Call l 281.242.2858 Click l sugarcreek.net

welcome to

They laugh, they grow, they learn, and they teach us. At Sugar Creek Baptist Church, children are

very important.

Jesus taught this. “Let the children come to me,” he said, and that is exactly what Creek Kids ministry

is all about. We know that the early years of a child’s life are truly the golden years. This is the time

when values are cemented and a world view is formed. What an opportunity for those of us who

love children!

At Sugar Creek, you will find hundreds of volunteers

who love children of all ages. Our Creek Kids staff and

volunteers are committed to partnering with parents as we

help children develop a solid foundation for their lives —

a foundation built on Jesus.

This partnership with parents is a joy and an honor for us. We

know that every child is a treasure and the opportunity to reach

them during their early years is one we take seriously. We feel

responsible for their physical safety when they are with us. We

also work to help them understand God made them and has a

plan for them. And in the middle of it all, we never stop having

fun! After all, they’re kids!

Our plan is to make every Sunday a memory for kids,

leading them to a place where they can experience life

change in Christ. We’d be so happy if you and your family

joined us. Please come and see how Creek Kids ministry helps

make Sugar Creek the place for kids to be. We believe you will

find the lives of your children and your family will be changed

in a wonderful way.

Sugar CreekChildren’s Ministry

Aren’t kids great?

1

what’s inside3 Ministry Philosophy4 Sundays in Creek Kids5 Age Group Overviews7 Connect Beyond Sunday9 Getting Involved

Call l 281.242.2858 Click l sugarcreek.net 2

We believe that children can naturally respond to the love of Jesus and the truth of the Bible. In thatsimple response, their lives can be forever filled with purpose and meaning. Everything that happensin Creek Kids is designed for that purpose. It is our hope that we can help children find God’s plan fortheir lives through beginning a life-long relationship with Jesus.

Creek Kids exists to love and lead all children to life change in Christ.

Our ministry is based on five core values. Wherever you go in Creek Kids, we think you’ll recognizethese values in everything we do.

• SAFETY Our top priority is providing a safe, secure environment for kids. From our state-of-the-art check-in and security system to volunteers trained in emergency procedures, we work to protect each child.

• FUN Kids love fun and so do we! Fun happens on the Playscape, in our classrooms and while we worship. For children at Sugar Creek, fun is a part of learning.

• BIBLICAL TRUTH From the youngest toddler to the coolest fifth-grader, we find engaging ways to connect each one to the truth of the Bible.

• LOVE In Creek Kids we say that every child is God’s favorite, and you can be sure they are our favorites, too. Our goal is to make each child feel special by showing them God’s love.

• EXCELLENCE Kids deserve our greatest creativity and best efforts! We pay attention to the details that will make Sugar Creek a great place for your family.

it all starts with loving and leading

ministry philosophy

3

Call l 281.242.2858 Click l sugarcreek.net

“Where do my kids go on a Sunday morning? Who takes care of them? What will they be doing?” We knowthese are some of the questions you have, so take a few minutes to find answers here or feel free tocontact us at creekkids@sugarcreek.net. We hope to see you and your children on a Sunday morning soon!Join us at 9:30 or 11:00 AM, and 12:35 PM!

Where do we go?When you arrive at our Sugar Land campus, you’ll want to check your children in at any of our computercheck-in locations. There are a number of locations, but the most visible is off of the Commons area nearthe indoor Playscape. Our friendly volunteers will check you in and walk with you and your family to eachchild’s classroom.

Who takes care of the children?Hundreds of the world’s best volunteers care for andteach Creek Kids of all ages, from birth through fifthgrade. They are supported by the Sugar Creek childcarestaff who help care for our little ones and by ourprofessional Children’s Ministry staff. Volunteers andstaff alike love children and are trained to meet theirneeds.

What will my children be doing?Kids will experience engaging, age-appropriate lessonseach week. These lessons teach them about the Bibleand what it means to follow Jesus. Through songs, games,interactive activities, and hands-on discovery, children learnhow to apply the truth of the Bible to their daily lives. And,they’ll have lots of fun all along the way!

Sundays in Creek Kids

4

Infants and ToddlersCreek Tykes is designed especially for the youngest children. When you bring your infant ortoddler to Creek Tykes, you can be sure your little one will receive loving care. Each child’s physicalneeds will be met by our volunteers and childcare staff. Even infants will hear short thoughts fromthe Bible such as “God made you”. Toddlers will have a simple Bible story along with fun music andplay time.

Worried about a crying child? Don’t be! We give an upset little one individual attention, but if we areunable to soothe him, parents can be contacted through a pager system or by cell phone. Childcare forinfants and toddlers is provided each Sunday during the 8:15 am service with more classes openingduring the 9:30 am, 11:00 am and 12:35 pm services. There is no charge. When you bring your childto a check-in location, the volunteer will help you find the appropriate class. Along with name tags, we

can print a tag for your child’s diaper bag as well. For your convenience, a “strollergarage” is located near the check-in desk.

PreschoolersFor older two’s through pre-k five’s, there is fun to be had in Sunday morning classes! With bright rooms imaginatively named for water creatures, each child has a place to belong.

Gifted volunteers share Bible stories in age-appropriate ways. The stories can be reinforced by the parent take-home sheets you will receive as well as the crafts and the memories the children make! Music and puppets in the fun

“SplashZone” room are a part of each Sunday too.

Childcare for preschoolers is provided each Sunday during the 8:15 am service. Kids who arrive at 9:30 am will be checked in to a class. If their parents attend worship as well as an adult Bible study class, those children can stay for a second session at 11:00 am. If your family chooses to attend worship

at 11:00 am or 12:35 pm, there is an appropriate class for your preschoolers then, too.

Should your child need you, you’ll be contacted by pager or cell phone. If not, rest assured that your preschooler is busy learning and having fun!

great environments for kids of all ages

age group overviews

5

KindergartenKindergarteners have their own area in the Sugar Creek Family Center building. Located on thesecond floor, individual classrooms provide optimal fun and learning for these growing kids. In

addition, the “Barnyard” area is the place for five- and six-year-olds to enjoy music, puppets,and age-appropriate worship.

Kindergarten classes are available at both 9:30 am, 11:00 am and 12:35 pm. Kindergarten worshiphappens at 11:00 am.

Children at this age are learning so quickly and having so much fun! Don’t let them miss a Sundayof Creek Kids!

First through Third GradesAt 9:30 am each Sunday morning, eager children check in and meet new and old friends in firstthrough third grade classes. Happy volunteers guide them through games, activities, and Biblelearning in small and large groups. There is always something new and different to do!

At 11:00 am, first through third graders may also choose to attend a dynamic worship service

designed just for them. The Worship Zone is located in Gym 1 on the second floor of the Family

Center. Just follow your ears and you’ll find it. The sound of children singing praises is beautiful! The

Worship Zone also features grade level breakout groups, zany characters and creative videos. Each

element reinforces application of the Bible verses and stories that are being taught.

First through third graders whose parents attend the 12:35 pm worship service have an age-appropriate class with great friends and volunteers waiting for them!

Fourth and Fifth GradersThe River is especially designed for these older kids to help take their faith to the next level. At

9:30 am River kids begin with worship and large group Bible teaching

in Gym 1. This is followed by small groups led by volunteers

committed to helping kids find the right path for them.

Friendships are formed through games and activities as

well as sharing life stories.

At 11:00 am, fourth and fifth graders arrive to check in and go to the River Room, a fun hang out where they also enjoy worship and teaching. All fourth and fifth graders may choose to attend The River at either 9:30 am or 11:00 am. They are encouraged to attend worship with you in the Worship Center at the alternate hour.

For parents who attend the 12:35 pm worshipservice, there is a class for fourth and fithgraders located on the second floor of theFamily Center.

Call l 281.242.2858 Click l sugarcreek.net 6

Vacation Bible School is the highlight of the year for over 2000 kids and volunteers.Scheduled in mid-June, this Monday-Thursday experience offers over-the-top excitement throughmusic, skits, crafts, and surprises. Every part of the event is designed to help kids make a memorywhile learning more about God. Don’t miss it!

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading is a fun and encouraging sports experience forboys and girls. As part of a team or squad, children in grades K-6 are taught the fundamentals bycaring volunteer coaches and squad leaders. Every child plays in every game and sportsmanship isemphasized. Games are played on Saturdays in January and February. Team practices are scheduledone night a week for an hour. For more information, contact Beth Gandy at bgandy@sugarcreek.net.

XLR8 is the newest most exciting kids ministry for kids K–5th grades. Spring and Fall sessions offermany tracks, covering a variety of arts, such as guitar, photography, dance, and more!

AWANA-At-Home is a great discipleship tool for families. In this program, you’ll help yourchildren learn Bible verses which will be hidden in their hearts to help them throughout their lives.During the school year, the AWANA Family Challenge Zone is open on Sunday mornings, allowingchildren to earn prizes and awards for memorizing verses. For more information, contact Tobi White attwhite@sugarcreek.net.

Parent/Baby Dedications are an important step in partnership between you and Creek Kidsministry. Parents who attend the required First Steps Workshop gain a deeper understanding of theirspiritual responsibility in the lives of their children. Subsequently, they are invited to participate in aSunday morning Parent/Baby Dedication. For more information, contact Melinda Phillips atmphillips@sugarcreek.net.

Kids’ Discovery Class is one of the first steps to life change in Christ for Creek Kids. Kids’Discovery is designed for children in grades K–5 who have recently made a profession of faith orhave been asking questions regarding salvation and baptism. The two-hour class covers the basics ofthe gospel in an interactive, age-appropriate environment. At least one parent must attend with eachchild. We recommend that every child attend a Kids’ Discovery class before being baptized. Checksugarcreek.net for scheduled dates.

The Open Door is our ministry to children with special needs. The Open Door seeks to ministerto both children and parents. We come alongside parents and hope to help them meet the demands ofraising a child who is differently-abled. Fully-equipped classrooms provide an environment for learningand exploration each Sunday morning in The Open Door. In addition, the third Friday of each monthis Break Out, offering respite care and fun for these children. For more information, contact BarbaraWaldhuber at bwaldhuber@sugarcreek.net.

connect beyond Sunday

Creek Kids offers many other ways for you and your children to connect and grow. Here are a few of them.

7

MOPS is for mothers of preschoolers (children birth through kindergarten). MOPS groups meet twiceeach month to celebrate the joys of motherhood and to encourage each other through the challenges.Sugar Creek Baptist Church MOPS is one of the best mother support groups in Fort Bend County. Formore information, contact Melinda Phillips at mphillips@sugarcreek.net.

Weekday Preschool is a long-standing ministry of Sugar Creek. Gifted teachers and staffhelp young children meet social and academic developmental goals through a wide range of chasses.Applications for placement in Weekday Preschool are accepted through the year. For more information,call 281.242.6742 or contact preschool@sugarcreek.net.

The indoor Playscape is the place to be on the Sugar Land campus. The maze of tubes andtunnels, slides and ball pits will keep kids in constant motion. Parental supervision is required, but wethink you’ll like watching your little ones play. The Playscape is also available for scheduling privatebirthday parties.

For more information on any of our activities, please contact us at creekkids@sugarcreek.net or check us out at

sugarcreek.net/children.

Call l 281.242.2858 Click l sugarcreek.net 8

The Creek Kids team is made up of people from different backgrounds who have two things incommon—they love God and they love kids. We know that making a difference in the life of a child ismaking a lasting difference, so we are willing to give our time and abilities. And it’s fun!

We think we have the world’s greatest team of volunteers, but there is always room for more. There’s aspot for you! Volunteers must be 14 or over.

For information on available opportunities and our application/orientation process, please contact us at

creekkids@sugarcreek.net.

getting involved

want to be a part of the Creek Kids team?

9

Call l 281.242.2858 Click l sugarcreek.net 10

exists to love and lead all childrento life change in Christ

Email us at creekkids@sugarcreek.net orcall 281.242.2858 and ask for Creek Kids.

Jenta FrickCurriculum Assistant

Felicia FarrAdministrative

Assistant

Julie VanderMateChildren’s MinistryProduction Director

Lisa ArcherMinistryAssistant

Cheryl MartinChildcare Coordinator

Melinda PhillipsDirector of Early

Childhood Ministry

Creek Kids Team

Barbara WaldhuberDirector of

Elementary Ministry

Beth GandyUpward Programming

Tobi WhiteChildren’s Disclipleship

Director

Luz EscobarSpanish Associate