Welcome Parents

Welcome to our Kids Ministry Newsletter! We are so happy you are here! This newsletter the source for you to "be in the know" about all things Kids Min. Check in for updates on Events, Kids Sunday Series, and Parent Support.

Kids Ministry for ages birth-5th grade is available at 9:00AM and 10:40AM. Our volunteer team is ready to connect with your kids 15 minutes prior to the service start. 

Attention Parents: Info on December 28th's Kids Gathering

On Sunday, December 28, we’re giving our amazing Kids Team a much-needed day of rest after a full and joyful Christmas season. Because of this, there will be no Kids Gathering at 9:00am.

At 10:40am, Kids Gathering is ON with a fun twist!
   •   Pre-K kids will enjoy a special morning in the nursery—trust us, they love returning to their favorite toys and cozy space.
   •   Kindergarten–5th grade will come together in the FLC for one epic, fun-filled combined gathering.

Check in as usual and drop off at the locations noted above. We can’t wait to wrap up the year with your kids!

Join us for our Kids Christmas Party!

Bring on the Christmas cheer! 🎄 On Sunday, December 21st, during both our 9:00am and 10:40 Kids gatherings, we’re throwing a special Christmas Party that will take the place of our regular Sunday School time. Kids will enjoy a fun-filled morning with games, snacks, crafts, and plenty of festive surprises. Together we’ll celebrate the true reason for the season, Jesus, while having a whole lot of fun doing it!! And keep your eyes open… a special guest in a red suit might stop by for story time!

Join Mountainview on Christmas Eve!

Join us this Christmas Eve at either 5:30pm or 7:00pm for a special family gathering as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! Come enjoy meaningful moments of praise, the Christmas story, and a joyful time together as a church family. We can’t wait to share the hope and wonder of Christmas with you and your loved ones!

Current Series: Get Reel

Get Reel: Get ready to move and groove through the greatest story ever told! During “Get Reel,” kids will create motions and dance moves that help tell the Bible stories leading up to and through the birth of Jesus. When the story is finished, they’ll put their moves together and add music to make a “reel” (short video) of their routine. As they step, spin, and shake to the music, kids will discover the “reel” story of Christmas, and they’ll see how God’s plan of redemption unfolded, leading to the greatest gift of all — Jesus!

Dec 7th - Isaiah and the Burning Coal - Isaiah 53

Big Idea: Jesus died for our sins, so we can live for righteousness.

Dec 14th - An Angel Announces the Coming Birth - Luke 1:26-56; Matthew 1:18-25

Big Idea: God blesses those who believe His promises

Dec 21st - The Shepherds Proclaim: Jesus is Born - Luke 2:1-21 (This is our Kids Christmas Party!)
Big Idea: Jesus is God’s gift to the world, so we can share that gift with others.

Dec 28th - Simeon and Anna - Luke 2:22-40

Big Idea: God is faithful to His people and He rewards those who are faithful to Him.

Calendar

Check out the Family Room

Welcome to our Family Room! This space is designed for families with young children who need to wiggle, move, and play during our Sunday gathering. Feel free to enjoy this area with your child—it’s a safe and welcoming spot for little ones to explore while you stay connected!

Check out some captured moments!

Parent Corner: Managing Holiday Stress with Grace

If your home has felt a little… loud, busy, or emotionally charged lately, you’re not alone. So many parents this week have said things like: “I love the holidays… but wow, this is a LOT.”, “I’m trying to stay calm, but the stress is real.”, and “I’m at my wit’s end with my kid.” If that sounds familiar—welcome. This month’s Parent Corner is for you. Unstoppable U Coaching has worked with thousands of families, helping kids and parents build emotional resilience. We’re passing along three of their most practical and grace-filled tools to help you breathe easier this Christmas season.

1. Control What’s Actually Yours to Control

One of their core coaching phrases is: “Control your controllables.” So much stress comes from trying to manage things we were never meant to control.

Things you can’t control:

Your child’s mood

Unsolicited commentary from relatives

Holiday overstimulation

Things you can control:

Your tone

Your expectations

Your boundaries

Your energy (most days!)

When you shift your focus back to “What is mine to manage?”, your body relaxes. A calmer parent creates a calmer environment—kids feel that even if they never say it out loud.

2. Balance the Negative “What Ifs” with Positive Ones

Parents tend to be world-class “what-if-ers.” It comes from love—we’re trying to prepare for everything.

But negative “what ifs” drain us:

What if my kid melts down?

What if they don’t like their gifts?

What if everyone judges us?

Unstoppable U Coaching teaches kids to balance these thoughts—and it works for adults too:

What if my child surprises me?

What if we get a moment of genuine connection?

What if this becomes a joyful core memory?

What if this year is different—in a good way?

Your brain needs both sides of the story. Balancing your thoughts doesn’t ignore the hard—it just leaves room for hope.

3. Add Back One Small Thing That Brings You Joy

When stress rises, joy is usually the first thing to disappear. Walks get skipped. Hobbies pause. Personal time vanishes. And before you know it, you’re running on empty. But joy isn’t optional—it’s fuel.

This week, pick one small thing to add back in:

A short walk alone

A cup of something warm

Five minutes of music you love

Soft lighting and a good show

A phone call with someone who fills your cup

Tiny moments of joy create real emotional margin. Your kids benefit from a parent who’s replenished—not running on fumes.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Your stress does not make you a bad parent. It makes you a human one—who loves their family deeply. The holidays are beautifully messy, but when you slow down, control what you can, balance your thoughts, and protect small moments of joy, everything becomes just a bit more manageable. And your kids? They’re learning from your example every step of the way.

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