By Carl Stagner

Longtime Church of God pastors and families remember fondly the days of Kid’s Place at the annual Convention in Anderson. Though it may not look much like east-central Indiana, Tampa is certainly a place for kids, too—given the nearby beach and amusement options, perhaps even more so. But it’s not only the vacation destination drawing families to Tampa this June—it’s also the KidzLIVE! ministry programming geared especially for children. Launched in Orlando, Florida, and sponsored by Warner Christian Resources for the 2019 Convention, KidzLIVE! returns this year with more VBS-style worship and fun.

This year, the children’s pastor and director of family ministry for Bayside Church in nearby Safety Harbor, Florida, is coordinating the effort. Jeannie Zier has served in the children’s department there for sixteen years, ten of which she’s offered as full-time children’s pastor; the last three, she’s also given oversight to family ministries. Pastor Jeannie is eager to work with your children this year in Tampa.

Child at the craft station, Orlando 2019.

“Our theme this year is Lifeway’s Twists & Turns: Following Jesus Changes the Game,” she reveals. “Our scripture is Psalm 25:4, ‘Show me your ways, God, teach me to follow you.’ As we use fun and games to tell the biblical stories of Peter’s life, we hope the kids will take away the knowledge that knowing Jesus changes our lives forever. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we can invite others to follow him, too. Every person is created with a unique plan designed by God.”

Every week, Pastor Jeannie is actively engaged with the children at Bayside, a focused, wholehearted posture she’s also certain to take with children attending the Church of God Convention.

“Our mission in the Bayside Church’s Kids’ Club is to “Empower Kids to Live for Jesus.” As leaders, we begin by loving God and growing our faith, through our service we invest in the kids to inspire them to discover authentic faith and, in everything we do, we seek to partner with the parents to encourage and resource them as the spiritual leaders in their homes.”

Remember, there is no Convention 2023 registration fee for children under eighteen, but they still must be registered. A modest fee upon registration is required for the KidzLIVE! morning Bible-learning experience (8:45–10:45 AM, Friday–Sunday), and can be purchased with Convention registration. Dropoff evening childcare (6:30–8:00 PM, Thursday–Saturday) is $10 per child at the door, per night, but does not require pre-registration. Note: Children are welcome to attend the adult Convention programming with parent or guardian at no cost.

“He’s got the whole world in his hands.” What an encouraging reality! Be inspired by it, be challenged by it, and experience it firsthand at Convention 2023 and General Assembly, June 22–25 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more and register at www.chogconvention.org.

Feature (top) photo: KidzLIVE activities at Convention 2019 in Orlando.