Kids Team: COVID-19 Response
For Crossroads Parents
Crossroads Kids
Matt Thieman
Kid's Pastor
919-981-0222 x165
Sara Lynn Miller
WF Kids Director
919-570-5777 x280
Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kid's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x108
Leigh Sawtelle
Special Needs Director
919.981.0222 x161
Crossroads Kids is a children's ministry uniquely designed with your child in mind! Children from birth through 5th grade experience safe, age-appropriate environments where the Bible is taught in a creative and relevant way. Join the fun and experience a world where kids meet Jesus on their level!
How Can I Stay in the Loop?
If you'd like to learn more about the curriculum, what the children are learning, or what the Kids Ministry teams are up to, be sure to visit our Facebook page (and "LIKE" us!).
Matt Thieman
Kid's Pastor
919-981-0222 x165
Sara Lynn Miller
WF Kids Director
919-570-5777 x280
Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kid's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x108
Leigh Sawtelle
Special Needs Director
919.981.0222 x161
+ Matt Thieman
Kid's Pastor
919-981-0222 x165
Sara Lynn Miller
WF Kids Director
919-570-5777 x280
Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kid's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x108
Leigh Sawtelle
Special Needs Director
919.981.0222 x161*Parents, we recently created a page that offers an extensive list of resources available for you as you disciple your children at home. Espescially during this time in our world right now, you have a unique opportunity for worship, Bible study and discipleship at home with your kids. Find these resources updated weekly at crossroads.org/parent-resources.
Crossroads Family,As you know, all “in-person” services and programs for Sunday have been moved online. However, we do not want to fall into a spirit of fear, nor do we want our children to feel frightened or overwhelmed with the multiple disruptions of normal routines. Our leadership team and your Kids Min Pastor and Directors all encourage you and your family by worshiping with us together online Sunday morning.
In addition to our adult online worship service, we would like to provide our ministry area the same opportunity. Our curriculum provider has supplied us with a modified worship experience for multiple age groups that is easily accessed online.Also included are great “crisis conversation guides” via Parent Cue to facilitate discussion on how we respond to God and others in a moment of crisis. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to engage and reassure your children in how to trust God when life brings us moments of trials and testing.
What you need to know:
- Access the online worship experiences here for Pre-K, Elementary, and Preteens.
- Access the Crisis Conversation Guides here.
- Participate with your kids in their online worship experience at 3pm on Sunday
- One of our parents suggested for us all to share pictures and videos on Facebook or Instagram, of our kids participating in the worship experience at home. If you cannot do this at 3pm, that is ok. You will still be able to access the links and resources and can post your photos anytime.
- Continue to pray for Pastor Andy and Pastor Ryan, the Elders, and the Crossroads family as we all plan for the coming weeks ahead.
Stay up to date with Crossroads at crossroads.org/coronavirus, and with our local and state government for updates on COVID-19, etc. As always, if you have concerns or questions, we are one phone call away. Let's stand together as we continue to lead our kids by placing our hope and trust in the One who controls all things!- Crossroads Kids Team
+ Vacation Bible School
June 22-26Lydia Gosselin
VBS Director
703.973.4749Matt Thieman
Millbrook Kids Pastor
919.981.0222 x165Sara Lynn Miller
Wake Forest Kid's Director
919.570.5777Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kids Ministry Admin
919.981.0222 x108Vacation Bible School: Focus
For Rising Kindergarten - 5th Graders
June 22-26
Millbrook Campus | 6 - 8:30pm
FOCUS Vacation Bible School will help kids dive deeper into their faith. Kids will have a blast as they discover how to trust in what they CAN'T see because of what they CAN see by putting the FOCUS on God and His incredible plan for us.We'll use this week to explore four different ways we can FOCUS on God: Hear, Pray, Talk and Live.
*Registration for VBS closes June 17! Space is limited so register today!
Please fill out the required waiver for each child below:Interested in Volunteering?
Attend an interest meeting after each service on March 15 at the Millbrook Campus in the Friendship Factory and on March 22 at the Wake Forest Campus in Rm 205. For information about joining the VBS Volunteer Team, contact Lydia Gosselin at 703-973-4749.
For assistance with registration or general questions about VBS, contact Laura Shank.
Interested in volunteering on a regular basis and making in impact in the life of our kids at Crossroads Kids? Contact Matt Thieman at matt.thieman@crossroads.org.
+ Kids - 2020
Supplemental ResourcesMatt Thieman
Kid's Pastor
919-981-0222 x165
Sara Lynn Miller
WF Kids Director
919-570-5777 x280
Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kid's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x108
Leigh Sawtelle
Special Needs Director
919.981.0222 x1612020: Year of Transformation - Kids Resources
Here are some recommended resources for parents and kids, picked out specifically by our Kids Ministry Staff. These are meant to be supplements to your daily reading of the Bible in 2020. We hope they will be helpful to your family as you dive deeper into God’s Word this year!- The Bible App for Kids by Life.Church
The same church responsible for creating the YouVersion Bible app has developed an amazing, interactive kids version that can be used on any smart phone, tablet, or computer. They also have a special page on their website tailored just for parents!
- Cornerstones: Questions and Answers to Learn Truth*
How can parents teach kids to know God’s truth? By asking and answering the right questions. For centuries, parents have used the ancient method of reciting questions and answers to teach the core doctrines of the faith. This beautifully designed book uses this regular rhythm of asking and answering to introduce children to spiritual truths and spark a hunger within them to know God even more. *Description provided by Cornestones.
- Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids*
This is an awesome resource written by David Murray. Exploring the Bible leads kids ages 6–12 through the Bible one day at a time over the course of a year, helping them see the overarching story of God's Word and laying the foundation for a lifetime of discovering truths about God, humanity and the gospel. *Description provided by Reformation Heritage Books.
- The NIV Adventure Bible*
The bestselling NIV Adventure Bible will get kids excited about reading the Scriptures! Kids will be captivated with the full-color features that make reading the Bible and memorizing their favorite verses engaging and fun. Along the way they will meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of things about the Bible. Most importantly they will grow closer in their relationship with God. Over 9 million copies of the NIV Adventure Bible have been sold and it is recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids! *Description provided by Amazon.
- The Bible App for Kids by Life.Church
+ Awana - Millbrook Campus
Matt Thieman
Kid's Pastor
919-981-0222 x165Kay Nicholls
Awana Commander
awana@crossroads.org
Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kid's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x108Awana
3 Years Old - 5th Grade
Wednesdays
6:30 - 8pm
**September 4, 2019 through May 6, 2020!Contact Matt Thieman for questions regarding Awana!
Awana is an international children's program that reaches kids for Christ through fun, Scripture-rich experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him. Kids work at home in age-appropriate handbooks, then return to their clubs each Wednesday (from September through May) to earn awards and have fun, all within a positive incentive-based structured program. Awana is designed for kids from 3-years-old through 5th grade.
Age-Specific Clubs
Cubbies is designed for 3-5 year old preschool children who are potty-trained. In order for your child to join Cubbies, they must turn 3 years old by August 31st. The 2-year curriculum is written in a fun, storybook style and lovable characters. Three-year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is serving in Cubbies. For information about volunteering, click this link: https://crossroads.org/kids-volunteer.
Sparks ignites the curiosity of Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade children to learn about the people and events of the Bible—building a foundation of wisdom for knowing Christ. Sparks is divided into three years, each with a unique rank: HangGlider, WingRunner, and SkyStormer.
T&T Adventure teaches 3rd through 5th graders that salvation in Christ is the ultimate adventure! There are two Ultimate Adventure handbooks, and each one answers four questions about God and the Bible that 3rd through 5th graders frequently ask.
Awana Theme Nights:January 8 Royalty Night 15 Blackout Night 22 Blue Night 29 Souper Bowl Night February 5 Parents Night 12 Camp In Night 19 Red Night 26 Bows and Ties Night March 4 Pajama Night 11 Yellow Night 18 Global Night 25 Olympics Night April 1 Green Night 8 No Club Easter Week 15 F.R.O.G. Night 22 Sandals R Us 29 Pie Night May 6 Award Ceremony
Volunteer In Awana
Awana LOVES volunteers! There are several volunteer roles from which to choose. Opportunities include giving 10-15 minute group devotionals, helping with preschool crafts, listening to kids recite Bible verses they've memorized. Adults or teens interested in serving in Awana are encouraged to send an email to our Awana Commander, Kay Nicholls at awana@crossroads.org. If you have a gift or passion, we can find a way for you to use it to assist the Awana Ministry!+ Awana - Wake Forest Campus
Paula Batton
Awana Commander
919.452.8906
Sara Lynn Miller
WF Kids Director
919-570-5777 x280Awana - Wake Forest Campus
3 years old - 5th Grade
Sunday Nights
3-4:30pm | $80/Year**Online registration is now CLOSED. On-sight registrations will be available at the Welcome Desk on September 8.
**Awana resumes Sunday, September 8 at 3pm!
Awana Clubs seek to reach kids for Christ through fun, Scripture-rich experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him. Kids work at home in age-appropriate handbooks, then return to their clubs each Sunday afternoon to earn awards and have fun, all within a positive incentive-based structure program.
At the Wake Forest campus, we have Awana clubs for preschoolers through 5th grade on Sunday afternoon 3-4:30pm, from September through May.
Age-Specific Clubs
Cubbies is a program designed for 3-5 year old preschool children, in the two years prior to kindergarten. The 2-year curriculum is written in a fun, storybook style with read-aloud stories and lovable characters.
Sparks ignites the curiosity of Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade children to learn about the people and events of the Bible—building a foundation of wisdom for knowing Christ. Sparks is divided into three years, each with a unique rank: HangGlider, WingRunner, and SkyStormer.
T&T (Truth & Training) is a fun and engaging Bible study for 3rd-5th graders, teaching kids the truth of God's Word and trains them to follow Him and practice His grace.
Volunteer in Awana
Awana relies on volunteers. There are several volunteer roles from which to choose. Opportunities include:- Small Group Leader - working alongside 5-7 clubbers using provided handbooks to help them with their understanding scripture and leading prayer
- Directors - organizing leaders in individual clubs, setting schedules, managing inventory, and filling in for leaders as needed
- Game Director - organizing 2-3 games for each club, feeding the excitement of Awana for the clubbers through fun
- Subs - As life occurs there is a need to have substitues volunteers cover when others are out in all of the above roles
If you are able to assist with any of these Awana roles/projects please contact Paula Batton. Weekly volunteer roles receive a 50% enrollment discount for their children. Please contact Paula Batton to get your registration promo code for this discount.
+ Millbrook Campus
6 weeks - 5th gradeMatt Thieman
Kid's Pastor
919-981-0222 x165
Laura Shank
Nursery & Preschool Director
Kid's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x108
Leigh Sawtelle
Special Needs Director
919.981.0222 x161Sunday Mornings
9:15 & 11amWeeland Zoo | 6 weeks - Younger Three's
Weeland Zoo is a loving and caring environment for our Cuddlers, Crawlers, Walkers and Runners. Each week children are prayed for, experience music, Bible stories and activities at their level. Children progress by stages of development and/or age. *Our Nursing Mother’s Room is located down the hall and to the right, with live sermon broadcast and diaper changing station.
The Neighborhood | Three's - Pre-kindergarten
Welcome to the Neighborhood! We bring the Bible to life with regular small group leaders who invest in your preschoolers each week throughout the year; activity group leaders make learning a fun experience with games, crafts and snack time; and of course, Sunday morning wouldn’t be complete without a special time in the Theater for worship and story time!
Main Street | Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Main Street is the place to be! Whether you are joining us in the Sprinkles Ice Cream Shoppe (K-1st) or The Toy Company (2nd- 5th) you are going to have a great time! Our weekly Small Group leaders build relationships with groups of 8-10 kids, helping them learn to apply the Bible’s truths to their lives, while our Activity Leaders keep the kids moving, engaged and learning at age-appropriate levels. Each week, we take a walk down Main Street to our Friendship Factory for worship, games, video and skits to further drive home the week’s main point. You don’t want to miss what we have planned for you this week! Come on and join us!
Little Star for Children with Special Needs
Sundays at 11am Only | Rm 360
During the 11:00 service on Sundays, we offer our S.T.A.R. (Special Time Activity Room), a fun and relaxing time with trained volunteers for children with special needs, ages 2-10 yrs old. S.T.A.R. allows parents and caregivers some alone time to worship or attend a Sunday Morning Connect class. Special Friends also offers shadows for all children with special needs during Crossroads’ programming hours.
Sunday Morning - Precepts Class
9:15 & 11am
Precepts for Kids | 3rd-5th Grade
Rm 343
Precepts is an inductive Bible Study for 3rd-5th graders that runs September 8 - May 15 during each service. This year's study is called: God, What's Your Name? God will answer that question personally through His stories in the Bible. We will go undercover as spies and discover God is our Creator, Provider, Healer, Shepherd and much more. This classroom environment includes worship, review games, a Bible buck store and interactive learning while going deeper into God's word. Cost: $15/per child.
Wednesday Nights
6:30-8pm
Awana | 3 years - 5th grade
Awana is an international incentive-based children’s program that reaches kids for Christ through fun, age-appropriate handbooks with scripture memorization, games, awards and more. For more information or to register, check out our Millbrook Awana page.
Wednesday Night Childcare | 6 weeks - Pre-K
Childcare is offered for parents who are attending a Wednesday Night Life class, small group or volunteering on campus. Please check-in at our Crossroads Kids welcome desk when you arrive.
+ Wake Forest Campus
6 weeks - 5th gradeSara Lynn Miller
WF Kids Director
919-570-5777 x280
Paula Batton
Awana Commander
919.452.8906Sunday Mornings
9:15 & 11AMThe Neighborhood | 6 weeks - 5th Grade
Nursery | 6 weeks - Younger Two's
Even the smallest members of our Neighborhood are cared for in a loving, safe and nurturing environment by trained volunteers in each of our Cuddler (6wks-6months), Crawler (6mos-1 yr) and Walker (1-2 yrs) rooms. Nursery age children progress by stages of development and/or age. *Our Nursing Mother’s Suite is located on the 2nd floor, behind our ladies’ restroom, with live sermon broadcast and diaper changing station.
Preschool | Older Two's - Pre-Kindergarten
Preschool Church brings the Bible to life with regular small group leaders who invest in your preschooler each week, making learning a fun experience with game, crafts and snack time.
Elementary | Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Each week kids experience a fun and interactive curriculum, large group worship and bible stories followed by small group time that gives kids an opportunity to talk about what they’ve learned and how they can apply it to their lives.
Sunday Afternoons
3-4:30pm
Awana | 3 years - 5th grade
Awana is an international incentive-based children’s program that reaches kids for Christ through fun, age-appropriate handbooks with scripture memorization, games, awards and more. For more information or to register, check out our Wake Forest Awana page.
Wednesday Nights
6:30-8pm
Wednesday Night Childcare | 6 weeks - Pre-K
Childcare is offered for parents who are attending a Wednesday Night Life class, small group or volunteering on campus. Please check-in at our Crossroads Kids welcome desk when you arrive.
+ SERVE
Crossroads Kids Ministry thrives on the commitment and dedication of our volunteers. We couldn't do this without you!
If you are interested in serving within our Kids Ministry, please fill out the Volunteer Application below along with the Background Check for your respective campus.1. Volunteer Application
2. Background Check
If you are a student interested in serving within our Kids Ministry, please fill out the Volunteer Application below:
Student Volunteer Application
For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Thieman at the Millbrook Campus or Sara Lynn Miller at the Wake Forest Campus.+ Special Needs
Respite, AE Ministries and Shadow Program:
Leigh Sawtelle
Special Needs Ministry Director
919.981.0222 x161Anthony Thomas
Care & Discipleship Pastor
919.981.0222 x113
Sarah Spragg
Care & Discipleship Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x146
Abilities Enabled
Dedicated to ministering to those among us who have special needs by:- Creating a church home enviroment for persons of all ages with disibilities to worship learn and connect to God
- Providing support to individuals, children and their famlies as they navigate the waters of the special needs community
- Reaching the Raleigh community to witness God's love and grace lived out through the lives of famlies as our wonderful volunteers.
Sunday Morning Connect Classes & Volunteer Opportunities:
*Due to the necessary precautions surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Abilities Enabled is postponing all meetings until further notice. Please visit crossroads.org/coronavirus for more updates!
AE (Ages 6-12)
11am | Rm 360
A Sunday School class (Sunday Morning Connect) for children with special needs, ages 6-12. We embrace each child's special needs and provide a safe environment where they can learn about Jesus in a more sensory-integrated environment. Children worship through music, prayer, crafts, and play. We also provide shadows for children who are able to participate in their main-stream classes as needed.
AE Teens (Ages 13-17)
11am | Rm 764/765
A Sunday School (Sunday Morning Connect) class for teens and preteens with special needs, ages 13-17. This class is a more structured environment. Teens can worship, do crafts, pray, and develop a relationship with Jesus. We also provide shadows for teens who are able to attend youth main-stream programs as needed.
AE Adults (Ages 18+)
11am | Rm 732
A Sunday Morning Connect (Sunday School) class for adults with special needs, ages 18 and up. Group homes are encouraged to attend. We offer worship, prayer time and a Bible lesson with discussion. It is a great time of learning and fellowship in a relaxed and safe atmosphere. For more information about this class, contact Leigh Sawtelle at 919.981.0222 x161.
Shadow Buddies Needed
The Abilities Enabled Ministry needs fun loving volunteers to serve as Shadow Buddies Sunday mornings during 11am service and Friday night Respite. No experience or special skills necessary, just a heart for the special needs community. Volunteers must fill out an application and background check form and be at least 8th grade to adult. For more information, contact Leigh Sawtelle at 919.981.0222 x161.
Click HERE to fill out a volunteer application and background check.
Respite Care
Friday, May 8
6 - 9pm | Rm 359, 360
Once a month our Respite program provides a break for families with children with special needs. This typically occurs on the second Friday of the month. Respite includes crafts, snacks, playground time, movies, and plenty of games. Both children with special needs — from 6 to 15 years of age — and their siblings 12 and under are welcome!Below you will find the necessary forms for Respite Attendance. Please print and fill these out prior to attending Respite in 2020.
- Read the Monthly Respite Program Policies. *Respite policy is currently being updated, more to come.
- 2020 Respite Program Registration Form - *Turn in completed form prior to attendance.
Upcoming Respite Dates for 2020:
June 12
July - No Respite
August - No Respite
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11
+ MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers
Kristin Gruber
Women's Ministry Director
919.981.0222 x135
Cindy Orange
Women's Ministry Coordinator
919.981.0222 x110
Liz Martinez
Women's Admin Assistant
919.981.0222 x121MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
9:30 - 11:30am
Great Room, Millbrook CampusMOPS is for mothers of children from infancy through six years old. Our goal in MOPS is to equip you to handle the joys and challenges of life as a mom. MOPS is a great place for mothers find friendship and acceptance, develop mothering skills, and promote spiritual growth. The women are of many ages and backgrounds, but share the same desire—to be the best mothers they can be. Child care is available during each meeting beginning at 9:15am. Children are lovingly cared for in age-appropriate classes with games, crafts, songs, Bible stories and a snack.
Crossroads MOPS welcomes women from throughout the community. You do not need to be a member of Crossroads Fellowship to join Crossroads MOPS. There is a $31.95 MOPS International fee, plus additional fees to cover child care, craft and other expenses due at the first meeting of each semester. Visit our Crossroads MOPS blog and find out what we're up to locally! Also visit the MOPS International web site for more information about the organization.
Your kids are growing...and we are too!
We are officially launching a blend of MOPS and MOMSnext at Crossroads. This new extension of MOPS is for all mothers of school-age kids to experience authentic community, personal growth, practical help and spiritual hope.
This MOMSnext small group will meet at Crossroads Fellowship on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays with MOPS. The MOMSnext group will have brunch and crafts with our MOPS group. Many speakers and topics will still be relevant to this group; but there will also be opportunities for separate discussions unique to moms with older children. This Group will enjoy mom's nights out, lunch or coffee dates, and time for children to socialize together!
+ Home School
GenerationsMichelle Doeffinger
Homeschool DirectorGenerations Homeschool Group
Generations is a ministry of Crossroads Fellowship that exists to encourage and equip Christian families in the Triangle as they educate their children at home. We accomplish this by offering academic enrichment programs, coordinating group activities, and fostering collaboration among our members.
Want to learn the whole story of how Generations began or how you can be involved in the activities we sponsor? Please see our Generations Homeschool Group website.
+ American Heritage Girls
Troop 1234Theresa Villazon
Troop Coordinator
(813) 327-0159American Heritage Girls
Meets Every Monday
6:00 - 7:15pm | Kids Ministry, Millbrook CampusAny girl, age 5-18, can be an American Heritage Girl. Girls of all different backgrounds are welcome and are encouraged to join at any age! You don't have to start as a Pathfinder (age 5) in order to gain the benefits from participating in the AHG Program.
Click HERE for more detailed information on getting involved with Troop 1234 or contact Troop Coordinator, Theresa Villazon.
Our Mission: "Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country."
Our Vision: "American Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for young women that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement.
Our Inclusion Policy: "All biological girls of any color, creed, race, national origin and socioeconomic status who agree to live according to the standards of the AHG Oath and the AHG Creed are invited to be members of American Heritage Girls."
Visit americanheritagegirls.org for more information about the organization.