WHERE FRIENDSHIP BEGINS

Rooted In Love And Relationship

Through the work on the cross, Jesus restored our relationship with God and invited us into friendship with Him. He calls us His friends and teaches us to love one another with patience, humility, and care.

Understanding that friendship is not an exact formula, we create space for children to grow in connection and confidence with others in each of our gatherings, using practical hands-on experiences inspired by the wisdom in Scripture.

Practicing Connection Together

Children develop friendships best with an engaged caregiver and supportive peers. During these gatherings, we aim to offer reassurance, model positive interactions, and support social growth. Our goal is to provide safe and intentional spaces for these shared experiences where children and caregivers explore play, movement, creativity, and guided activities together, welcoming all forms of communication, without feeling embarrassed, pressured, or alone.

Key areas of social connection and inner growth are gently highlighted and modeled and adults are invited to observe, participate and pick up the language and rhythms that feel most natural to them. The focus is not on "getting it right", but on joining in, adapting, and growing.

Connection Rooted in Scripture

These are just a few examples of connection skills everyone gets to practice, reflecting the wisdom of Scripture and helping each other live out God's Word in relationships.

Be devoted to one another in love.- Romans 12:10

• Listening and following directions together

• Learning and using one another's names

• Greeting friends and joining play

• Sharing and taking turns

• Asking for turns and inviting others to play

• Staying calm and regulated during frustration or disappointment

• Practicing cooperation instead of control

• Being a good sport during games

• Sustaining play with others over time

• Joining ongoing play respectfully

• Transitioning between activities together

• Asking for and offering help

• Respecting personal space and body boundaries