BABIES THROUGH 5TH GRADE
kidsFIRST
FAITH-FILLED | FUN | CONNECTED | ENGAGING | WELCOMING |
FAITH-FILLED | FUN | CONNECTED | ENGAGING | WELCOMING |
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
Our Values
We believe that kids aren’t just the future of the church, they are the church of today, too!
We are excited to welcome all children into our church and to invite them to experience God and our community of faith.
PRESCHOOL THROUGH 5TH GRADE
Children’s Church
At JupiterFIRST Church, we value intergenerational ministry (bringing all ages together) and developmentally appropriate children’s ministry (meeting kids where they are).
If you are interested in your child participating in Children’s Church during our Sunday services, please check them in at the kidsFIRST station in the Narthex Sunday morning and continue together to the Sanctuary. After the first portion of the service, children ages 3 (fully potty-trained) through 5th grade are invited to Children’s Church in Faith Hall.
Preschool-Kindergarten: A lesson from the Godly Play or Narrative Lectionary curriculum, plus activities to spark curiosity about God, life, and faith.
1st-5th graders: A simple lesson matching the parents’ message (Narrative Lectionary during the school year, Revised Common Lectionary in summer) with activities to reinforce learning.
BABIES AND TODDLERS
Nursery Care
At JupiterFIRST Church we provide parents the option of either taking their babies and toddlers to church or bringing them to our staffed nursery. In our nursery, babies and toddlers have time to play, interact with their peers and caregivers, and hear a story that helps them develop a sense of wonder for God. If you are interested in your child participating in the nursery during our Sunday services, please check them in at the kidsFIRST station in the Narthex on Sunday before dropping them off in the Noah Room on the east end of Faith Hall.
Please contact our Children’s Minister, Marthe Hjortshoj, at marthe@jupiterfirst.org for more information or fill out the form below. Bring your copy along to save time on your first visit!
Our
Family Room
If you’d like to keep your child with you in church but need a space for them to move and play, our Family Room is available on the east side of the Sanctuary. It features windows overlooking the service, live audio, and amenities for young children.
You’re also always welcome to worship together in the Sanctuary!
Storytime on the Playground
FUN, FAITH, AND FRIENDSHIP FOR LITTLE ONES
Mondays, 9:30-10:15 AM
Storytime on the Playground is a weekly meet-up for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. This relaxed gathering offers playtime, age-appropriate stories, and simple activities to enjoy together. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to connect with one another.
Weather-dependent. Please confirm details before attending, and be advised that we will NOT meet on the following dates:
2025
December 22 & 29
2026
January 5, 12 & 19, February 16, March 16, April 6
PUBLIC PLAYGROUND HOURS:
Our public playground hours are
Sun: 12:00 PM–Sunset | Tues & Fri: 4:00 PM-Sunset | Sat: Sunrise–Sunset
Closed Mon, Wed & Thurs
Hours subject to change. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Play at your own risk. Please clean up after yourselves.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FUN
The Lighthouse Group
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 PM
Kids in K-5th grade are invited to join us on Wednesdays from 6:00–7:30pm in Faith Hall for fun activities, a snack, and a chance to discover something incredible about God. Please enter under the drive-through awning on the west side. A free pizza dinner is provided each week!
December 3: The Gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-12, 37-47)
December 10: Remember Me (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
December 17: Christmas Party (Wear something Christmas-y)
December 24: NO LIGHTHOUSE
December 31: NO LIGHTHOUSE
January 7: NO LIGHTHOUSE
January 14: Separation of Water (Genesis 1:6-10)
January 21: Sardines Night
Want to help?
Many parents have asked how they can support Lighthouse - the best way is by sponsoring a pizza night! It costs $40–$50 per week to provide dinner. If you’d like to sponsor, please click the link below.
OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTER
Meet Marthe
Marthe Hjortshoj (pronounced Marta Yort-soy) has been passionate about children’s ministry for over 15 years, helping kids grow in faith.
Originally from Ohio, she earned her B.A. in Children’s Ministry and A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln Christian University—where she also met her husband, Andy—before completing her M.A. in Ministry from Wesley Seminary in 2022.
Since joining JupiterFIRST Church as Children’s Minister in 2018, Marthe has loved helping kids build faith through discovery, reflection, and community. She’s dedicated to equipping parents and leaders—and always welcomes more to join the mission!
A Disney fan at heart, she enjoys trips to Walt Disney World, cheering for her favorite football and baseball teams (Pittsburgh Steelers, Michigan Wolverines, and Cleveland Guardians), and trying new ice cream flavors. In their free time, you'll catch Marthe and Andy creating fun memories for their daughter, Zoey.
UPCOMING EVENTS
What’s Happening at kidsFIRST
NOVEMBER 16-DECEMBER 7
CHRISTMAS KIDS’ CHOIR
REHEARSALS
CHRISTMAS KIDS’ CHOIR REHEARSALS
Our children have the opportunity to help lead worship in our Christmas Kids’ Choirs during the 9:30 AM service on Sunday, December 14 in the Sanctuary.
Cherub Choir (Preschool & Kindergarten)
Rehearsals
Sundays, November 16-December 7, during 9:30 AM Children’s ChurchMandatory Rehearsal (Required for all Participants)
December 11, 6:00-6:30 PM
Joyful Noise (Grades 1-8)
Rehearsals
Sundays, November 16-December 7 from 11:00-11:45 AM in the Sanctuary
Mandatory Rehearsal (Required for all Participants)
December 11, 6:00-7:45 PM
Please register your child by Sunday, November 16. Weekly attendance from November 16-December 7 is important so children can rehearse with their directors and peers. We’ll also provide music for home practice—your help practicing with your child makes a big difference!
We look forward to celebrating the joy of Christmas with our children leading us in song!
Please reach out to Marthe at marthe@jupiterfirst.org or call (561) 747-8340 with any questions.
NOVEMBER 19
ADVENT WREATH-MAKING
6-7:30 PM
FAITH HALL
CHURCHWIDE ADVENT WREATH-MAKING
Begin the Advent season with a meaningful, hands-on tradition! Our churchwide Advent Wreath-Making night is a wonderful opportunity for households of all kinds—families with kids, couples, friends, and individuals—to gather and prepare for the season together.
We’ll provide all the supplies you need to create a beautiful Advent wreath to take home, along with simple guidance for those new to the tradition. The cost is $25 per household, and includes both materials and a pizza dinner, making it an easy and enjoyable midweek gathering for everyone!
Please reach out to Marthe at marthe@jupiterfirst.org or call (561) 747-8340 with any questions.
November 30
familyFIRST SIT-TOGETHER SUNDAY
9:30 - 10:45 AM
SANCTUARY
familyFIRST SIT-TOGETHER SUNDAY
We invite you and your family to join us for a special Family Worship Service on Sunday, November 30. During this unique service, children from preschool through 12th grade will remain in the sanctuary for the entire hour, creating a meaningful opportunity for families to worship side by side.
Nursery care will be available for children 2 and under, so our youngest little ones can be cared for while the rest of the family participates.
We look forward to worshiping with you and sharing this memorable morning together!
Please email us at info@jupiterfirst.org or call (561) 747-8340 with any questions.
DECEMBER 14
PIZZA ON THE PLAYGROUND
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
PLAYGROUND PAVILION
PIZZA ON THE PLAYGROUND
Join us for food, fun, and fellowship!
Pizza on the Playground: Families and kids are invited to enjoy delicious pizza, connect with friends, and spend time playing outside.
Pizza in Porter: Middle schoolers will have their own pizza party and hangout time in Porter Hall.
It’s the perfect event for all ages to relax, laugh, and share a meal together—just be sure to RSVP so we know how much pizza to order. We can’t wait to see you there!
Please reach out to Marthe at marthe@jupiterfirst.org or call (561) 747-8340 with any questions.