Our Mission
“ Where caring people enrich the lives of children and families through Christ-centered learning”
Our Philosophy
As an important ministry of the Grace Lutheran Church congregation, Grace Christian Children’s Center believes that children need a solid foundation on which they can build. Childhood is a time like no other. It’s a time for exploring, creating, playing and discovering about one’s self. It’s a time for learning about our identity in Christ, for meeting the world, for learning how to learn and for being accepted just the way they are.
Our curriculum is based on providing your child with experiences that will enrich and enhance each child’s spiritual life, their cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and creative development.
Our experienced teaching staff understands that each child is a unique person with an individual pattern and timing of social, physical, and intellectual development. We embrace the belief that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Parents are welcome visitors in the classroom at all times and we value their input in our program.
Our program does not discriminate because of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, life style, or disability in program admittance, activities or employment. We do not tolerate discriminatory behavior.
Our program is welcoming, respectful and accepting of all families. Our program is open to all age-eligible children; including children with special needs, if reasonable accommodations can be made. Each child’s needs are addressed with parents on a one-to-one basis.
GCCC Board Members
Karen Kenehan
Gail Walker
Carole Colvin
Pat Hoag
Tom Morse
Boyd Ruby
Jennifer Mock
Steve Layton
Joshua Wiley
A message from Pastor Joshua
Hello to the children and families of GCCC! A letter from Pastor Joshua. My goal is to get to know your children as well as all of you during the time we care for them. If your children are younger (about ages three to five), I see them at least once a week for chapel. Chapel consists of me telling of an account from the Bible, typically followed up by a science experiment and ending with us praying together. The older children I do not see as often, but I do chapel with them during the summer. A little about me…I have five children. The oldest is married. The second oldest is off to college. The younger three are still at home with me! I became a pastor later in my life having been a teacher before that. One of the most rewarding parts of being a pastor for me is being asked questions from both adults and children as that was a major part of my faith journey. I was blessed to have wise and kind teachers that helped me by both answering my questions and helping me find answers on my own from the Bible. Seeking and finding answers is one of the reasons I use science during chapel. Our God is one who rewards investigation. After all, Jesus is the Truth. If we seek answers honestly, we will always be led to Jesus. Of course, in the end it all comes back to love. Most importantly there is God’s love for us, seen most powerfully by Jesus dying on the cross so we could be forgiven. Then, there is our love for God, which is seen in us living like Jesus. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I am available Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am to 4:00 pm, or you can call 503-543-6555. You are also invited to join us for worship and Sunday school at 10:15 AM on Sundays. I look forward to talking with you.
Blessings, Pastor Joshua