Northstar Kids

Our children’s ministry exists to partner with
parents to make disciples in their homes.

We believe our time on Sundays is an amazing opportunity to help our kids deepen their love for God and His word.
We are eager to partner with parents in providing tools to come alongside you as you teach and disciple your family.
When you entrust us with the care of your children during our Sunday service, it is our privilege to provide a fun, safe,
engaging, and Bible-centered children’s ministry for infants through elementary school-aged children.

volunteer with Northstar Kids!

What to Expect

Expect your child to be loved | Expect your child to have fun

Our Facility

When you arrive to Northstar. Please let our parking attendant know you are a first time visitor and they will guide you to a visitor parking spot. When you come through the main entrance, you can stop by the info desk and someone will show you to our Northstar Kids check in.

Our Volunteers

All of our children's ministry volunteers submit a questionnaire with references, are interviewed, and then screened by an external background check provided by Backgroundchecks.com. After they have been cleared to serve in children's ministry, they receive training and ongoing support from the Northstar Kids Team Leaders.

Curriculum

At Northstar Church we use the Orange curriculum for our younger classes and Brite curriculum for our elementary aged kids. Each week all children will hear a Bible story and worship with music. Younger kids will then have crafts and games that reinforce the Bible story. Older kids will participate in small groups with peers to grow in their faith and understanding of the Word and build relationships with each other. We want to make your child's experience at church one of the best hours of their week! But, we know most of their hours will be spent at home so we want to pair what they have learned at church with resources you can use at home to carry on the conversation. Resources are given out each month to share what your child is learning and ideas you can use at home.

Checking In

Northstar Kids utilizes an electronic check-in system for all children participating in the children’s ministry. The first time you check your children in, you will be walked through a short registration process. Upon checking in, each child will receive a name tag and you will receive a receipt. If your child needs you during the service, you will be texted by a volunteer. Please keep your cell phone with you on vibrate during the service.

Classes

We welcome children from birth through fifth grade.
HONEY BEES

Nursery: Infants up to 14 months old
Toddlers: 14 months old and walking to 2 years
Preschool: Children ages 3 -5 (not in Kindergarten)

THE HIVE

Kindergarten—2nd Grade
3rd—5th Grade

* Children in 6th grade or higher attend worship with the entire congregation.

Meet the team.

Julie Jewell

Northstar Kids Director
julie@northstarfamily.org
Julie has been the children's ministry director at Northstar Church since 2013. Previously she was an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist in the area. She enjoys meeting and getting to know all of the families and kids at Northstar. Her hope is that each child that comes in feels welcomed, loved, has fun and hears the truth about Jesus.

Chris Spence

Northstar Children’s Ministry Assistant
chrisspence@northstarfamily.org
Chris was raised about an hour away in Bland, Virginia. She and her husband Isaac met while Chris was in undergraduate school at Radford University. After living in North Carolina for a few years, they returned to Blacksburg to raise their family. Chris holds a BS Degree in Elementary Education from RU and a MS Degree in Resource Management from VT. Chris and Isaac have two daughters, Natalee and Harper. They enjoy spending time with their Boxer dogs, hiking, biking, gardening, beekeeping, and traveling. A highlight of Chris’ week is seeing all of the children come to Northstar to learn more about God!

Lydia Ilardo

Northstar Children’s Ministry Assistant
lydia@northstarfamily.org
Lydia was born and raised on a little hobby farm in Floyd County. She was homeschooled K-12; you CAN hold that against her. She spent her freshman year at Liberty University before moving back home and continuing her pursuit of a nursing degree at NRCC while working at Cookout where she met her husband Marcus. They got married in 2018 and have two children, Lorilynn (Lori) and Judah. Lydia and her family started coming to Northstar in 2021 and became members last summer. Since then she has enjoyed serving as a teacher in the toddlers and 4-5 year olds and loves serving the Lord and her Northstar family in this role.

Got Questions About Northstar kids!?

Children’s Events

Scroll below and click on an event for details and to RSVP

Pre-registration for Kids Church

KidCheck App

Kid Check is our online registration for Northstar Kids.
First Time Visitors:
If this is your first time with us, you can create an account ahead of time and we will help activate your account once you arrive at our Northstar Kids Check-in area. After the first time, you can begin your check-in at home or on your way to church. When you arrive at Northstar, you can just click a button on your phone and print out your kids' check-in stickers!

You can watch the video on the right for more info or do the following:

Download KidCheck app to your phone
ONE PARENT add children to your account - if both parents add children it will create duplicates (other parent can create an account, just don't add children)
Parent that adds children can make other parent authorized guardian to pick up
You can add other authorized guardians to pick up your child
Please be sure to fill out all information on children including birthday, grade, allergies, etc.

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