We welcome you to our Maranatha Chapel nursery page. We would love for you to visit our church and bring your young children to our nursery.

Go to the bottom of this page to learn how to get involved.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 that children are a gift from the lord. This God-given trust is vitally important to us at Maranatha chapel. Both parents and church volunteers play an essential and influential role in making God's love real to these little ones. Children are recognized as a very special gift. We value each of them as unique and special, to be cared for and nurtured and shown the love of Christ.

Our goal is to provide safe, quiet and gentle care while taking the opportunity to teach babies through associations and feelings; feelings that later develop into concepts and attitudes about God, going to church, and how they should respond to other people.

It is our desire to become an extension of your home, providing both quality care and a secure environment for your child. Since Jesus placed such a high emphasis on little children, we feel that we must do the same.

Planting Seeds: "The farmer sows the seed which is the Word of God." Mark 4:14
The nursery is the foundation of what we try to do here at Maranatha Chapel in the children's ministry.

We want to minister to and nurture children in the ways of the Lord. The Lord says that what we do to the least of the brethren, we do it as to Him. So in giving the best care to the littlest of the flock, we are showing His care for them. We pray for a prosperous and fruitful walk with the Lord for all who come under our care.

In chapter four of the Gospel of Mark we read about the parable of the sower.  A "sower" is a farmer desiring to produce crops in his field, but a farmer must sow the seeds in order to produce a crop. In the nursery we start this process of sowing the seeds.

In Mark 4:14 we see that the seeds are the Word of God. During the first two years of children's lives, they learn more and learn faster than at any other time in their lives. For that reason it is essential to teach them in very simple ways, the basics of God's love, care and concern for all His creation.  People are His most treasured creation and all people are special to God.

Where we teach:

-   The rooms are checked regularly to be sure that the floors and surrounding areas are free from hazards.

-   Electrical plugs are covered.

-  Toys are monitored to be sure that all are safe, in good working order and age appropriate.

-  No small pieces are allowed in any rooms where babies or toddlers are cared for.

-  All children must be signed in completely on the sign-in sheet.

-  The parent who signs the child in must be the one to pick up the child.

-   There is a space for special instructions on the sign-in sheet.

-   We assign a number to each child so you can be contacted during service time if needed.

-   Two name labels are to be filled out with the corresponding number. One to be placed on the child's back, and the other to be placed on the diaper bag.

-   A claim check is given to the parent with the child's number and parent's name written on it.

Other features:
Our nursery facility has a check in room, a toddler room and an infant room.

You will come to the center check in room and we will help you there.

 After being properly checked in, the toddlers or babies will be taken to the left or right room depending on their age. There are plenty of windows in our rooms but the blinds are usually kept drawn to keep distractions and the sun out.

 If a parent needs to be called out of the service for any reason to come visit a child, we have a numbered paging system to assist us in doing that.

 For those mothers still nursing their children we have a viewing room from which you can feed your baby and also see and hear the service (without you being seen of course!).
 Again, the nursery rooms are checked regularly to be sure that the floor and surrounding areas are free from hazards. Toys are monitored to be sure that all are safe, in good working order and age appropriate. No small pieces are allowed in any rooms where babies or toddlers are cared for.

 At some time during each service we try to sit the toddlers together and sing some songs, tell a simple story and pray. Though the children at this age usually can't give us an indication of what they have learned, still their little minds are processing all the things we send their way. So we send them the Good Stuff!

Parent Helpers:
The staffing ratio in the nursery is one caregiver to every three children. With the babies it's two to one. This ensures adequate and safe care of all the children. With these ratio goals we often need to have loving moms and dads to come alongside of our volunteer team to assist.

The staff is a group of volunteers who are motivated by a love for kids, and a desire to be a blessing in God's church. Please take this into account when you are bringing your child to our nursery.

 We don't require the parents to serve in the nursery but we do need and welcome your assistance when you can help. We have great volunteers who are responsible for cleaning toys and changing diapers so when you help your primary responsibility will be tending the main group of children. You are welcome to help with cleaning but the diaper changing is left to those who are regular members of our volunteer staff.

 After looking at your schedule you can notify the person checking the children in that you would like to volunteer to serve. There is a rotation schedule that allows you to pick a date to be placed on the calendar. If you must call in sick, leave a message with Doug Drake at 858-613-7800 x 125.

If you would like to become a regular member of our nursery staff please notify Doug Drake and pick up an application at the church. doug.drake@maranathachapel.org