C-Kids Ministry
Helping kids from birth – 5th grade have real faith and real fun
welcome message
Dear Parents
Welcome to C–Kids, the children’s ministry at Cornerstone!
One of Cornerstone’s main objectives is to impact the next generation. While we believe that the ultimate responsibility of a child’s faith rests with you, we are committed to being your biggest ally and support. We’re here to partner with you and celebrate the joy of watching your children grow in their relationship with Jesus!
In Him,
Jenny Marsalese, Children’s Ministry Director
What to expect
Weekend Experience
We’d love to meet your kids this weekend! We offer kids programming at all of our weekend services.
Once you enter the main lobby (under the big cross), you can follow signage or ask someone to walk you to our brightly-colored Children’s Wing.
Next, you’ll take your child to the main registration desk to check-in. We take safety seriously at Cornerstone. We have a strict check-in security system where you and your child will each be given a tag with a unique code that must be presented at pick-up. We also require all volunteers to pass clearance tests so they can safely work with our kids. You can trust us to care for your kids while you attend church.
You can print a NEW VISITOR CARD to fill out and bring to registration, or we’ll provide you with one when you arrive.
During Your Visit…
While you attend the service, here’s an overview of what your child will be experiencing:
Nursery (birth - 24 months)
- Play with toys and books in the nursery
- Offered a snack with parental permission
- Helpers change diapers if needed
Two-Year-Olds
- Play with toys and books for much of the service
- Hear about God through a short Bible story and activity
- Offered a snack of goldfish or crackers
- Helpers change diapers if needed or children can use the bathroom in the classroom
Preschool (ages 3-5)
Children start understanding who God is
- Spend the first 20 minutes of services playing
- Hear an age-appropriate Bible story
- Participate in a fun activity or make a craft to help them understand the Bible story
- Worship along with fun songs
- Offered a snack (peanut-free) near the end of service
Lower Deck (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade)
- Kids start applying Biblical truths to their lives with practical advice learned in weekly lessons
- Meet together in the large group room for exciting worship and a Bible lesson
- Broken into small groups by grade and gender for the last 20 minutes of service for discussion, games, or crafts to reinforce the lesson
- Memorize Bible verses to earn Bible Bucks that can be spent in the store
Upper Deck (3rd - 5th Grade)
Kids start applying principles they learn from the Bible whenever making decisions in their lives
- Meet together in the large rec room for exciting worship and a Bible lesson
- Broken into small groups by grade and gender for the last 20 minutes of service for discussion, games, or crafts to reinforce the lesson
- Memorize Bible verses to earn Bible Bucks that can be spent in the store
When the main service ends, you’ll head back to the Children’s Wing to pick up your child (don’t forget your parent tag) and hear about the fun they had while learning about Jesus! We even have parent resources to help you continue the conversation at home.
Programs & Events
Beyond the weekends, we offer many other amazing programs and activities for your kids:
- Wednesday night program called JUMP (weekly from 7 – 8:15 PM, September – May)
- Kid-oriented events throughout the year like Fall Fun Fest, Operation Christmas Child, and Family Fun Nights
- Two clubs for kids in 3rd – 5th grade: God’s Girls and Transformers
- Amazing summer camps: Mini Camp for preschoolers (age 3 – 5) and Kids Camp (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)
Check out our Events to register for C-Kids activities.
Questions about C-Kids events or programs?
Contact: Sarah Barron at sbarron@cornerstonelive.net
Questions about C-Kids weekend services or programs? Contact: Jenny Marsalese at jmarsalese@cornerstonelive.net
Events
C-Kids Happening Now
Here at Cornerstone, we like to build Real Faith, by having Real Fun! To do that, we host many fun events throughout the year for kids of all ages. Check the list below for upcoming events and registration links!
Our Staff
Leaders who Love Kids
Sarah Barron
Assistant Children’s Ministry Director
Pam Hill
Saturday Night Preschool Coordinator
Jenny Marsalese
Children’s Ministry Director
Lindsey McGuire
Sunday 9AM Preschool Coordinator
Nicole Payne
Volunteer Coordinator
Hanna Vorce
Wednesday Night Coordinator
Daphne Zeigler
Children’s Ministry Support Coordinator
Favorite Bible Verse: Hebrews 12:1-3(Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.)
Why? We are so blessed to be in a country where we can serve God freely, but too often we allow things to get in our way and we lose hope. But if we work as a team with other disciples of Christ and remember those gone before us, and fix our eyes on Jesus, we, too, can be an incredible witness of the grace and truth of the gospel!
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? The kids, the parents, and the people I get to work with. It’s teamwork that helps to strengthen families with the truth and the love of Christ!!!
Tell another fun fact about you.I graduated from a Bible college in Seattle, WA, with a degree in Youth and Family and Biblical Studies. Those 5 years were foundational for my faith and living it out! I spent my last year traveling the USA with 5 other people doing concerts and youth retreats! We were called Servant Song!
Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)
Why? It helps me to keep my perspective when facing challenges.
Favorite Color: Penn State Blue
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? Tea Parties with the two-year-olds classroom.
Tell another fun fact about you. My newest hobby is “wooden furniture makeovers.”
Favorite Bible Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7 (You’re altogether beautiful, my love, there is no flaw in you.)
Why? It reminds me every day how beautiful I am in God’s eyes! It helps to build my self-confidence.
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? I LOVE to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. Seeing them walk through the doors ready to learn about Jesus is such an amazing feeling.
Tell another fun fact about you. I won a state championship in high school for softball and I can juggle 2-3 items.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Why? I have many favorite verses, but each morning, this is the first I think of and pray about. It reminds me that God has already gone before me, and He has planned out this day. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if I am anticipating a day full of challenges or a day full of goodness; He is by my side through it ALL! My Father has blessings planned for me to receive, AND He has a plan for how He wants to use me to bless others. I get to be a part of His perfect plans for this day…for me and through me. Each day is a gift!
Favorite Color: It’s a tie between blue and green!
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? I love Jesus, children, and families! My heart is happy when I tell the next generation how much they are LOVED by Jesus and how amazingly He created every detail of who they are! I get to help them understand Jesus’ gift of the cross and Jesus’ gifts of everyday!
Tell another fun fact about you. I was given a “Most Likely to Make You Smile” award three different times, but that’s all Jesus shining!
Favorite Bible Verse: John 14:1-3 (Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.)
Why? Before I gave my life to Christ this was the first scripture I memorized as a child. I realized as an adult that God was always with me through this scripture. Even though I didn’t grow up In a Christian home this scripture was always in my heart and I knew that there was a place I belonged.
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? I love that I get to watch the next generation build their own faith. They challenge me and help me to grow in my walk with God with their amazing questions. It is also so much FUN!!!
Tell another fun fact about you. I love going on mission trips, it is something I pray I get to do for a very long time.
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 John 4:19 (We love because He first loved us.)
Why?This simple yet powerful verse is a great reminder to me that the love I am able to give and receive is all because of Jesus’ unconditional, sacrificial love. He provides the greatest example of love and it is only by His saving power that I am now capable of embodying God’s love!
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? It is a blessing beyond words to witness children give their lives to Christ. Their curiosity and desire to learn more about Jesus and His Word brings me so much joy! It is also a privilege to teach from the Bible as the kids challenge me to grow in my faith too!
Tell another fun fact about you. I love crafting, reading, and listening to music!
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:4-9 (4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.)
Why? This world is beautiful and filled with so many of God’s wonderful creations, but this world is also evil and filled with negativity. We are constantly being bombarded with negativity in the media, online, and our daily lives. These Bible verses in Philippians are a good daily reminder to focus on the things from above because there are so many blessings from God!
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? I love interacting with the children and seeing them get excited about Jesus! I also love when they get excited to see me! My favorite thing is when a child sees me at church, but I don’t happen to see them and they make a point to go out of their way to say hi to me or hug me! It melts my heart every time!
Tell another fun fact about you. I have a twin brother!
Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.)
Why? I love knowing that I am brand new in Jesus.
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite thing about working in Children’s Ministry? Watching a child’s eyes light up when they learn the truth about Jesus.
Tell another fun fact about you. I love to play games and am very competitive.
Get Involved
Serving with Cornerstone Kids
Here in the Kids’ Ministry, we have lots of fun as we help our kids build a strong foundation in the truth of Jesus Christ. You can volunteer to work with our nursery kids, preschool kids, and elementary kids. We’re always looking for faithful, fun adults who are ready to help us impact the next generation!
Try it out
Set up a “First Serve” where you can observe the ministry before formally committing to serve regularly. Fill out our C-Kids Serving Form and we will contact you soon!
Safe place Certified
Completing a Safe Place Certified training session is a requirement for all children and student volunteers to become safe and cleared adults at Cornerstone Ministries.
Ministry opportunities
Click the link below to sign up as a volunteer for our upcoming serve opportunities. Thank you in advance for your time and assisting in making a difference.
C-Kids Worship Team: OutLoud
Join the Kids OUTLOUD team for Grades 3-5. Team members help lead worship, pick songs, and run the computer in the sound booth. The next training session will be scheduled in the first quarter of 2024.
For Current Team Members – for September & October, please serve on the weekends you are here.
Any questions, contact Jenny Marsalese.
Safe Place Certified
Completing a Safe Place Certified training session is a requirement for all volunteers in children and student ministry to become safe and cleared adults at Cornerstone Ministries.
Upcoming Safe Place Dates:
- Thursday, September 24 at 6 PM in Antioch
- Saturday, October 10 at 10 AM in Antioch
- Sunday, November 15 at 12:45 PM in Antioch
- Thursday, December 3 at 6 PM in Antioch
Email Keren with the subject Safe Place Certified to get registered for an upcoming training.
Parent Resources
Faith at Home
At Cornerstone, we believe that the ultimate responsibility of a child’s faith rests with you, but we are committed to being your biggest ally and support! Here are some helpful ideas and resources as you seek to parent with Godly wisdom and perspective.
Be the Picture
Reading the Bible changes our lives because we draw close to God and learn more about Him. A child will learn this from watching a parent model it. Growing up watching a parent sit and read their Bible daily will alter a child’s view and can spark their curiosity. As a child watches you do it, they will want to do it. This year, pick a time and place your children can see you reading the Word of God. They may end up right next to you with their Bible.
Interact with the Story
God loves it when His children pray. He wants us to go to Him like a child. Children can pray but quickly forget what they prayed for. Make a visual that helps them remember their prayers by writing or drawing them on a Post-it note. Stick them to one window in your house. When a prayer request is answered, take the Post-it down, and you can discuss how God answered that prayer. You can also discuss prayers that God does not answer the way you thought He would. This allows time to discuss how God knows the best way to answer a prayer and how to pray with perseverance.
Technology Resources
TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT:
Can I have a cell phone or a tablet? Parents hear this question a lot. Be prepared to help your child when they take this next step. When you give your child any type of technology – set up a contract with them. Define the expectations & help them keep a balance with them.
CLICK HERE for a TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT.
CLICK HERE for ideas for OUTSIDE PLAY
Video Classes for Parents
Watch these helpful classes for parents on our YouTube Channel.
If Not Us, Then Who?
There are currently 7 different generations living in the world. Each carries its own stereotype and judges other generations’ values and priorities. However, every generation has one thing in common… each one needs Jesus. Join us each week, as we focus on how the church can best respond and relate to generational differences and to be certain there will not be a Lost Generation.
Understanding the Way we are Wired
God made each one of us differently. We are wired with a temperament that affects all that we do. Learn about your own “color” and those around you. It will change the way you live and interact with people in your life!
WEEK ONE VIDEO & Handout
WEEK TWO VIDEO & Handout
WEEK THREE VIDEO & Handout
WEEK FOUR VIDEO & Handout
Additional Resources
Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. It provides help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.
FamilyLife’s mission is to help people change the world one home at a time. Created on the principle that the family provides the foundation for society, the ministry offers a wide range of tools to help families become stronger.
Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
A great resource for ladies to be inspired and encouraged in their faith.
Devotions for the mom who is up in the middle of the night