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.

Parent Corner: What Technology Quietly Replaces (and Why It Matters for Our Kids)

At our recent Parent Playbook: Intentional Parenting in a Digital World, we talked about how screens often replace things kids desperately need—but don’t know how to ask for. These experiences are essential for healthy development and build on one another as children grow, shaping how they learn, connect, regulate emotions, and develop resilience at every stage of childhood and adolescence.

For younger children, technology can replace:

Boredom (which fuels creativity)
Independent play
Face-to-face connection

For older kids and teens, it often replaces:

Sleep
Emotional regulation
Time to process thoughts without constant input
Real-world practice with discomfort, risk, and resilience

Research consistently shows that increased screen use—especially social media and gaming—is linked to higher anxiety, disrupted sleep, and difficulty focusing, particularly as kids enter middle school and adolescence.

This doesn’t mean technology is the enemy. It does mean it’s powerful—and powerful things require wisdom and intentionality.

When technology is out of balance, it often replaces simple family rhythms like shared meals, play, rest, adventure, and conversation. These everyday moments may seem ordinary, but they are where connection is formed and belonging grows. Protecting them is less about strict rules and more about choosing presence on purpose.

🧭 Want to learn more or receive the Playbook tools?
If this topic resonates and you’d like the Digital Home Audit and other Parent Playbook resources, I’d love to share them with you. Just reach out—I’m always happy to connect and help you take the next step.

Lisa Emerson
MVCC Kids | [email protected]

Pajama Day - March 8th

Sunday March 8th is Day Lights Saving which means we’ll be “springing forward” and losing an hour of sleep! To help make Sunday morning a little easier, we’re having Pajama Day at church! Kids are invited to come in their favorite pajamas—one less thing to worry about getting ready. Come cozy, come comfortable, and come ready for a great morning of learning and growing together!

Palm Sunday: Kids Ministry Skit

Sunday, March 29 – During Both Worship Gatherings
We’re excited to invite kids to participate in our Palm Sunday skit during the main worship gathering. This is a special opportunity for children to be part of a meaningful, family-centered moment as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry.
Our goal is not just performance, but participation—helping kids experience worship as an active and valued part of our church family as we Gather as One.

Children will sign up to participate, and our Kids Ministry team will thoughtfully assign roles in a way that helps every child feel confident, supported, and successful on stage.

All children will participate as part of the “crowd” and will speak together in group lines. There are also a handful of very simple individual speaking parts available.

Performance Day – Sunday, March 29
Prompt Arrival: 8:25am
Children will perform during the 9:00am gathering
Afterward, they will attend the 9:00am Kids gathering
A snack will be provided
Children will perform again at the top of the 10:40am gathering
Children may be released after the second performance or remain for the 10:40 Kids gathering

Rehearsal Schedule:
Thursday, March 12 | 6:00–7:30pm
Ages 3–2nd Grade: 6:00–6:30pm
3rd Grade & Older: 6:00–7:30pm

Thursday, March 19 | 6:00–7:30pm
Ages 3–2nd Grade: 6:00–6:30pm
3rd Grade & Older: 6:00–7:30pm

Thursday, March 26 | 6:00–7:30pm (Spring Break)
Full Cast Dress Rehearsal (All Ages Attend Entire Time)

VBS 2026 - Save the Date

Mark those calanders because we are going on an adventure! Join us as we quest to learn about God's amazing Kingdom at this years VBS 2026. Dates for "Kingdom Quest" will be July 13th - July 17th. Hope to see yall there. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

Current Series: Say What?

Say What?: Have you ever heard something so mumbled or surprising that you had to ask, “Say what?” Well, get ready for more! During this series, someone will wear a cheek retractor or hold their tongue while reading lines from the Bible story — making it hilariously difficult to understand. While racing to decipher what’s being said, kids will ultimately discover encounters with Jesus that left people exclaiming “Say what?!?” Through all the misheard words and laughter, kids will discover challenging commands that Jesus has for all of us.

Mar 1st - Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30
Big Idea: Jesus wants us to remove anything that keeps us from following Him.

Mar 8th - Jesus and the Poor Widow - Mark 12:41-44

Big Idea: God is the giver of all good things and He calls us to give with cheerful hearts.

Mar 15th - Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet - John 13:1-17
Big Idea: Jesus served others and wants us to do the same.

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!