Family Ministry

Inspiring children to follow Jesus
& equipping parents to build spiritually strong families.

What to expect on
Sunday Mornings

Nursery

Newborn through Age 4
Infant Toddler Room
Sundays // 7:45 to 11:25 am

For our littles, the message is simple – we want them to know that God loves them, made them, and wants to be their friend. As you attend one of our church services on a Sunday morning, you are welcome to drop your child off for nursery care. Our time is spent singing songs, engaging in hands on activities, and exploring God’s creation through the Awana Puggles Curriculum.

FLOCK Sunday School

Age 5 through 5th Grade
Sundays during the Sermon
as part of our 8:00 & 10:00 am Services

FLOCK is a fun, high energy environment where kids come to know Jesus personally through activities and creative Bible teaching. Through worship, creative Bible teaching, and fun crafts and games, kids learn about God’s love and how to apply God's Word to their lives. Kids are dismissed just before the sermon and will be brought back into the Sanctuary to partake in communion with their families.

We teach a kid-friendly approach to the gospel.

Through engaging stories, interactive lessons, and creative activities, we strive to make the message of God's love and grace come alive for young hearts. Our dedicated team of volunteers creates a welcoming and safe environment where children can freely explore their faith, ask questions, and grow in their understanding of who God is.

 

 FAQs

  • Is this just a babysitting service?

    Definitely not! Our children’s program incorporates age appropriate teaching time to help build a foundation for understanding God’s love.

    Children in the Nursery enjoy story time with a hands-on activity that helps strengthen that day’s lesson.

    Our Pre-K through 5th grade FLOCK kids engage in a silly game, followed by a fun teaching time, and ends with age-appropriate small groups to pray, recite memory verses and learn to use the Bible.

  • The screening process for volunteers includes an application and interview. In addition, staff members and volunteers, age 18 and older, that work in Family Ministry have a Live Scan and criminal background check performed.

    We are thankful that so many quality volunteers have stepped forward to help teach kids about the Bible and to encourage them in their walk with the Lord.

  • We encourage parents to take their children to the restroom before programming begins. However, if the need arises, children are escorted to and from nearby restroom facilities by two staff members or adult non-related volunteers.

  • For the safety and respect of the children in our classrooms, if your child has a runny nose, cough, or fever, please do not bring them to the Nursery or to our FLOCK Sunday School gatherings.

  • First Communion is a significant milestone in a child's spiritual journey, marking their first reception of the Eucharist and a deeper connection to their faith. This Worship Service an opportunity for families to celebrate this sacred moment together, fostering a lifelong relationship with Christ.

    We invite all families with children in third grade to register for this meaningful milestone at Good Shepherd. Classes begin September 22, 2024 and First Communion takes place March 23, 2025.

    Click here to let us know your child would like to participate.

  • At Good Shepherd, we believe baptism is a sacrament that marks the beginning of a child’s spiritual journey and welcomes them into our faith community. It symbolizes God’s grace and the promise of a supportive church family.

    To arrange a baptism for your child, or to learn more about the process and its significance, please reach out to our Caring Director, Marie Forgione, at marie@gslcirvine.org. She’ll be happy to guide you through the steps and answer any questions you might have.

  • Contact our Family Ministries Director, Stephanie McArthur, at stephanie@gslcirvine.org or leave her a voicemail at (949) 398-5180.

We’d love to meet you!

Joining us for the first time? We’d love to answer any questions you have and get to know you! Plan your visit by clicking the button below.