Northstar Kids
This ministry exists to partner with parents to make disciples in their homes.
We believe our time on Sundays is an amazing opportunity to help our kids deepen their love for God and His word. We are eager to partner with parents in providing tools to come alongside you as you teach and disciple your family. When you entrust us with the care of your children during our Sunday service, it is our privilege to provide a fun, safe, engaging, and Bible-centered children’s ministry for infants through elementary school-aged children.
What to Expect
Expect your child to be loved | Expect your child to have fun
Our Facility
When you arrive to Northstar. please let our parking attendant know you are a first time visitor and they will guide you to a visitor parking spot. When you come through the main entrance, you can stop by the info desk and someone will show you to our Northstar Kids check in.
Our Volunteers
All of our children’s ministry volunteers submit a questionnaire with references, are interviewed, and then screened by an external background check. After they have been cleared to serve in children’s ministry, they receive training and ongoing support from the Northstar Kids Team Leaders.
Curriculum
At Northstar Church we use the Brite curriculum for both our younger classes and our elementary aged kids. Each week all children will hear a Bible story and worship with music. Younger kids will then have crafts and games that reinforce the Bible story. Older kids will participate in small groups with peers to grow in their faith and understanding of the Word and build relationships with each other. We want to make your child’s experience at church one of the best hours of their week! But, we know most of their hours will be spent at home so we want to pair what they have learned at church with resources you can use at home to carry on the conversation. Resources are given out each month to share what your child is learning and ideas you can use at home.
Checking In
When you arrive to Northstar. please let our parking attendant know you are a first time visitor and they will guide you to a visitor parking spot. When you come through the main entrance, you can stop by the info desk and someone will show you to our Northstar Kids check in.
Classes
We welcome children from birth through fifth grade during all services each Sunday.
HONEY BEES
- Nursery: Infants up to 14 months old
- Toddlers: 14 months old and walking to 2 years
- Preschool: Children ages 3 -5 (not in Kindergarten)
THE HIVE
- Kindergarten—2nd Grade
- 3rd—5th Grade
* Children in 6th grade or higher attend worship with the entire congregation.
Meet the Team

Chris Spence
Kids Ministry Assistant
chrisspence@northstarfamily.org
Chris was raised about an hour away in Bland, Virginia. She and her husband Isaac met while Chris was in undergraduate school at Radford University. After living in North Carolina for a few years, they returned to Blacksburg to raise their family. Chris holds a BS Degree in Elementary Education from RU and a MS Degree in Resource Management from VT. Chris and Isaac have two daughters, Natalee and Harper. They enjoy spending time with their Boxer dogs, hiking, biking, gardening, beekeeping, and traveling. A highlight of Chris’ week is seeing all of the children come to Northstar to learn more about God!


Lydia Ilardo
Kids Ministry Assistant
lydia@northstarfamily.org
Lydia was born and raised on a little hobby farm in Floyd County. She was homeschooled K-12; you CAN hold that against her. She spent her freshman year at Liberty University before moving back home and continuing her pursuit of a nursing degree at NRCC while working at Cookout where she met her husband Marcus. They got married in 2018 and have two children, Lorilynn (Lori) and Judah. Lydia and her family started coming to Northstar in 2021 and became members last summer. Since then she has enjoyed serving as a teacher in the toddlers and 4-5 year olds and loves serving the Lord and her Northstar family in this role.
Kids Ministry Events
Scroll below and click on an event for details and to RSVP
