Following the Children’s Time, children younger than 3rd grade are dismissed to the first floor Nursery wing.

Activities throughout the year:

In addition to the worship, education, and play opportunities offered each Sunday morning, there are many fun events during the school year that keep our kids busy and happy. We have multiple inter-generational activities that follow the church and seasonal calendar, including Christmastime Plum Pudding Festival, Palm Sunday Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest and Halloween Festival, and others! On the first Sunday of each month, we have a special children’s afternoon event including lunch. We call this time SWEETT: Sundays We Eat and Enjoy Time Together. We hope your family can join in on the fun!

Summertime Children’s Camp & Vacation Bible School

Each summer we have a week of Bible lessons, crafts, games, snacks, physical activity, and music at Vacation Bible School.

Children’s Camp: this is a rustic camp experience for (completed) 3rd graders – (completed) 6th graders, where God’s creation abounds and worship becomes natural and joyous. Children’s Camp takes place at Disciples Crossing in Athens, TX. Any Highland Park kiddos and friends who have finished 3rd grade through 6th grade are eligible to attend. We’ll spend our days hanging out with friends, swimming, going to bible study, learning about and doing missions, recreation, worship and so much more. It’s a fun way to learn more about God’s love and a great way to make new friends.

How to Get Involved

When in-person, we strive to help children see, feel, and experience God’s love through our interaction, programs, and worship. Teachers, sponsors, and van drivers are needed to assist in these activities.

Monthly “SWEETT” events – such as a bowling outing, arts and crafts following worship, special holiday events. You can get involved by coming along as a sponsor, driving the bus, or providing snacks for the children.
Vacation Bible School – a summertime half-day experience of fun, Bible study, drama, and games, culminating with a Friday lunch and performance. Volunteers are always needed in many capacities!
Children’s Camp – once children have completed the third grade, they are eligible for Children’s Camp in conjunction with the Southwest Baptist Youth Camping Association composed of other churches in the state. If you would like to attend as a sponsor, we would love your help.

Maddy Bewley teaching Children's Sunday School

Bell Morton puts Chrismon on Sanctuary Christmas tree

Caleb Gamble picks out children's Christmas tree

Children create Christmas crafts at December SWEETT

Katie McCann and Easter Bunny in Sapp Hall

Children show Easter Eggs from Palm Sunday Picnic

Hannah, Katalina, and Thyra Neas with faces painted at Harvest Festival

the kids listen to the children's sermon from Abby Byrd on the altar steps

Kids and Youth gather for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt

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