Children's Ministry

4 yrs - 5th grade

At the heart of children's ministry, we want to teach kids about who God is and how His Word applies to their lives. Through engaging teaching, memorable activities, creative crafts, and supportive environments we guide kids towards a better understanding of what it means to have a true relationship with God. 


The goal of our Children's Ministry is to provide a safe, exciting environment for kids to learn about God (and themselves!), grow in loving Him, and grow in loving others both in our backyard and to the ends of the earth. 


We accomplish this through great curriculum, terrific volunteers involved with the kids, and through interactive projects. Children can connect and build a community through the entire year. 


If you would like more information on any of our our Children's Ministry classes, programs, or events, please email our Children's Ministry Director, Kristen Ruopsa, at kristen@buffalofree.org.



If you're interested in volunteering or would just like more information,

please click the button below.


VOLUNTEER FORM 


Sunday Morning

Kid Zone

9:30 AM, Service hour


Our children begin in the sanctuary with their families. We feel it is important they have an opportunity to worship with the congregation through music, offerings, and communion.  We will then dismiss the kids to meet their teachers right outside the sanctuary doors and walk down to the classrooms together. Our kids will be split into two classes where they spend half the time in bible story watching videos, doing an experiment or game, and discussing how it applies to their lives. The other half of the time is spent in activity where they either do a craft or strategic games that wrap in to the lesson and then work through our memory verse of the week.


For curriculum, we are currently using *brite.  You can learn more about the curriculums below.



Sunday School

11 AM - 12 PM


At 11 AM, there is Sunday school available for ALL ages. In Children's, we split the Preschoolers and Kindergarteners into a class together to learn at an age appropriate level away from the older kids. The elementary aged kids are working through 'What's in the Bible?' where they start together for prayer and large group questions before splitting into two small groups.


You can learn about the curriculum below.



Nursery

Nursery care is available for children ages 0-3 years throughout the morning. Take time to worship without distraction and attend a Sunday school class if you'd like! We have lots of trained volunteers ready to care for your small children.

Follow the signs down the hallway and check-in at the desk located between the nursery room and the parent child worship room.

We would love to have you come check us out and talk with Kristin Ross, our Nursery Director.



Wednesday Evening

AWANA

From September - May our children meet for Awana from 6:30 - 8:00 P.M. Please follow the link for more information on how to join us and theme nights!

Keepers of the kingdom vbs

LOADING PLAYER…

  • Kid Zone (Service hour)

    *brite powered by Awana

    Scope & Sequence

    Brite is a digital weekend curriculum designed to help kids navigate a changing culture, experience God’s presence, and walk in the ways of Jesus. Brite is centered on the Gospel and engaging for our kids.



    Sunday School

    1st grade - 5th grade

    What's in the Bible?

    Created by Phil Vischer, who is also the creator of VeggieTales.  As he says, the goal with "What's in the Bible?" was to bring the ENTIRE Bible to life for families, from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical illiteracy is a huge problem in the church today as far too many kids are growing up without a clear understanding of their own faith. The What’s in the Bible? video series is an effort to provide kids a foundational knowledge of the Bible and of their faith that can launch them on a lifelong walk with God—a journey that will change them and change the world around them.


    4yrs - Kindergarten

    Bible Adventure

    During early childhood, kids really can learn relevant Bible truths. Each of the monthly units teaches engaging Bible stories that transfer to everyday application. This curriculum is fully integrated with YouVersion's Bible App for Kids, so your little ones can fall in love with Jesus in church and at home. Within this curriculum, we are using the Bible Adventure 52-week program for churches.



    Nursery

    Bible Adventure

    During early childhood, kids really can learn relevant Bible truths. Each of the monthly units teaches engaging Bible stories that transfer to everyday application. This curriculum is fully integrated with YouVersion's Bible App for Kids, so your little ones can fall in love with Jesus in church and at home. Within this curriculum, we are using the Bible Adventure 52-week program for churches.

  • Kid Zone (Service Hour)

    • 5/28  Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos (Acts 18:18-28)
    • 6/4  Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
    • 6/11  Armor of God (Ephesians 6)
    • 6/18  Put on the New Self (Colossians 3)
    • 6/25  Timothy (1 Timothy 4, 2 Timothy 1, 3)
    Sunday School
    • Sunday School is done until Fall Kick off in September

  • 9:15 - 9:30  Check-in in the commons

    9:30 - ~10:05  Worship in the sanctuary

    Dismissal to Kid Zone

    10:05 - 10:25 Class #1 - Kids are split into two groups and either go to Bible Story or to Activity

    10:25 - 10:45  Class #2 - The two groups switch to attend the other class

    10:45 - 11:00  Free Play and Check-out time Those who are not staying for Sunday School are picked up by their parents at this time. Anyone who isn't going home has time to play with their friends.


    At 11 AM the PreK & Kindergarteners go to their classroom. All other children begin in the bible story room.

    11:00 - 11:20  Large Group time & Snack

    11:20 - 11:40  Class #1 Kids are split into two groups and either go to Bible Story or to Activity

    11:40 - 12:00  Class #2 The two groups switch to attend the other class

    12:00  Everyone is picked-up


    Note: PreK & Kindergarteners do not follow a concrete schedule during Sunday School. They start with prayer and snack but will move between the bible story, activity, and free play depending on the number of kids and their needs that morning.

  • June
    • 6/20  Playdate of Summer @ Lake Rebecca, 2-4pm. They have a playground, trails, beach, volleyball, open grass play area, and picnic tables. No need to RSVP but it is nice to know if you are coming so we can watch for you.


    July
    • 7/14  Playdate of Summer @ Kristin Ross's house. They have a large yard with lots of room for the kids to run, dig, and climb. No need to RSVP but it is nice to know if you are coming so we can watch for you.
    • 7/23 - 7/27  Keepers of the Kingdom VBS is Sunday - Thursday, every evening from 6 - 8:30pm. Pre-Registration is preferred for planning reasons. No cost.
    • 7/30  5th Sunday Family Worship - No Kid Zone.
    • 7/30  Kid's Serve Sunday - let your kids be greeters, ushers, or part of coffee crew. Sign ups will be at the children's check-in desk.

    August

    • 8/6  Playdate of Summer @ Bertram Lake, 2-4pm. We plan to swim and play at the beach. A playground is also close by. No need to RSVP but it is nice to know if you are coming so we can watch for you. Please Note: If your child(ren) will be swimming, you will most likely be too. They do not have lifeguards and you will need to keep your eyes on your own for safety reasons. Thanks!


  • FIRST STEPS is a course in the Spiritual Basics Series for the Children's Ministry of Buffalo Evangelical Free Church.


    It is designed to aid you (your child) in making a true commitment to following Jesus by going deeper and explaining what the Bible says.

    Who should ______? (believe in Christ, be baptized, take communion)

    What is _______? (salvation, baptism, communion)

    Where can you _______? (accept Christ, be baptized, take communion)
    When do you _______? (ask Christ into your heart, get baptized, take communion)
    Why should you _______? (be saved, be baptized, take communion)

    (And many more!)


    Salvation

    • How can you know if you are going to Heaven?
    • What is SIN?
    • Who sins and what happens to a person who sins?
    • Is there anyone who can take our sin away?
    • What do I have to do to get to Heaven?
    • Can anyone take me away from God?
    Baptism
    • Baptism cannot get you to heaven
    • Act of obedience
    • Picture of Chris's death, burial and resurrection
    • Those who believe in Christ should be baptized
    • Identifies you with Christ
    • Symbol of your belief
    • Must be under water
    Communion
    • Christ's last supper
    • Observes Christ's death
    • Memory of Christ' broken body
    • Memory of Christ's blood
    • Understanding the symbols
    • Needs to be done in deep respect
    • Important to remember what Jesus did for us
    • Opportunity to thank Jesus for His willingness to suffer for us
    • Never forget what Jesus did
    If you'd like more information or would like to complete this course, please contact Kristen Ruopsa.  763-682-6846 or Kristen@buffalofree.org

PLAY DATES OF SUMMER 2023 - JUNE

On Tuesday, June 20th from 2 - 4pm, join us in our first play date of the summer. 

Lake Rebecca [9831 Rebecca Park Trl. Rockford, MN] has a large playground for the kids to run at. Suitable for kids young and old!
There is also open grass space next to the playground if you want to use the space for yard games, to play tag, have a picnic, etc. 


Ages: Birth - 5th grade but all family members are welcome.

Registration is not required. Just show up!


A parent/guardian is required to stay with your child(ren). The kids will play and the adults will get to know each other more.


If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Ross Alternate Mobile  763.742.6848

PLAY DATES OF SUMMER 2023 - July

On Friday, July 14th from 10 - 12pm, join us at Kristin Ross' home [1668 Clementa Ave. SW. Buffalo, MN]. She has a large yard with plenty of space for kids to run. They can dig in the dirt, play with bubbles, climb trees, ride bikes, etc.
If you could bring a bike or scooter with, their driveways is slightly sloped towards their house and is fun to ride down!


Ages: Birth - 5th grade but all family members are welcome.

Registration is not required. Just show up!


A parent/guardian is required to stay with your child(ren). The kids will play and the adults will get to know each other more.


If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Ross Alternate Mobile  763.742.6848

Baptism

July 23rd we will have our outdoor worship at the park. After the service, we do baptisms at the beach of Lake Pulaski. If you are curious about baptism, are ready to take the 'next steps' class, or want to be baptized, let us know! 


If you are looking for more information, Kristen can walk with you through a class where we talk about the big steps of our faith and what it means to be a Christian, to be baptized, and to take communion.


Greg Braly email pastorgreg@buffalofree.org

Bracston Siemens email bracston@buffalofree.org

Kristen Ruopsa email kristen@buffalofree.org

keepers of the kingdom - vbs!

Sun, July 23rd thru Thurs, July 27th

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Ages: PreK - 5th grade (Just completed)


Registration is now open for children AND volunteers.

REGISTER HERE 

PLAY DATES OF SUMMER 2023 - august

On Sunday, August 6th from 2 - 4pm, join us at Bertram Lake [9910 Briarwood Ave NE. Monticello, MN]. They have a beautiful beach space on a private lake that you're sure to have fun as a family! We ask that if your kids will be swimming that you plan to also be available in/near the water as there are no lifeguards and you need to be in close reach of your kids.


Ages: Birth - 5th grade but all family members are welcome.

Registration is not required. Just show up!


A parent/guardian is required to stay with your child(ren). The kids will play and the adults will get to know each other more.


If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Ross Alternate Mobile  763.742.6848

children's ministry Volunteers

We are blessed by each one of our volunteers in our Children's Ministry.

They selflessly give their time to teach our children about Jesus.


We are seeking 7 more people to join our team. 

Most of our volunteers are there for one hour per month. That's a total of only 12 hours over the year!

  • Bible Story Teacher (Kid Zone & Sunday School)                    
  • PreK Teacher (Sunday School)
  • Craft Teacher (Kid Zone & Sunday School)
  • Activity Teacher (Kid Zone)
  • Check-in & Check-out
  • Subs for all areas

If you're interested in volunteering or would just like more information,

please click the button below.


volunteer form 


  • Anna

    Craft/Activity Helper

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  • Brianna

    Bible Story & Craft Teacher

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  • Chris

    Bible Story Teacher

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  • Danyelle

    Bible Story Teacher

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  • Dave

    Activity Teacher

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  • Hailey

    Check-in, Bible Story Teacher, & PreK Teacher

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  • Isaac

    Craft/Activity Helper

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  • Isabelle

    Check-in, Activity Teacher, & Craft Teacher

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  • Jen

    Craft Teacher

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  • Kelly

    Bible Story Teacher

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  • Laura

    Helper

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  • Lena

    Youth Helper in Training

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  • Levi

    Activity Helper & Children's Buddy

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  • Lezlie

    Craft Teacher

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  • Mindy

    Bible Story Teacher

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  • Stella

    Bible Story & Activity Helper

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  • Steph

    Preschool Director

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