Welcome to Family Ministries!
We believe every child is an image bearer of God—uniquely created, deeply loved, and capable of responding to the Gospel. Our Family Ministry creates safe, welcoming environments where children and teens belong and encounter God’s love personally. We teach the Bible as God’s living Word, helping young hearts understand the Gospel. As children place their faith in Jesus as God’s Son, we walk alongside them, equipping and encouraging them to grow in faith and become more like Christ. We partner with parents and caregivers to nurture and disciple the next generation together.
Learn more about how we engage and support your family on Sunday mornings and throughout the week!
Kids
birth – 5th grade
Teens
6th – 12th grade
Special Needs
toddler – 5th grade
Resources
for parents
Volunteer
for all stages
FAMILY MINISTRIES
We believe every child is an image bearer of God—uniquely created, deeply loved, and capable of responding to the Gospel. Our Family Ministry creates safe, welcoming environments where children and teens belong and encounter God’s love personally. We teach the Bible as God’s living Word, helping young hearts understand the Gospel. As children place their faith in Jesus as God’s Son, we walk alongside them, equipping and encouraging them to grow in faith and become more like Christ. We partner with parents and caregivers to nurture and disciple the next generation together.
Learn more about how we engage and support your family on Sunday mornings and throughout the week!
Kids
birth – 5th grade
Teens
6th – 12th grade
Special Needs
toddler – 5th grade
Resources
for parents
Volunteer
for all stages
Kids
Nursery
birth – preschool
All of our nursery volunteers are background-checked and ready to care for your child with love and attention. Babies and toddlers receive nurturing care, prayer, and a simple Bible story. Preschoolers enjoy interactive Bible storytelling, creative play, and weekly crafts to help them remember and retell the lesson at home.
A small snack—Goldfish or Cheerios—is offered, with the option to opt out if preferred.
Nursery
birth – preschool
On Sunday mornings, your little one will be warmly welcomed into a safe, age-appropriate classroom. After checking your child in you will drop your child off at the beginning of the church service and pick them up after the service finishes.
All of our nursery volunteers are background-checked and ready to care for your child with love and attention. Babies and toddlers receive nurturing care, prayer, and a simple Bible story. Preschoolers enjoy interactive Bible storytelling, creative play, and weekly crafts to help them remember and retell the lesson at home.
A small snack—Goldfish or Cheerios—is offered, with the option to opt out if preferred.
kidsWorship
kindergarten-5th grade
On Sunday mornings, elementary-aged children begin worship in the sanctuary with their families. After the opening portion of the service, they are dismissed to kidsWorship downstairs and will be returned to you before the church service ends.
Each month, children learn a Key Bible Passage and a Big Picture Question and Answer that highlight essential truths about following Christ. In addition to this we read through the Bible chronologically, with all students regardless of age level engaging with God’s word and learning of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus.
kidsWorship includes both large group time—with prayer, activities, and interactive teaching—and small groups organized by grade level. Small group leaders serve consistently throughout the year, helping build strong relationships and a stable learning environment.In small groups, children read God’s Word, create crafts, and participate in discussions and activities that help them apply what they’ve learned.
kidsWorship
kindergarten-5th grade
On Sunday mornings, elementary-aged children begin worship in the sanctuary with their families. After the opening portion of the service, they are dismissed to kidsWorship downstairs and will be returned to you before the church service ends.
Each month, children learn a Key Bible Passage and a Big Picture Question and Answer that highlight essential truths about following Christ. In addition to this we read through the Bible chronologically, with all students regardless of age level engaging with God’s word and learning of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus.
kidsWorship includes both large group time—with prayer, activities, and interactive teaching—and small groups organized by grade level. Small group leaders serve consistently throughout the year, helping build strong relationships and a stable learning environment.In small groups, children read God’s Word, create crafts, and participate in discussions and activities that help them apply what they’ve learned.
Gems
girls, k – 8th grade
Guys of Grace
guys, k – 8th grade
Groups
Groups
Gems
girls, k – 8th grade
Guys of Grace
guys, k – 8th grade
Sunday Morning Overview
Program Availability
We have Sunday Morning Programs (nursery & kidsWorship) birth-5th grade available 9am & 11am services with programs as follows:
Pre-Registration
When you arrive at Grace Church, our Hospitality team will be there to greet you and guide you to the appropriate areas. You have the option to fill out a child information form upon arrival, or you can save time by completing it digitally now through our pre-registration form.
By preregistering, you’ll skip the paperwork when you arrive! Instead, simply visit one of our check-in stations, enter your phone number, and you’ll receive your child’s name tag for the day. Once you submit the form, you’ll also receive a welcome email from our Family Ministries team. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to them directly through the email.
Check-In Stations
Grace Church has two convenient check-in stations – Nursery Wing & Main Entrance.
If you’re checking in a nursery-aged child, we recommend heading to the Nursery Check-In Station, located in the nursery hallway. As you approach the main church entrance, look for the set of doors on your right, there will be signs to guide you to the right spot. Once you enter through those doors, you’ll find the Nursery Check-In Station with volunteers ready to assist you and your family.
The second check-in station is located just inside the main entrance of the church, directly to your right.
Who goes where?
Nursery
Children from birth – preschool will be dropped off in the Nursery Wing, with the nursery rooms opening 5 minutes before the service begins. Your child will stay in the nursery for the duration of the service and parents pick up once the church service has concluded.
KidsWorship
For children in k – 5th grade, they will start the service with you in the main worship area. After the music portion, they will be dismissed downstairs for KidsWorship, where they will engage in a Big Group message followed by age-specific small groups. The children will return to the service once the adult message is finished. Please Note: If it’s your child’s first time in KidsWorship and you haven’t pre-registered, please escort them downstairs to sign them in.
Middle & High School:
At Grace Church, we value having our middle and high school students join the adult congregation for Sunday morning services. In addition to this, we offer monthly Study Sundays for middle school students during the 9am service. For high school students, we host a Sunday School Class that meets between the two services from 9:45am–10:45am for 5-6 week sessions.
For more details on the schedule of these programs, please email Meghan at (meghan@gracechurchnj.com).
Sunday Morning Overview
Program Availability
We have Sunday Morning Programs (nursery & kidsWorship) birth-5th grade available 9am & 11am services with programs as follows:
Pre-Registration
When you arrive at Grace Church, our Hospitality team will be there to greet you and guide you to the appropriate areas. You have the option to fill out a child information form upon arrival, or you can save time by completing it digitally now through our pre-registration form.
By preregistering, you’ll skip the paperwork when you arrive! Instead, simply visit one of our check-in stations, enter your phone number, and you’ll receive your child’s name tag for the day. Once you submit the form, you’ll also receive a welcome email from our Family Ministries team. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to them directly through the email.
Check-In Stations
Grace Church has two convenient check-in stations – Nursery Wing & Main Entrance.
If you’re checking in a nursery-aged child, we recommend heading to the Nursery Check-In Station, located in the nursery hallway. As you approach the main church entrance, look for the set of doors on your right, there will be signs to guide you to the right spot. Once you enter through those doors, you’ll find the Nursery Check-In Station with volunteers ready to assist you and your family.
The second check-in station is located just inside the main entrance of the church, directly to your right.
Who goes where?
Nursery
Children from birth – preschool will be dropped off in the Nursery Wing, with the nursery rooms opening 5 minutes before the service begins. Your child will stay in the nursery for the duration of the service and parents pick up once the church service has concluded.
KidsWorship
For children in k – 5th grade, they will start the service with you in the main worship area. After the music portion, they will be dismissed downstairs for KidsWorship, where they will engage in a Big Group message followed by age-specific small groups. The children will return to the service once the adult message is finished. Please Note: If it’s your child’s first time in KidsWorship and you haven’t pre-registered, please escort them downstairs to sign them in.
Middle & High School:
At Grace Church, we value having our middle and high school students join the adult congregation for Sunday morning services. In addition to this, we offer monthly Study Sundays for middle school students during the 9am service. For high school students, we host a Sunday School Class that meets between the two services from 9:45am–10:45am for 5-6 week sessions.
For more details on the schedule of these programs, please email Meghan at (meghan@gracechurchnj.com).
Teens
We walk alongside student as they grow in the grace of the gospel and learn to follow Jesus faithfully. Weekly youth groups provide Scripture study, worship, and fellowship, fostering authentic relationships and spiritual growth. Teens also engage in local service projects, outreach events, and mission trips, putting their faith into action. These opportunities deepen their understanding of God’s love and equip them to share it with others. Leaders offer guidance and mentorship, helping students navigate life’s challenges with a Christ-centered perspective. The goal is to help teens know Christ personally and live for Him in every area of life.
Sunday Mornings:
At Grace Church, we value having our middle and high school students join the adult congregation for Sunday morning services. In addition to this, we offer monthly Study Sundays for middle school students during the 9am service. For high school students, we host a Sunday School Class that meets between the two services from 9:45am–10:45am for 5-6 week sessions.
Please check the Youth Information Page for dates we’re meeting!
We walk alongside students as they grow in the grace of the gospel and learn to follow Jesus faithfully. Weekly youth groups provide Scripture study, worship, and fellowship, fostering authentic relationships and spiritual growth. Teens also engage in local service projects, outreach events, and mission trips, putting their faith into action. These opportunities deepen their understanding of God’s love and equip them to share it with others. Leaders offer guidance and mentorship, helping students navigate life’s challenges with a Christ-centered perspective. The goal is to help teens know Christ personally and live for Him in every area of life.
Sunday Mornings:
At Grace Church, we value having our middle and high school students join the adult congregation for Sunday morning services. In addition to this, we offer monthly Study Sundays for middle school students during the 9am service. For high school students, we host a Sunday School Class that meets between the two services from 9:45am–10:45am for 5-6 week sessions.
Please check the Youth Information Page for dates we’re meeting!
LifeGate
6th – 8th grade
CommonGround
9th – 12th grade
Gems
girls, k – 8th grade
Guys of Grace
guys, k – 8th grade
Groups
Groups
LifeGate
6th – 8th grade
CommonGround
9th – 12th grade
Gems
girls, k – 8th grade
Guys of Grace
guys, k – 8th grade
Special Needs
At Grace Church we want to make sure that all children have access to our Sunday morning programs, by supporting them with additional care and support depending upon their needs. Our Special Needs Ministry looks to do just that by developing strategies for classrooms and teachers, training one to one helpers for children who would benefit from such support. We also host a Caregiver Support Group which meets throughout the school year to come alongside parents with resources, guest speakers and prayer filled encouragement.
At Grace Church we want to make sure that all children have access to our Sunday morning programs, by supporting them with additional care and support depending upon their needs. Our Special Needs Ministry looks to do just that by developing strategies for classrooms and teachers, training one to one helpers for children who would benefit from such support. We also host a Caregiver Support Group which meets throughout the school year to come alongside parents with resources, guest speakers and prayer filled encouragement.
Caregiver Support
Group
Resources
Our desire is to come alongside parents and be the village, equipping and encouraging Christ-centered focus at home and in their worlds.
Curious about how to meet your kiddo where they’re at, from infant to teen? Lifeway provides amazing summaries and suggestions on engaging with each age and stage of development. For more of our trusted resources to strengthen faith at home, check out our Family Worship resource list and find Bibles by stage, family devotionals, and more!
We also offer classes and seminars throughout the year where we address real-life challenges and cultural issues, offering biblical guidance and practical tools for family growth.
We are always available for one-on-one conversations, offering support, prayer, and encouragement whenever it’s needed, and look forward to getting to know you and your family better!
Our desire is to come alongside parents and be the village, equipping and encouraging Christ-centered focus at home and in their worlds.
Curious about how to meet your kiddo where they’re at, from infant to teen? Lifeway provides amazing summaries and suggestions on engaging with each age and stage of development. For more of our trusted resources to strengthen faith at home, check out our Family Worship resource list and find Bibles by stage, family devotionals, and more!
We also offer classes and seminars throughout the year where we address real-life challenges and cultural issues, offering biblical guidance and practical tools for family growth.
We are always available for one-on-one conversations, offering support, prayer, and encouragement whenever it’s needed, and look forward to getting to know you and your family better!
Meet our Family Ministries Team!
Meghan Polanin
Director of Family Ministries
Joy Martinez
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Birth-Preschool
Cara Robles
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Kindergarten-5th Grade
Nichole Thawley
Special Needs Coordinator
Volunteer
Kids
Do you enjoy spending time with kids? Love to see their hearts and minds expand as they grasp God’s love for us?
If so, please consider volunteering for one of our Sunday morning programs! In order to run a safe Sunday service, our programs need 40-50 volunteers each week. A background check will be completed for each volunteer.
Teens
Do you have a heart for building relationship with teens?
Join our Teens Team to invest in teens’ lives, share God’s love, and help guide the next generation in faith and discipleship.
Special Needs
Interested in one-to-one ministry serving a child with special needs?
We get the opportunity to see another side of God’s creativity and uniqueness as we spend time with kids who need a bit more one-on-one fun. No prior experience is necessary, we will train and guide you beforehand and along the way.