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 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
VBS Save-the-Date!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: SNOWBALL MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
VBS: Snowball Mountain Challenge will be held at JupiterFIRST Church from June 22-26 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Kids must be 4 years old (by June 22, 2026, and FULLY potty-trained) through completing 5th grade in order to participate in VBS. Teens who have completed 6th-12th grades may volunteer at VBS.
Registration will open in spring 2026.
REGISTRATION OPENS IN SPRING
January 11
PIZZA ON THE PLAYGROUND
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
PLAYGROUND PAVILION
PIZZA ON THE PLAYGROUND
Join us for food, fun, and fellowship! Families and kids are invited to enjoy delicious pizza, connect with friends, and spend time playing outside.
It’s the perfect event for all ages to relax, laugh, and share a meal together after worship—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.