Joy Maddox, our Nursery Director, makes sure that every child walking through our doors knows that they are loved. Our nursery department is separated into 3 classrooms and has different ways in which the children are taught.

Nursery 1 (Birth to 18 months):

• The main lesson in this class is called "Jesus loves me." This lesson is taught with a mirror, bible, and a picture of Jesus. By using the visuals with song, the children not only grasp hold of the lesson, but they are also entertained in the process. By the time the child is 18 months they usually are able to show you how the lesson goes. Each lesson is taught with songs such as "Jesus Loves Me," "B-I-B-L-E," and "Ho, Ho, Ho, Hosanna."

Nursery 2 (18 months through potty training):

• These children do not graduate into Nursery 3 until they are completely potty trained. This class has 12 different lessons for the year, making each month begin with a new and interesting adventure for children. Maddox has been looking for someone who would be interested in putting together crafts for this classroom. We are also in need of four teachers that would like to take charge and be a lead teacher for this class. Currently our Nursery 2 classroom is not in session; we have a few children ready to graduate, but are waiting for teachers to step up to teach them. We hope to have this class going again real soon! 

Nursery 3 (Past potty training stage to kindergarten):

• During the time a child spends in this class they not only learn a lesson, but they also get a chance to win prizes, praise God, and play with the numerous amounts of toys within the classroom. Snack time is also a must! The lesson changes every week, ranging from God's creation to the birth of Jesus and His ministry. If the children listen closely, then there will be another chance to win prizes by answering questions about their lessons. Maddox makes sure that every child is a winner and blessed when they leave the classroom.

We make sure that the children here at Opened Door do not think they are being "babysat" because that is not what we are here to do, we are here to teach them about the Lord and why He loves them! This is a learning time for them and they are continually wanting to learn new things.

We are always looking for more helpers in the Nursery classrooms, so if you would like to help then please talk with Maddox.

Opened Door Christian Fellowship's Nursery Vision:

A child is a seed, our seed. What do we do with a seed? We plant it. Nourish it. Watch it grow, and to be fruitful and multiply.

If our children are nourished with worldly ways then their fruit will be of this world. However, if we nourish our children in Godly ways then their fruit will bring glory to God, bless us, and minister to others.

• Romans 8:1-10 (Focus on verses 5-7)

We must begin at a very early age to teach the children to walk in the Spirit, planting the foundation of God's love in them. He loves His creations.

• God created the child.
• God loves the child.
• God has a plan for the child.

The children need a place where they can go and feel safe. Once in an atmosphere of peace, children feel secure and are able to learn. Children need peace and security. They need to know that their needs are taken care of.

The children love to learn about God. In their own classrooms they can have the freedom to praise and worship as a child would. When children are placed in an adult setting they are restricted and hindered for we as parents instruct them to sit and be quiet. We all have done this to our children.

We are here to teach the whole child: spirit, soul, and body. Then, when the child is older and beginning school, they will have a firm foundation to stand on in the world.

Children will build their character and personality within the first two years of their lives. This is why it is crucial for us to minister from birth.