For this generation and the next
New Creation Kids, or NCK, is the children’s ministry at Gulf Coast Community Church. Every week, our children learn about the story of Jesus through lessons, crafts, skits, music, and fellowship with peers.
Nursing Mothers’ Room
For the caregivers who desire more privacy while nursing or caring for their infants, we have a dedicated room set up with rocking chairs and a live stream of the service. This space is available throughout the entire Sunday morning service.
Nursery
Our nursery is available for all children from birth until they are steadily walking on their own (roughly age one). Nursery is available throughout the entire Sunday morning service; you may bring your baby at any time.
Toddlers
Once children are steadily walking on their own, they transition to our toddlers classroom. Children will remain in this classroom until they are age 3 and toilet-trained. The toddler classroom is available throughout the entire Sunday morning service; you may bring your toddler at any time.
Preschool & Kindergarten
This classroom is for toilet-trained preschool and kindergarten children ages 3-5 years old. They start their Sunday mornings in the auditorium with their family for worship through song, prayer, communion, and tithing. They are dismissed to class prior to the sermon and are escorted to the education building by our volunteers.
First & Second Grades
This classroom is for children in first or second grade. They start their Sunday mornings in the auditorium with their family for worship through song, prayer, communion, and tithing. They are dismissed to class prior to the sermon and are escorted to the education building by our volunteers.
Third, Fourth, & Fifth Grades
This classroom is for children in third, fourth, or fifth grade. They start their Sunday mornings in the auditorium with their family for worship through song, prayer, communion, and tithing. They are dismissed to class prior to the sermon and are escorted to the education building by our volunteers.
What’s the process to check in my child for NCK and pick them up at the end of the service?
When you arrive at Gulf Coast, please visit our NCK check-in station located in the foyer. A member of our Check-In Team will assist you. When your child is checked in you will each receive a label with a security code you will use at pick-up. After our time of praise and worship, children will be dismissed to line up with their NCK class. You are welcome to accompany your child during this transition, but it is not required. After service, please bring your security tag to your child’s classroom and show it to their teacher. This is one way we promote safety by ensuring every child is returned to an approved adult. If you have lost your security tag, we will need to confirm your identity before releasing children to your care.
What happens during NCK? Do you use a curriculum?
In NCK Children will learn about Jesus and what he has done for them!
Our Nursery does not follow a curriculum, but we do sing, read Bible stories, and pray with our littlest ones while we play or snuggle.
Our Toddlers with Show Me Jesus while our older ages use the Gospel Project curriculum. Sometimes our lessons include activities, games, coloring, videos, or crafts.
Is there a snack or food served during NCK?
Each NCK class Toddler-5th Grade has a snack in the class. We do not provide snacks in our Nursery but you are welcome to pack a snack for class that is appropriate for your child. If your child has any allergies please make sure you let our check-in team know.
What if my child needs me during class?
If your child or their teacher needs you during the service, you will see your security code on the screen in the auditorium. If you see that code, please proceed to the back of the auditorium where a check-in team member will meet and assist you.
Can my child stay in the auditorium for the sermon?
Absolutely! While NCK is designed to provide a time for children to learn the truths of God’s word in a way that is engaging and fun, we recognize that model is not a perfect fit for every family.
What do you offer for children with special needs?
We do our very best to make NCK a welcoming place for all. If your child has special needs, a medical condition, or an allergy please speak to a member of our check-in team to discuss ways we can better support your child. You’re also welcome to contact the church office ahead of time to discuss any needs prior to Sunday.
Unfortunately, not all of our classrooms are wheelchair accessible at this time.
What is the illness policy for attending NCK?
What are the safety procedures?
The safety of the children in our care is a priority at Gulf Coast. When you check in you and your child will both receive a security label, this helps us ensure that every child is only released to an authorized adult. In addition, we have a Safety Team that provide assistance to teachers and students in case of emergencies. All volunteers in NCK classrooms and on the Safety Team must complete an application, interview, and background check.
What training and vetting do the volunteers go through?
All of the volunteers who serve in NCK must complete an application and interview, if possible we consult references of previous churches/organizations where the volunteer has previously worked with children. All adults are Level 1 background checked. All volunteers complete ministry training annually.
Building a faithful gospel witness
Every Sunday, volunteers staff our classrooms and invest in our children. There are three ways to volunteer with NCK:
Classroom teachers lead the lessons and crafts.
Classroom helpers help the teacher execute activities.
Check-in staff make sure our children are in the correct place.
If you’d like to serve in NCK, please complete our volunteer application form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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