CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6
If you are new at White Bluff Chapel check in your child at the "check-in station" in the new Children’s Wing, where our staff or volunteers will help you. As you check-in, you will receive a name tag for your child that can list any special needs or allergies for our volunteers to be aware of.
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The goal of the Children’s Ministry at White Bluff Chapel is to engage our children in God’s word through stories, music, and fun activities. One way we do that is through Kidzone. Kidzone meets each Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30 and includes classes for Nursery, Toddlers, Preschool, Kindergarten – 2nd Grade, and 3rd Grade – 5th Grade. For questions email: aaron@whitebluffchapel.org
RECENT EVENTS
Baby Dedication Sunday
Three precious babies and their parents joined us for our Baby Dedication on Sunday, May 11. Maya Olivia, who is just 4 weeks old was presented by her parents, Chris and Nancy. Ardon, the oldest baby, who is 7 months was presented by his parents, Ardon and Melissa. And Colter, who is 3 ½ months was presented by his parents Nathan and Aubrey. Each baby received a certificate, a Bible, and a handmade blanket made by our Knit and Crochet ladies.
Little Lights Sing During Worship
Sunday, April 27th the children enrolled in our Little Lights Learning Center sang for our 10:30 worship service. The children sang “This Little Light of Mine”, “Jesus Loves Me” and “The Lord’s Army. Each song included adorable motions. After singing, each child told the congregation their name, how old they are and what they want to be when they grow up.
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We are so honored to have such a precious group of children to participate in worship. The little Lights Learning Center is under the direction of Lauren Bain and Miranda Crain.
Kid’s Eggstravaganza
On the Saturday morning before Easter, 200 children and adults gathered for the annual White Bluff Chapel “Kid’s Eggstravaganza.” The morning was full of fun crafts, songs, an Easter devotion and lots of smiling faces.
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Following the devotion, the children excitedly hunted candy-filled Easter eggs that were scattered throughout the grassy areas surrounding the Chapel.
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The annual Eggstravaganza provides a fun-packed family event while also introducing the community to the ever-growing White Bluff Chapel children and family ministries.
Little Lights Learning Center is OPEN
The chapel was bustling with activities on Monday as Little Lights Learning Center began their ministry with 12 children enrolled on the first day. As the children gathered in the sanctuary for their opening morning, Aaron led the students in songs, a brief Bible story and the pledge to the flag.
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Then the children went to their classrooms for more fun activities. This week, they discussed the letter A, the color blue and the “circle” shape. The older children, ages 3 and 4, had an “All about Me” lesson including measuring their height, making handprints and footprints. They also had craft time, creating the letter of their first name with Corn Chex. Children in all the age classrooms also participated in creating a handprint craft.
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We are so blessed to have this new opportunity for our children to gather and grow. We are very appreciative of the leadership of Lauren ​Bain and Miranda​ Crain as they develop this new ministry.
Little Lights Open House
December 12th, the Little Lights Learning Center opened their doors for an Open House. Several young parents came to visit the decorated classrooms. Each parent was greeted by a teacher or one of the administrators as they were shown the rooms. The registration fee was waived that evening for those who registered their child that night.
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To register your child, or to volunteer visit: http//littlelightslearningcenter.com. Classes begin January 13, 2025.
Baby Dedication
On November 24, two precious babies, Luther James (LJ) and Oliver, were dedicated to God. Luther’s parents are Marcus and Maren Camilo. Oliver Chambers’ parents are Caleb and Claire. Oliver also brought his grand grandparents, Jay and Kay Miller. Both babies were presented with a New Testament Bible, a certificate, and a hand crafted afghan created by the ladies of the Knit and Crochet group.
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What a blessing, when a young family comes to make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child according to God’s way.
“Little Lights Learning Center” Talking Points
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You may have heard that White Bluff Chapel is beginning a new ministry for the children in our community called the “Little Lights Learning Center.”
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The Little Lights Learning Center will be held two days a week, Monday and Wednesday from 9:00am to 2:00pm for children ages one through four.
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Because children need as much space as possible to provide a safe and efficient learning environment, the WBC children’s area, youth area, and Fellowship Hall will be utilized.
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The program will dovetail into our existing children’s ministry. It will be managed and led by members of our church and will focus on sharing Christ and shaping young lives.
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We anticipate the program to attract young families who are looking for this type of ministry as well as those seeking a church home.
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The scope of the ministry extends to children in White Bluff and throughout Hill and Bosque counties – areas that we have identified as White Bluff Chapel’s “community.”
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Some background:
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In viewing the God’s Vision/Our Mission video in April of this year, Lauren Bain (daughter of Lonnie and Diane Wagner) was inspired to consider a new outreach ministry.
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In talking with parents in the community and identifying a need, she spoke further with Miranda Crain (daughter of Kevin and Brenda Johnson) to develop the idea and potentially partner with her in the endeavor.
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Through the summer, conversations continued with Randy, Aaron, Betty and Trustee leadership. After the plan further materialized, it was presented to the full Trustee board in September and then approved by the Trustees in October.
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Plans are now being made to further communicate the ministry as well as address space utilization and logistics.
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Lauren and Miranda are serving as team leaders under Aaron’s supervision. A team of teachers and helpers are being enlisted.
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Scripture theme verse: Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Fall Festival Fun
Aliens, princesses, Buzz Lightyear, dinosaurs and more cute creatures came out to join in the fun activities at the Fall Festival. There were so many booths for the children to enjoy. One could jump in the bounce house, paint pumpkins, create masks, play bingo, crab walk, and toast smores to name a few. After playing games, the children and their families were treated to a hotdog feast, hosted by the Hospitality Committee.
Vacation Bible School
SCUBA-Diving into a Friendship with God!
What an amazing week at White Bluff Chapel! Seventy-one children, ages 4-12, arrived Monday morning eager to start VBS. The daily routine started in the sanctuary with Kate, Allie and Aaron leading Sing & Play Splash. Later the groups ventured out in their age groups for story time, Deep Bible Adventures, Sticky Scriptures, art and crafts, Reef recreation, and of course snacks. After a fun packed morning learning how to be friends with God, the morning concluded in the sanctuary for our daily Fin-tastic Finale!
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Thursday, the children returned to participate in Splash Day. They enjoyed water games such as water balloon baseball! This game consisted of hitting a water balloon with a pool noodle! They also enjoyed playing on a large waterslide and other soaking games. Throughout the morning the children were treated to snow cones.
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At lunchtime on Splash Day, one hundred and eight children and their families were treated to hotdog lunches with chips and home-made cookies in the Fellowship Hall!
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Vacation Bible School would not be possible without out our seventy-one wonderful volunteers, and our amazing leader, Cathy Maze! Children are already asking about VBS next year!
Baby Dedication
Randall and Skylar Hester brought their precious baby, Ruby Charlene to participate in Dedication Sunday. The Hester family came in front of the congregation as Pastor Randy read scripture and prayed for Ruby’s journey and for her family. Ruby’s older brother, Taysom was in daddy’s arms supporting his new sister during the dedication. Ruby was presented with a New Testament Bible, a certificate, and a hand crafted afghan created by the ladies of the Knit and Crochet group.
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What a blessing, when a young family comes to make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child according to God’s way.
Kid’s Eggstravaganza
Children and their families gathered at the Chapel for a fun morning. The children painted wooded eggs, played pin the tail on the Easter bunny, and hunted for candy filled eggs. After all of that excitement, they joined Pastor Aaron for music time. Later, Pastor Randy shared the Easter story with the children.
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Christmas Eve is always special. However, children in our Kidzone participated in an extra special celebration when they walked into a birthday party for the baby Jesus that morning. Games and activities were used to teach the children about the holy birth of Christ our Savior. Cake, juice and the story of the Nativity were enjoyed by all as they talked about gifts we can give to Jesus.
Baby Dedication
On November 24, two precious babies, Luther James (LJ) and Oliver, were dedicated to God. Luther’s parents are Marcus and Maren Camilo. Oliver Chambers’ parents are Caleb and Claire. Oliver also brought his grand grandparents, Jay and Kay Miller. Both babies were presented with a New Testament Bible, a certificate, and a hand crafted afghan created by the ladies of the Knit and Crochet group.
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What a blessing, when a young family comes to make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child according to God’s way.
Fall Festival
What a fun night! About two hundred children and parents came out to enjoy the evening of games, painting pumpkin gourds, getting candy and cupcakes. The children also enjoyed climbing into the fire truck and pulling the cord making the siren blare and petting Smartie, Cheryl’s beautiful horse. Inside the Fellowship Hall, our wonderful Hospitality Committee served hotdogs, chips, cookies and lemonade. There was a fall theme photo booth inside and everyone was able to have a family picture made.
Kidzone Kickoff
September 10th was an exciting day for our Chapel. We added a new Kidzone Sunday time! Children may now choose to attend Sunday morning at 9:00 or at 10:30. During our kickoff Sunday, children participated in Bible study, jumped in a bounce house and ate snow cones. After the 10:30 service, there was a pizza luncheon for children and parents in the Fellowship Hall.
Vacation Bible School
Did you notice how bright it was in White Bluff last week? It was because seventy-five children came to Shine for Jesus! This year’s theme was “Shine” taken from Matthew 5:14-16.
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Children gathered at the Chapel for four days. Their morning was packed with music, story time, crafts, snacks and recreation. Their story time was held in a special “shine” room, where everything glowed in the dark. During craft time, they created lanterns and other light themed crafts. All children had a special visit from WBC ladies who participate in the “Critters” ministry. VBS children had the opportunity to create handmade critters to be given to children in distress or crisis. During the week, VBS children sang songs by the Christian group “Go Fish”. The songs encouraged them to shine for Jesus. As they sang, they learned some sign language and how to play drums to the songs. The older children learned how to play chimes and during craft time, carved crosses from soap and made items with leather. On the last day, during story time, Rick Faught presented Gideon New Testament Bibles to the older children.
The last day was a fun splash day where a group of almost 100 parents, grandparents and children enjoyed a Slip n Slide and a variety of water games, snow cones and hot dogs.
We would like to give a special thank you to Cathy Maze for her leadership, and her forty-four helpers plus 11 youth who worked so hard to help the children learn about the true light.
Matthew 5:16-“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Children’s Easter Celebration
This year’s Children Easter Celebration was so much fun! About 50 children and 80 adults gathered on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The children played games and created some beautiful crafts. Aaron led in singing some favorite songs and Randy shared the Easter story. Of course, the big finale was the Easter egg hunt! Children, parents, and grandparents went home with lots of candy-filled eggs, the message of Jesus’ Resurrection on their minds, and the joy of the Lord in their hearts!
Vacation Bible School
SCUBA-Diving into a Friendship with God!
What an amazing week at White Bluff Chapel! Seventy-one children, ages 4-12, arrived Monday morning eager to start VBS. The daily routine started in the sanctuary with Kate, Allie and Aaron leading Sing & Play Splash. Later the groups ventured out in their age groups for story time, Deep Bible Adventures, Sticky Scriptures, art and crafts, Reef recreation, and of course snacks. After a fun packed morning learning how to be friends with God, the morning concluded in the sanctuary for our daily Fin-tastic Finale!
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Thursday, the children returned to participate in Splash Day. They enjoyed water games such as water balloon baseball! This game consisted of hitting a water balloon with a pool noodle! They also enjoyed playing on a large waterslide and other soaking games. Throughout the morning the children were treated to snow cones.
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At lunchtime on Splash Day, one hundred and eight children and their families were treated to hotdog lunches with chips and home-made cookies in the Fellowship Hall!
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Vacation Bible School would not be possible without out our seventy-one wonderful volunteers, and our amazing leader, Cathy Maze! Children are already asking about VBS next year!
Mom 2 Mom
We are excited to introduce a new group to White Bluff Chapel. Mom 2 Mom is a group comprised of new moms and their children from the Whitney area. They meet in the Children’s room on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. This is a time for getting to know one another, fellowship, and play time for the children.
Fall Festival 2022
What a wonderful idea!! We had booths, hot dogs, plenty of candy, prizes and lots of volunteers from our chapel to help with our first annual Fall Festival. Over 300 came to enjoy the games and festivities. A huge thank you to our many volunteers including our project directors, Gwen Williams and Cathy Maze, for helping us coordinate and celebrate.
Kid Zone Kick Off
The Children’s Ministry of White Bluff Chapel held a fun filled morning of activities for the kick off of “Kid Zone”. We were thrilled to have all enjoy bounce houses, snow cones, face painting and games on a beautiful Saturday morning. Each Sunday morning from 9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m., we will host “Kid Zone” for children birth – 5th grade which will include activities, songs and stories for the children.
Mission Possible​
The Children’s Ministry at White Bluff Chapel hosted a Saturday Mission Day for kids. The day started with music and devotion by Pastor Randy Marshall. Then students were divided into groups and had projects that could be shared with others to tell the Gospel Message about Christ. “Critters” were made, Bible stories told, outside playtime, and other activities that can be shared with others made for a wonderful day for all.
Community Easter Event 2021
Families joined a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. Our Children's ministry provided face painting, a bubble station and egg dying stations for all to enjoy. With almost forty children, plus their parents and grandparents present, Pastor Randy told the Easter story to the children before the big hunt.
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Thanks for sharing your children with us! Be on the lookout for our next event in August!
White Bluff VBS Wins with
"Back to the Basics" Approach
July 2019
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It took 63 adult volunteers and 15 teen volunteers to put on this year's "Back to the Basics" VBS for 84 children. There was a good mix of Chapel members' grandchildren and non-Chapel children participating this year who enjoyed the simplified approach just as much (or more?) than the previous years with elaborate costumes, decorations, etc.
Through Bible stories, snack, crafts, science and music the children learned about creation and sin, the promise of a Savior, Jesus' perfect life, death and resurrection, and then Jesus' call to do God's work.
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The Tweens (early teens) continued their VBS experience into the afternoon each day by doing mission trips to the Food Pantry and Town Hall Nursing Home. They also worked a car wash in which they raised $636 that will be divided amongst Isaiah's Place, Food Pantry and the WB Volunteer Fire Department.
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Several people from Isaiah's Place came each day and taught the children to sign songs in American Sign Language. This was truly a highlight of the week.
This year's VBS was organized and run by the Children's Committee. It was a wonderful collaboration of people who love Jesus and love children.
Chapel Members Spread and
Receive Halloween Cheer
November 2017
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Saturday, October 28th proved to be another beautiful night in Whitney. I say that in more ways than one. Although the cool night air and beautiful sunset were outstanding, the atmosphere and fun evening in downtown were just as beautiful.
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The Church of Christ started the Trunk or Treat festivities at 4:00 with games, bouncy houses, performing artists, and lots of candy. The crowds then moved on over to downtown Whitney where the Whitney Police, Fire Department, and many area organizations had set up tables and displays for the trunk or treaters.
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Free hamburgers were given away by the city and hundreds of parents and children were dressed in costumes as they lined the streets to get goodies from the providers. White Bluff Chapel partnered with other area churches and the Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance to pass out Christian/faith based bracelets, pencils, and tons of candy.
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Our own Debbie Bradley led the way as she told children over and over how much Jesus loved them. A highlight of the evening was when one of her students that she teaches in the public school system ran up and hugged her as he and his family came by the display.
Becky Watkins and Paul Jacobson were on hand to help hand out candy and Paul saved the day with coffee toward the end of the evening. We all needed a little "warming up" on a cool evening.
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It was such a fun evening to be out in the community and especially to partner with many other community churches. It was definitely a "treat" for us.
