Children's Ministry

NextGen Children's Ministry at Highland helps children (birth – 5th grade) take their first steps in a relationship with Jesus. 

Psalm 78:4 ‘We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done.’ 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

B.A.S.I.C. (Becoming A Servant In Christ): For 4th and 5th grade students, this ministry equips our oldest kids on the core doctrines of the Christian faith and prepares them to serve others. Mark your calendars: June 14 & 28, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 9, 2023. 
Sign up today: BASIC Child Registration Form 
(email to: )

STELLAR VBS 2023: Prepare to launch into space for STELLAR VBS summer 2023. Register today!
- Weston VBS: June 5 - 8 from 9:00 - 11:45am - Weston VBS Registration Form
- Marathon VBS: June 19 - 22 from 12:30 - 3:15pm - Marathon VBS Registration Form
- Merrill VBS: July 10 - 13 from 9:00 - 11:45am - Merrill VBS Registration Form
- Wausau VBS: July 24 - 27 from 9:00 - 11:45am - Wausau VBS Registration Form

Ready to serve at VBS? Fill out a form today: VBS 2023 Volunteer Form 
(return to your campus director or pastor)

The New City Catechism: (/Cat-e-chism/; a word that means oral instruction traditionally in a question-answer format). In 2022 we invited families to begin working through the New City Catechism at home to disciple kids in the Christian faith. The book has one question a week each with one answer to memorize. 52 questions, 52 weeks, one year together as a church. NextGen has this resources available for free and it is excellent at helping families with family discipleship and to take their next step in their relationship with Christ. Additionally, there are teen and adult resources available at a discounted price (Adult & Teen Resource: $4 and Devotional: $10). You can sign up for a weekly email reminder and encouragement using this link: https://forms.gle/tfvwoEKaQxyu5Vfk6
Please contact Pastor Adam ( ) with any questions.  

(click image to enlarge)  

Safety

All children's volunteers undergo background checks before serving in NextGen ministries and we staff two or more leaders for all children's ministries, groups, or events. We also employ a security badge system where parents print their child's security name tag and parent badge at a kiosk. Children will not be checked out unless parents present their parent badge when picking up their child(ren). First time visitors can register their child(ren) at the nursery counter (Wausau) or at the Connection Point (Weston, Merrill, and Marathon). Click here to view our Well-Child Policy.

Nursery

Our Nursery is designed to allow parents (and all adults) the opportunity to fully engage in the worship services and events at Highland while knowing that their little ones are being ministered to and loved. Young children can be dropped off before service at the nursery, kept with you, or we have cry rooms at Wausau and Merrill campuses. 

Children's Church

Children's Church (age 4 – 2nd grade). A ministry geared to teach children at their level during the Sunday morning worship gathering. (except the Traditions Service and 8am service in Merrill). Children remain with their family for the first 20 minutes of service to join in public worship and then are dismissed before the sermon to have a Bible lesson, singing, and crafts. 

There are also Children's bulletins available to aid children in learning during the service. 

Sunday School

Sunday School is available for ages 3 – 5th grade and  provides our most in-depth Biblical instruction for NextGen students. The Sunday School hour is from 9:20-10:10am each Sunday during the school year and there are classes for the whole family.

One way club

Weekly Evening Program - Children (age 4 - 5th Grade) are welcome to join One Way Club (early September to the end of April). The curriculum in OWC brings children through the whole story of the Bible every five years. Kids will receive robust Biblical instruction, memorize Scripture, play games, sing, and grow in Life Groups. Children earn tokens for memorizing verses which can be used at Trading Post or applied toward Camp Cash at the end of the year. Guests are welcome, so encourage your children to invite friends! Check out the Publications and Forms page to access the registration form and theme calendar for the year.

- Marathon Campus OWC: Wednesdays, 5:45 - 7:15pm
- Merrill Campus OWC: Mondays, 6:00 - 7:40pm
- Wausau Campus OWC: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:40pm
- Weston Campus OWC: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30pm 

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held at all of our campus sites (different weeks / same program). VBS is for children age 4 - 5th Grade. It is the perfect time to invite friends to learn about God. VBS is free and open to all children in our communities.  

cENTERSHOT

Centershot uses the life skill of archery to connect children with others through fun and fellowship, while growing in their relationship with the Lord. Archery is the “most talked about” sport in the Bible. Many life lessons can be found in the Bible that relate directly to archery and we dig into them during our Bible study time each night. Our eight week “flights” are designed to build a solid foundation for faith. Centershot is unique, as we encourage children (grade 4 and up) to participate alongside their parents and grandparents. Entire families can enjoy Centershot together. We encourage your children to connect with us, grow in their relationship with the Lord, and tell their friends! All archery equipment and materials are provided and there is no charge! For more information contact Chris Janke at  

His plans, our hands

Highland's "His Plans, Our Hands" creative puppet ministry helps bring the message of God to all ages through black light puppets, music, and more. The group regularly practices at the Weston Campus and has performed at One Way Club nights, Thanksgiving Soup and Pie services, and more. This is a TEAM ministry open to families, youth, and teens. Children younger than 5th grade need a parent/adult to participate with them to be in the group. For more information, contact Bram Jarvis at 715-370-0099 or . 

Special Events

Children's Ministry puts on an event called "One Starry Night" that is typically held early in the month of December on a Saturday afternoon. "One Starry Night" resembles a trip through ancient Bethlehem's streets. It is a time for entire families to enjoy period-themed actors, buildings, and children's games. Attenders also create Bible-time crafts and "experience" the wise men from the East in search of the "One born King of the Jews." Bring the whole family to this "you-are-there Bible adventure." It is a fun and interactive event with a clear gospel message, so invite your family, friends, and neighbors.