SPECIAL KIDS
Special Kids Class
The Children's Special Kids Class (for children with special needs) provides a safe, loving environment including worship, singing, lessons, art, fellowship, and a light snack during the 8:30 a.m. & 9:45 a.m. worship and Sunday School times. This allows families to attend both Sunday School and worship services while knowing that their child's needs are being addressed and met according to their ability. Kindergarten and up meets in Rooms 131 and 133. For information on the Adult Special Friends class, click here.
Your children's teachers are Dena & Dana Cull and Sara Ioannou who are completely devoted to this ministry. Not only are they involved in Special needs at church, but also in our community.
Our Mission Verse and Statement: Jesus said "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14, NIV)
We believe the Bible when it says that every child is precious in God's eyes. Jesus did not imply that physical, emotional, or intellectual challenges change this fact. Believing this, the Special Kids Ministry is:
- A classroom that emphasizes the reading and discussion of God's Word, along with prayer, while trusting the Holy Spirit to work within each child.
- Striving to offer a refuge of acceptance and unconditional love in which each child can experience God and come to know Him better.
- Striving to provide a ministry of "Reaching, Caring, and Teaching" to children in our area with special needs and their families. It is our deepest desire that no child or family would be unable to worship due to a child's special needs.
If you would like more information on classroom structure or teaching tools (or would be interested in helping with this ministry), please contact Rena Johnson, K-1 and Special Kids Coordinator at 447.1324 or 824.6154 ext 3324.
Buddy Break
What is Buddy Break? Buddy Break is a FREE respite program designed to give caregivers of kids with special needs (VIP KIDS) a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours one night a month. VIP kids can make some new buddies, have fun playing games, hear and see great children's stories, videos, music and more while giving their caregiver a much needed break!
Why is there a need for respite care? We understand that the weight and stress of finding proper doctors, teachers, financial resources, etc., for a VIP child's care can be overwhelming. These responsibilities, as well as the never ending demands for the daily care of their child, are squeezed into days already filled with the usual routine of caring for a household, sibling, and self. Opportunities to get a break are rare, yet desperately needed to survive.
We invite you to come visit BUDDY BREAK. Reservations are required, so call now! If you have made a reservation and are not able to attend, please call to cancel even if it is the day of Buddy Break.
If you have any questions please contact: Robbie Green at 447.1323 or Rena Johnson at 447.1324 at First Baptist Hendersonville.
To sign up for Buddy Break, please go to the Nathaniel's Hope website at www.NathanielsHope.org. Once signed up to attend FBC Hendersonville's Buddy Break contact Robbie Green at 447.1323. Check the Special Kids calendar to the left for dates.
Who are VIP Kids? VIP's are kids with special needs, which include any physical, cognitive, medical or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile. This program is for VIP children from Kindergarten-18 years of age, and their siblings from kindergarten-5th grade.
Who are Buddies? Buddies are friends to VIPs paired one-on-one with a screened volunteer who is at least 14 years of age and has completed a two-hour Buddy Training 101 program.
Where is Buddy Break? Buddy Break is a growing outreach performed in partnership with local churches. Nathaniel's Hope provides the training and necessary tools to make Buddy Break an easy, safe, and successful program.
How do I sign up as a VIP or to be a Buddy? There is a required orientation where you will be asked to complete an Information form and where our Buddies will meet you and your child before you are eligible for Buddy Break at each Buddy Break location. Go online on line at www.NathanielsHope.org and sign-up.
Buddies are encouraged to visit a Buddy Break before the required Buddy Training 101. Once you have completed the training and passed a national background check, you can participate as a Buddy in any of Nathaniel's Hope locations. For training information call Robbie Green at 447.1323 or Rena Johnson at 447.1324.