Equipping communities of kids to live and lead like Jesus.
One Church, Multiple Locations
We are one church committed to loving the Greater Fort Wayne area, and all of our children’s ministries follow the same disciple-making focus. On Sundays, we meet in multiple locations:
Grace Gathering East
In New Haven
(East side of Fort Wayne)
Sunday service time: 10:00am
New Grace
1201 McKee Street
(Central Fort Wayne)
Sunday service time: 10:30am
Grace Gathering North
Parkview Family YMCA
(Northwest Fort Wayne)
Sunday service time: 9:30am
Elementary School
1st — 5th Grade
On Sundays, we have a special gathering for 1st through 5th graders that meets Sundays during the worship service. Once you check in your kids before the service, they will join during the music at the beginning. It’s a great time for everyone to worship together! Then, before the sermon, we’ll dismiss the kids for their own fun, interactive teaching time and small groups.
We want all of our kids to be true disciples of Jesus. We know that, as parents or guardians, God has given you (parent or guardian) the incredible responsibility of loving and training them in the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). Our hope is that what we do on a Sunday only reinforces what you do at home. That’s why we’ll support you with training and tools to help you guide your children in knowing God’s voice and responding to him in faith.
Meet Our Leaders
Littles
Birth — Kindergarten
We desire to partner with parents in discipling their children to know God. That’s why we take every opportunity to share God’s love with all kids–beginning with our littlest ones. Our lessons are full of songs, play, and fun activities. The nursery is well-staffed with incredible moms, dads, and other loving adults who care for your children.
Newborns up to through Kindergarten are welcome to join us during the service. Our nursery spaces tend to split the younger and older kids (depending on the number of kids). The older ones get to do fun crafts, listen to Bible stories, and pray together, while the youngest ones get lots of love!
Meet Our Leaders
FAQs
How safe is my child?
Your child’s safety and care is our highest concern. We have many wonderful parents and other loving people in our church who volunteer countless hours to our kids ministry. Each children’s/youth worker is required to complete an application to work with children, as well undergoing a thorough criminal background check. At least two adults are always present with your child. When it comes to larger groups, our standard is 1:7 adult-to-child ratio.
How do I register my child in Kid’s ministry?
East: There is a check-in desk located in the back of the café lobby. If this is your first time, a leader from the team will be available to help you register. We will ask you a series of basic questions about your kid(s), like their birthday, any special instructions, and a list of any allergies. Once you are in the system, you will be able to register your son or daughter in the self-check in line.
North: There is a check-in desk located just inside the Y’s “Childwatch” kids area. If this is your first time, a leader from the team will be available to help you register. We will ask you a series of basic questions about your kid(s), like their birthday, any special instructions, and a list of any allergies. Once you are in the system, you will be able to register your son or daughter yourself.
Central: 1st through 5th grade check-in is located next to the connection center. Birth through to Kindergarten check-in is located on the second story of the building in the hallway. If this is your first time, a leader from the team will be available to help you register. We will ask you a series of basic questions about your kid(s), like their birthday, any special instructions, and a list of any allergies. Once you are in the system, you will be able to register your son or daughter in the self-check in line.
When is the Nursery open?
The Nursery and Toddler areas open their doors 15 minutes before each service. You can check your child into the area with enough time to grab some coffee on your way into the service.
At what age can my child be left in the Nursery?
You may leave children with us as early as you are comfortable doing so. Every September we “graduate” older kids out of the Nursery and into the Toddler area.
What should I bring to the Nursery?
- Diapers
- Change of Clothing
- Ointment (which we will apply only at your request)
- Comfort Item (such as a pacifier or blanket)
- Cup (labeled with your child’s name)
Please label all personal items each time you come to the nursery. Stickers are available for this purpose at the sign-in area.
Will you change my child's diaper or take my child to the toilet?
It is our goal to check each child’s diaper at least once while they are with us. If your child is potty training, please take him or her to the bathroom before class. Feel free to use the child-size toilet in our class bathroom. We suggest you bring a change of clothes for all children in case of accidents.
Is a private mother and baby room available?
If you need a private room to breastfeed, let one of our leaders know ahead of time, and we will show you an appropriate space.
What about Parent & Child Dedication?
Parent & Child Dedication at Grace Gathering is a public commitment made by parents to raise their child to know God’s love and teach them to respond to him in faith. It is also a commitment for our church to partner with you as we live as God’s family together. We have Parent & Child Dedication Sundays twice a year.
