As Director of Children’s Faith Formation, Nicole Forester customizes faith education for children from infants through sixth grade. Families with children younger than three receive information on how to incorporate faith into their daily lives. Three-year-olds receive a Spark Story Bible and are invited to begin Sunday School classes offered for Pre-K/Kindergarten and grades 1–2, 3–4 and 5–6.
Nicole oversees a curriculum tailor-made for each age group and created to share the mission and values of the church. “It’s important to make sure we instill a joyful experience that is fun, engaging, and creates bonds for children to connect with their peers,” she says.
Working with the Faith Formation Committee, Nicole also arranges the annual week-long camps that are not only for children at Lord of Life but also outreach to the greater community. Each summer, she organizes Vacation Bible School for kids entering grades Pre-K through 4th grade and Day Camp for students entering 5th and 6th grades. “These camps bring so much joy, and it’s really great to see the sanctuary filled with kids singing and happily responding,” she said.
In addition to overseeing the nursery coordinator, Nicole arranges nursery coverage for all church activities. She supports and encourages parents by providing easy activities for them to do with their children, and she arranges for Lord of Life to host two Parents Night Out options annually.
Nicole says the most important aspect of her work is for children to learn that God loves them and accepts them always. “Anyone can attend Sunday School or camp, whether they are a member or not, and they will be safe, loved and wanted,” she says. “We make sure they know that we’re happy they’re here.”
Originally from Danville, Pennsylvania, Nicole and her husband and three children were found a warm and ready invitation to the Lord of Life community when they moved to The Woodlands. Nicole finds the biggest asset of our congregation is its non-judging posture. “From the moment I walked in, it was very relaxing and chill, which made us feel welcome,” she said. “There’s no pressure to be a certain way or worship a certain way. I’ve always appreciated the accepting of ‘as you are.’”
If you want to make Nicole extra-happy, bring her something from Starbucks, which keeps her going with the many outside activities she enjoys with her family, such as leading Girl Scouts and running a business that creates personalized items.
Learn more about Children’s Faith Formation at Lord of Life.