CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
The heart of the gospel is that God loves his children. We see God’s love displayed in the person of Jesus, who, despite our spiritual rebellion and failure, became a human being and lived, died, and rose again in order to forgive our sin, adopt us into God’s family, transform our lives, and restore the world he loves. The purpose of Central’s Children’s Ministry is to bring the heart of the gospel to the heart of the child so that they might place their trust in Jesus, grow in their knowledge and love of God, and live their lives in grateful response to his grace.
We are convinced that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). God deeply loves and values our children. When a group of parents tried to bring their children to Jesus so that he might place his hands upon them and bless them, his disciples attempted to stop the children from approaching Jesus because children simply were not valued in that society. Jesus, however, encouraged the children to come to him. In fact, he claimed that the kingdom of God belongs especially to children, and he lifted up the faithful dependence of a child as the model for all believers (Luke 18:16-17). Central places a special priority on children because they are dearly loved by God.
The promise of the gospel is for our children. When God entered into a special relationship with Abraham, God made his covenant with Abraham and Abraham’s children (Genesis 17:7). Today we believe God continues to work through families. After Jesus established the new covenant through his life, death, and resurrection in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, the Apostle Peter proclaimed that the promise of the gospel is for our children (Acts 2:39). Children, therefore, not only represent the future of the church but also play a vital role in the present as members of the covenant community. We thus regard children as members of the church and strive to help them grow in their faith, develop their relationship with Jesus, and live in light of the gospel of grace.
The primary responsibility for the Christian nurture of children lies with their parents, but this responsibility extends to the entire Christian community. No one has more influence over the spiritual lives of children than their parents, and the Apostle Paul accordingly instructs parents to raise their children in “the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Nevertheless, the whole corporate body of the church has a role to play. God calls us as families and as the family of God to teach our children about him at all times and in everything we do so that they might share in his promises (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:19-21). In response to this call, we at Central seek to faithfully immerse our children in Jesus’ gospel of grace through:
- Embracing them in the life and community of our church
- Engaging them in worship, prayer, and the study of the Scriptures
- Equipping them to pursue a life of Christ-likeness in grateful response to God’s love
- Empowering Central’s parents to nurture the spiritual lives of their children
WORSHIP FOR CHILDREN
(3yo - 5th Grade)
Families at Central are encouraged to engage their children in worship. Children may join their families during the worship services in their entirety or, during the 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. services, children may join their teachers and peers for Children's Worship. (A 2yo/3yo toddler class is offered at the 10 a.m. service only.) Children will be dismissed after the Prayer with Children. During Children’s Worship, children will learn about God’s love for them and how they can love God and others in response to His love. Bible lessons will be reviewed through fun crafts, games, and activities. Please be sure to check your child in at our check-in table in the narthex before the service and bring your guardian receipt to pick-up. Pick-up is on the 7th floor.
NURSERY FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
(6 months - 2yo)
Central’s Nursery is located on the 7th floor and is open to children ages 6mo-2yo during the 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. services. In the nursery, children will participate in Worship for Infants and Toddlers, a meaningful and gospel-centered program which includes a Bible story, activity time (for toddlers), crafts (for toddlers), songs and prayer. We hope that through this program, as our little ones grow, they will feel sure that they are valued members of this church family, learn of Jesus' great love for them, and respond to this love through praise and worship as modeled by their caregivers and teachers. Please check your child in outside the nursery, making sure to inform the nursery caregivers of any special instructions for your child. Pick-up is immediately following the service—don't forget to bring your guardian receipts!
NURSING MOTHERS ROOM
The nursing mothers room is located on the mezzanine level of the church across the women's bathroom. We hope this will be a comfortable place for mothers to care for their infants while also being able to hear what is being sung and said in the Sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is my child eligible to go to the nursery?
Your child can attend the nursery once they are 6 months old all the way through 2 years old. After your child turns 2, you are welcome to transition him/her to our 2s/3s class.
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It’s my child’s first time at the nursery. How do I sign up?
We are so excited to have you! You will register downstairs at the check-in table, located in the narthex (lobby) of the church. Once you have checked your child in, you will head to the 7th floor. You can check in with a staff member at the nursery and let the staff member know it’s your child’s first time. They will provide you with a new family form to complete, and you are welcome to drop your child off while you fill out the form.
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What should I send with my child when they attend nursery?
We ask that you send in as few items as possible. In the nursery, we have fully equipped changing stations and are happy to use the items we have in the classroom for diaper changes. If you want your child to use only your personal supplies for diaper changes, just let us know. In addition, we offer applesauce and Pirate’s Booty popcorn in the nursery for snack. If your child is still only taking bottles, we are more than happy to give them their bottle when they are with us. If you are sending in any personal items, we ask that you please label them to avoid mixups.
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How will you communicate if I need to come get my child early or address any questions/problems?
When you complete the new family form, you will list phone numbers that we can use to contact you. If we need to communicate with you for any reason during the service, we will send a text.
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How do you handle separation?
We encourage families to separate at the door. It can be very disruptive for some children if we have adults coming in and out of the room. A caregiver will greet you at the door, and if you are comfortable, we will take your child from you there. If you prefer to come in with your child, however, we are more than happy to accommodate what you think is best for your child. In this case, we simply ask that you try to be as quick as possible.
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What does dismissal look like?
When you come to get your child, please wait outside the classroom and keep the door closed. This is for the well-being and safety of the children in the class. A caregiver will walk your child to the door and hand him/her off to you with a little note on how everything went for your child that day. If you have any questions, you are free to discuss them with a staff member at that point.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School
Central children 3 years old to fifth grade are invited to join us as we learn what it means to run the race and look to Jesus through stories of the life of Joseph at Vacation Bible School 2026: Camp Champion! During VBS, children will sing praise songs, make crafts, play games, build friendships, and grow in their knowledge and love of God! VBS will take place July 6-10 from 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is $75 per child and closes on Sunday, June 7.
VBS would not be possible without our incredible volunteers! Volunteer roles include leading a small group, helping with crafts or bookmaking, or assisting during gym time. We're looking for over 50 volunteers to help out with this year's VBS. Please fill out our volunteer enlistment form if you're interested. We would love to have you!
CHILDREN & YOUTH CHOIRS
CHILDREN'S CHOIR
5yo-5th grade
Central's Children's Choir, directed by music educator and professional singer Lauren Dykstra, provides a place for kids 5yo to 5th grade to learn to sing and read music as well as have opportunities to sing publicly during the Sunday services. All rehearsals take place on Sundays at the church from 11:10-11:50 a.m. Please register your children in advance. If you have any questions and would like more information, please contact Lauren Dykstra at ldykstra@centralchurchnyc.org.
For more information about our Youth Choir and Ensemble, please visit our Youth Ministry page.
SATURDAY ACTIVITIES
Fall Saturday activities for children begin on Saturday, September 21 and run through November, 22. For a list of all our current programming, please visit our events calendar.
Basketball
Children’s Basketball Ages 5yo-10yo
Saturdays, 10-10:55 a.m.
Fall Basketball will begin on September 21 and go through November 23.
Drawing
Children’s Drawing Ages 5yo-10yo
Saturdays, 11-11:55 a.m.
Fall Drawing will begin on September 21 and go through November 23.
RECURRING EVENTS
MOMS GROUP
Tuesday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Moms and their babies and toddlers are invited to this free weekly group every Tuesday. Join us on the seventh floor of the church from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to connect with other moms over bagels and coffee while your children enjoy free play. No registration is required, but please email please email Christina Nichols at cnichols@centralchurchnyc.org if you're interested in receiving the emails!
THE MUSTARD SEED CLUB
Wednesday | 4-5:30 p.m.
Calling all children ages 3yo-2nd grade! You are invited to the Mustard Seed Club!
The Mustard Seed Club meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons from 4-5:30 p.m. Children will join their small groups for a fun time of worship, a Bible lesson, crafts, and gym play. We can’t wait to see you there! Registration is $50 per child. Please register your child(ren) in advance.
Winter/Spring 2026: Weekly on Wednesdays from January 7-May 13 (Note that Mustard Seed will NOT meet on March 25, April 1, or April 8.)
FANTASTIC FRIDAYS
Friday | 6:30-8 p.m.
Fantastic Fridays are special monthly gatherings for 3rd-5th grade boys and girls. Boys and girls' groups meet separately for dinner, games, special activities, and a Bible Study. In the past, we've built pinewood derby cars, painted pumpkins, decorated cookies, played dodgeball, hosted game shows and more! We encourage moms, mentors and family friends to join the girls' gatherings and dads, mentors and family friends to join the boys' gatherings along with our Children's Ministry Team volunteers. Please email our Children's Ministry Team at children@centralchurchnyc.org to RSVP!
Fantastic Friday 2025-2026 Dates:
Friday, September 26
Friday, October 24
Friday, November 14
Friday, January 16
Friday, February 27 (previously February 20)
Friday, April 24 (volunteering at the Bowery Mission)
Friday, May 15
DADS & DONUTS
Saturday | 9-11 a.m.
On select Saturdays, dads and their little ones (3 and under recommended, but dads with older children are still welcome!) are invited to our next Dads & Donuts from 9-11 a.m. in the 7th floor nursery at Central. Drop by or stay the whole time! We will have coffee, bagels, and donuts plus toys and snacks for the kids. Come and fellowship with other dads! Register here for upcoming dates.