Children's Ministry

Welcome to the Children's Ministry Webpage for First Baptist Church of Wheeling.

We have a great children's department and leaders who work diligently with the children

to develop and encourage them to walk with Christ, have fun together, learn about missions,

and make great friends. View some of our activities below, and visit us to learn more

AWANA is off for the summer, but don't miss out on summer fun. There will be Wednesday night

summer children's themed programming at the church, opportunities to attend Camp Cowan,

and Vacation Bible School. Gather your friends and have fun at First Baptist Church and at camp.

For information about summer events, check with the church office at 304-242-7284

or with Mrs. Frank, the Children's director.

AWANA Ministry: A-Approved W-Workman A-Are N-Not A-Ashamed. (Taken from 2 Timothy 2:15) "Do your best to present yourselves to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of God." In January 2004 the AWANA Ministry began at First Baptist. The children are divided into age appropriate clubs. Puggles - for 2 year olds, Cubbies - ages 3-4, Sparks - grades K-2, and T&T (Truth and Training) - grades 3-6. The children learn scripture through independent studies in their workbooks. Some of our children have learned over 350 scriptures in the 4 1/2 years since we began AWANA. The children also attend Council Time (lessons) and the obvious hit of the evening is Game Time. For more information, contact us.

Vacation Bible School: Each summer, First Baptist holds our annual Vacation Bible School. We have classes for all ages: preschool, school aged children, teens, and adults. We participate in age appropriate lessons, songs, games crafts and snacks. Each year we choose a mission project to focus on for the week. For the past several years we have chosen missions to help children such as giving school supplies to Appalachian Outreach for children in southern West Virginia or providing needed supplies for Royal Family Kids Camp - a ministry helping children from abusive backgrounds. Our V.B.S. is open to all children of the church, neighborhood, and community.

Children's Church: Each week our children stay in the worship service for the Children's Message that not only helps the children to understand Biblical truths, but is also a highlight for many of our adults. It is an absolute joy to see the children come to the front of the sanctuary to hear, view, and/or participate in object lessons that even the youngest can understand. The children are then dismissed to attend Children's Church.

Two sections of Children's Church are held during the worship service. Our Preschool Church (ages 3-4) and our K-2nd Grade Church participate in lessons, singing, games, crafts, missions and more to help them understand how Jesus wants them to live. Our lessons and activities are Biblically based and include both Old and New Testament lessons. We have a dedicated team of Children's Church leaders whose goal is to help to lead our children to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Summer Programming: Since the AWANA ministry runs from September through May, the children at First Baptist have special summer programming during the months of June through August. Each year a theme is chosen and the children enjoy lessons, memory verses, crafts, games, missions projects, special activities and trips around the theme. Our summer theme spans Sunday School, Children's Church and Wednesday evenings.

Kids of the Kingdom Children's Choir: Our children meet each Sunday morning before Sunday School to sing praises to our Lord during our morning opening. The Kids of the Kingdom Children's Choir is open to all children from preschool through 6th grade. The choir regularly sings during the morning worship. During the Christmas season the children join with the youth and present the annual Christmas musical. They have also presented programs around Easter and the Fourth of July.

(The photo is from a special ceremony held on Sept. 11th, 2005 where the children all sang along with the adult choir.)

Children's Parties: Children's parties are regularly scheduled throughout the year for fun and fellowship. In October the annual Family Harvest Party is held. Members of all ages meet for an evening of fun, fellowship, and refreshment. Other parties held for the children may include Valentine's Day Party, "Is is Spring Yet?" party, End of Summer Party, and the AWANA Christmas Party. During the parties the children participate in object lessons, puppet shows, crafts, games, and refreshments