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Children

at Valley Hope Church

What's Happening in Children's Ministry

    Registration

    Sunday School

    We have Sunday School for Children during both our services at 9AM (Drop-off begins at 8:50) & 11AM (Drop-off begins at 10:50). When you come to Valley Hope, parents will check their children in using one of our check-in stations located in the children’s wing as soon as they arrive to ensure that your child is accounted for at all times. During Sunday School, children will have group worship, hear biblical stories centered around the Gospel, learn what it means to follow Jesus and experience fellowship with their peers. After the sermon is complete in the sanctuary, children are picked up by parents to join adults in responding to God’s Word by worshiping through song, giving, confession, communion, and benediction.

    Register For Sunday School

    Kid's Club

    Kids Club takes place every other Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. This program is a place where we hope that our children (ages 2 through 5th grade) will grow in their love for Jesus and one another. Kids Club also serves as childcare for some of our Missional Community Groups. Our kids will be discipled through weekly Gospel-centered devotions, eat dinner, and have fun together in community.

    Register for Kid's Club

    Helping Children Become Followers of Christ

    Our goal for the children in our ministry is to learn what it means to become a follower of Christ and bring that into their daily lives. We want them to learn scripture and see how every story in the Bible points us back to Jesus. We also want to walk alongside families on this journey and equip them in discipling their children outside of church.

    Growing in Christ Together

    Kids are Not Extras

    Kids are not extras at Valley Hope; they’re an essential part of our community. We make sure to involve kids in every element of Sunday morning worship while also giving them teaching time that’s more at their level. Our Children's Ministry Director alongside a team of volunteers care for kids from the time they are babies until 5th grade. Valley Hope is full of children and we love it! 

    We Are Dedicated to Your Child's Safety

    We insist on doing everything possible to ensure the time your child spends in Children's Ministry is as safe as possible.  If a child is injured or if you find yourself or others in an odd or uncomfortable situation, fill out an incident report so that we can ensure the wellbeing of all children participating in Children's Ministry. 
    "When in Doubt Fill it Out!"

    Incident Report

    Newsletter

    Outside of Sunday School and Kids Club, our Children's Ministry has other events from time to time. Sign up for our newsletter to ensure you're always up to date with what's happening in our children's ministry!

    Sign Up For the Newsletter Now!

    Volunteer

    We need volunteers for Sunday School! All you need it to do is fill out an application. A background check will be done and you will attend a short training before your first Sunday School class. As a volunteer, you are invited to share the incredible love of Christ with these kids. This may be the first time they are hearing what Jesus has done for them and how He continually works in and throug

    Within the Children’s ministry, there are 2 roles that team members can hold. One is as a team member, which serves to help steer the vision of the ministry, provide practical guidance, help with discernment, and aid in logistic tasks (preparing a meal for an event etc.). Another role you can have on this team is to actually serve as a volunteer on Sunday Mornings in the classrooms. Both needs are vital to a healthy children’s ministry. 

    What an amazing story WE get to be a part of! We CAN'T have Sunday School without our wonderful volunteers! 

    Volunteer Now!

    Children's Ministry Team

    Are you interested in serving alongside our ministry to children, however, are unsure if you can volunteer in sunday school or kids club? Another great opportunity to serve is to join our Children's Ministry Team. This team fills more practical functions of the ministry as needs arise from time to time.

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    Meet Jen

    Jen Aitken serves as the Director of Children's Ministry at Valley Hope. Jen graduated from Houghton College with a degree in Vocal Performance and then later received her Elementary Teaching license from UNC Asheville. She had a blast teaching Kindergarten at Asheville Christian Academy before becoming a stay-at-home mom. As a stay-at-home mom, Jen taught voice lessons part-time and created curriculum and classroom resources for other teachers. 

     Jen and her husband, Chris, officially became southerners in 2011 and love calling the Swannanoa Valley home! Jen grew up at the Jersey Shore and Chris is from Connecticut. Chris is the Director of Choirs at Asheville Christian Academy. He loves playing piano and helping produce the musicals at ACAl! Jen and Chris have two beautiful daughters, Annabelle and Charlotte. 
     
    Jen is forever grateful for the many, many volunteers and teachers who told her about God's love and care for her when she was a child. She is eager to do the same thing for the next generation of the Church! 
     
    Jen loves coffee, traveling with her husband, gardening with her girls, and singing! 
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Do I Drop Off My Children?

    We have Sunday School for Children during both our services at 9AM (Drop-off begins 8:50) & 11AM (Drop-off begins 10:50). When you come to Valley Hope, parents will check their children in using one of our check-in stations located in the children’s wing as soon as they arrive to ensure that your child is accounted for at all times. 

    Will My Children Ever Be Alone With An Adult?

    No. Our Child Safety Policy makes it clear that none of our volunteers will be alone with a child. If a child needs help in the bathroom, there will be another adult notified and in view of the volunteer as they help the child. If you ever see someone alone with a child (unless it is their own), please approach the situation and ask what is going on. We want to be in an environment of transparency. Please fill out an Incident Report if you ever find yourself or others in an odd or uncomfortable situation. You can also find the QR code linking to the Incident Report in several locations around the building. If you have any further questions please see our Child Safety Policy.

    Are Background Checks Performed on Volunteers?

    All volunteers must go through a background check (done on Active Screening Faith), Volunteer Application, and short training before the start working in Sunday School or Kids Club. If someone is interested in volunteering but want to see what it is like, they are more than welcome to shadow a class that they would be interested in. 

    How Do I Pick Up My Children?

    Children will be picked up from their classrooms when the sermon is over. Children are encouraged to join us for communion and worship.

    What Happens If Someone is Injured During Play?

    We will assess the situation and see what kind of injury has occurred. We have first aid kits in each room as well as in the Fellowship Hall. If the situation was major we will call 911 and let parent/guardian know immediately. An incident report will also need to be filled out. 

    What is Your Sick Policy?

    Due to living in Covid times, we ask each volunteer to take the temperatures of each child. If it is above 100.4 we will ask the child's parents/guardians to take them home. 

    If you have any questions, please feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..