River West Kids
Raising the next generation of Christ followers together.
Sunday Services
9am + 11am
In the morning, we offer age-specific programs for all kids, infant through 5th grade.
5pm
In the evening, we offer age-specific programs for kids, infant through 3rd grade. Older children may join their parents in the main service.
What is Kids Ministry?
Our vision for River West Kids is to partner with families as they raise the next generation of Christ–followers. Parenting is not easy! And we want you to know that River West stands with you.
It is our desire that each child will encounter God in real and tangible ways while growing to know, love, and follow Jesus. We believe this happens in a loving and fun community of Christ followers nurturing them in the truth of the Gospel.
On Sundays it is our goal to provide a safe and engaging environment where kids make meaningful friendships, connect with caring leaders, and most importantly grow in relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
What to Expect
A Warm Welcome
Our dedicated leaders and staff will lovingly greet you and your children and help with the check in process.
A Biblical Message
Each Sunday, your child will open the Word and hear an age-appropriate
lesson from Scripture. Over the course of a calendar year, we explore God’s
redemptive story from Genesis – Revelation. We want kids to see the Bible as
one unified story that ultimately points to Jesus as Savior and King.
Lots of Fun
We are building community as we sing worship songs, play games, make crafts, and grow our friendships. We are all about FUN with a PURPOSE.
Kids Impacted by Disability
We have “buddies” to pair with children that have a disability and need a little extra support on Sunday mornings. Please contact us for more information.
Stay Up to Date
Receive a weekly email with updates on everything happening in River West Kids.
Questions?
We’re happy to answer any questions you have. Contact us below and we’ll be in touch soon.
Greeters will direct you to the right classrooms where you will sign in your child as a visitor and create a name tag with a security code.
Fill out a “Connect Card” that is located in each classroom. Our team will add you to our system for the following week. Once in the database, you will be able to check in and print name tags using the iPads.
Younger kids are grouped by age until they reach elementary school, and then are grouped by grade.
Yes! We offer several family events and weekend camps that are designed to provide opportunities for parents to connect with their kids and fellowship with other families in a meaningful space. We also offer 4th +5th grade events each month during the school year to help them build community as they prepare for Junior High. Lastly, we host VBS every summer which is one of the highlights of our ministry year.
All leaders must…
-complete a background check and reference request
-attend River West for a minimum of 6 months
-attend training with a RW Kids staff member
Our Team
Meet our dedicated children's ministry team members.
Kathleen Self
Kids Ministry Pastor
Kathleen Self
Kathleen came to faith at a young age and was deeply shaped by the kids and youth ministries of her home church in Texas. After graduating from Wake Forest University, she spent many years teaching middle and high school. During this season, she met her husband, Mike, while working at a summer Christian camp. They now have two grown children, Maddie and Mason.
Kathleen loves hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family. Since 2008, she has been actively involved in kids ministry and has a passion for helping children experience the truth of the gospel and the love of Jesus. She truly believes that River West Kids partners with parents as they raise the next generation of Christ followers!
