Children’s Ministries at

West Des Moines Christian Church

Service opportunities

West Des Moines Christian Church is committed to reach out to the world with God's spirit of love. We seek ways to share ministry with our members, our city and our world. We provide a variety of outreach opportunities that enable individuals or groups to respond to that call both locally and globally.
See pictures of our missions (locally and globally)....

Infant/Child Care - The Nursery

The nursery at West Des Moines Christian Church is for children aged 0-3. The nursery uses a parent paging system to check children in and out. We offer infant/child care during all of our church services and also for many of the church related meetings we have on a weekly and monthly basis. If you need childcare during one of the upcoming meetings you would like to attend please call the church or the group leader.

Preschool

West Des Moines Christian Church Preschool provides a quality early childhood education programs that are designed to meet the need of the developing young child, ages 3-5 years old. The WDMCC Preschool recently received a Level 5 rating (the highest level!) under the Iowa Quality Rating Scale System.  Please call the preschool office at 223-0638 for more information about enrolling your child in the preschool. www.WDMCCP.com

Infant/Child Dedications

...but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is such as these that the
kingdom of heaven belongs."

Parents may bring their young child before the congregation for special blessing and dedication. The congregation promises to love, teach and embrace the child, while parents commit to Christian parenthood. West Des Moines Christian Church gives each child a dedication certificate and a cherry wood cross with the inscription Matthew 19:14 on it to hang over their bed.

Second Grade Bible Presentation

West Des Moines Christian Church recognizes the importance of teaching children the great stories of the Bible and how to use the Bible as a guide for their lives. Each September, our 2nd grade children are presented a Bible during our worship services.

Four Year Old Inclusion

Children are welcomed in worship at WDMCC. Many parents prefer that their children ages infant through 3 years remain in the nursery area during worship. Child care is available for Sunday services, Church School and other occasions and meetings throughout the year.

Sunday Morning Church School Classes

The Christian Education department at West Des Moines Christian Church offers an excellent Church School curriculum for ages 18 months through high school. Sunday Church School classes are led by volunteer teachers. We strive to provide children and their families with strong Biblical teaching and Christian support to guide them through life's celebrations and struggles. Check home page for time.

Friends in Faith

Friends in Faith is a Wednesday after-school program that incorporates the love of and learning of Jesus Christ with fun and games. Led by Martha McDanel, Children’s Ministries Director and adult and youth volunteers, the program is for children in grades Kindergarten through 5. We begin at 4 p.m. in the Christian Education/Gym building. 

The program includes discussion, prayer, group-building, games and snacks. The children also have opportunities to serve others both close to home and around the world. The children attend choir practice (Joyful Noise, Good News Gang & Friendship Bells) during Friends time.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is a week long (mornings) summer fun extravaganza! VBS offers the opportunity for children 4 years through 5th grade to explore the scriptures through study, song, crafts and games. Sixth grade through Senior High youth assist with the younger children.

The morning begins with singing and an introduction of the day’s lesson. Following this the group leaders guide the children around to the various workshop centers, including Bible Story Exploration, singing, crafts, snacks, and games. The morning ends in Fellowship Hall with all the children sharing about the day and for group singing.

Vacation Bible School draws children in from the neighborhood and beyond—a great place to see old friends and to meet new!

A Family Night will be held to provide a time for your family to celebrate what your child has learned in Vacation Bible School! Join us for a picnic supper and games as we share the VBS experiences.

Music Ministries for the Children and Youth at West Des Moines Christian Church ages: Kindergarten through 12th grade

Joyful Noise

The Children’s Choir is for children in grades K-2. The choir sings lots of fun new worship songs and traditional favorites. They sing at worship services several times throughout the year. Rehearsals are held 15 minutes prior to the service and during Friends in Faith on Wednesday afternoons.

Good News Gang

Good News Gang, directed by Shari Linn, is for children in grades 3-5. The group rehearses during Friends in Faith time each Wednesday and sings several times thru the year at one of the worship services. Choir members learn lively songs of praise to share with the entire congregation.

One Voice

One Voice is for all youth in grades 6-12. The choir rehearses from 4-5 p.m. most Sundays and sings regularly during both Sunday morning worship service(s). The One Voice choir prepares a musical each Spring and has aspirations of taking it on the road and sharing it at other churches.

Friendship Bells Friendship Bells is for children in grades 3-5. The choir learns beginning handbell techniques and shares music throughout the year during one of the worship services. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Jubilant Ringers (high school youth & adults) This bell choir rehearses at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and plays once a month for both service(s). (Open to grades 6-12)