Rooted and Established in Love

At Found Church, we believe that faith begins at the earliest stages of life. Our mission is to lead and love the children of Jackson, helping them discover a love that “surpasses knowledge.”

Director of Children’s Ministry

Melissa Heydenburg

Born and raised right here in Jackson, Melissa serves as our Children’s Ministry Director with a deep-seated passion for our city’s future. She is dedicated to creating a space where every child—from every walk of life—feels truly known, safe, and loved.

Melissa believes that by building a firm biblical foundation today, we empower the next generation to be “rooted and established in love.” Together with her husband, Pastor Chris, she has spent over two decades serving the Jackson community, striving to lead and love our diverse neighbors together in Christ.

Our Classrooms

We have designed three specific environments tailored to your child’s developmental stage.

The Nursery

Ages: Infants & Crawlers

Our nursery provides a peaceful, nurturing environment where our youngest members are cared for with tenderness. We focus on showing babies the love of Christ through gentle play and attentive care.

The Garden

Ages: Toddlers (Walkers) through Pre-K

In The Garden, children begin to explore the Word of God through stories, music, and hands-on activities. We emphasize that they are “planted” in God’s love as they grow in their independence.

The Treehouse

Ages: Kindergarten through 5th Grade

The Treehouse is where faith takes flight. Our elementary students engage in deeper Bible study, worship, and small group discussions designed to help them stand firm in their faith and understand the “width, length, height, and depth” of God’s love.


Special Note: 5th Sunday Family Services

At Found Church, we believe children aren’t just the future of the church—they are the church now. On months that have a 5th Sunday, our Treehouse students do not meet in their classroom. Instead, they join the “big church” for a full Family Service.

Why we do this:

  • Worship Together: It allows families to worship, pray, and learn side-by-side in the sanctuary.
  • Modeling Faith: Children get to see their loved ones and mentors engaged in the liturgy and message.
  • Community Bond: It reinforces our mission to be a “church united,” where every generation has a seat at the table.

Note for Parents: Nursery and Garden classes (Infants through Pre-K) remain open as usual on 5th Sundays to provide age-appropriate care for our littlest ones.

Safety & Security

Your child’s safety is our highest priority so that you can worship with a clear mind and a full heart.

  • Secure Check-In: Upon arrival, use our digital check-in system to log your child’s name, specific allergies, and medical needs.
  • Matching Security Tags: Both the child and the guardian receive a printed sticker with a unique, matching code. This code is verified by our team before a child is released at the end of service.
  • Locked Facilities: For added security, the doors to the Rooted hallway are locked once the service begins.
  • Access During Service: If you need to enter the children’s wing or pick up your child early, simply ring the doorbell located at the entrance.
  • Background Checked Leaders: Every single volunteer and leader in Rooted has undergone a comprehensive background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before service starts. This gives you plenty of time to park downtown, check your children in at our secure kiosk, and drop them off in their classrooms so you can find a seat in the sanctuary without rushing.

Where do I go when I get there?

Head upstairs to the 2nd floor using the elevator or stairs. Look for the Rooted Check-In signs! Our friendly volunteers (look for the lanyards!) will be stationed at the kiosks to help first-time guests enter their information and walk you to your child’s specific classroom.

What if my child needs me during the service?

We want you to be able to engage fully in worship knowing your child is well cared for. If your child becomes inconsolable or an urgent need arises the classroom teacher will send your child’s unique Security Tag Number to our production team. Your child’s number will be discreetly displayed on the main screens in the sanctuary. If you see your number appear, simply head to the Rooted check-in area, and a team member will assist you.

Can I stay with my child in the classroom?

To ensure our safety and background-check protocols are maintained for everyone, we ask that parents typically drop their children off at the door. However, we know transitions can be tough! You are more than welcome to stay for a few minutes to help your child settle in. If they need a little more time, feel free to keep an eye on them through the door windows or wait nearby. Of course, if you or your child feel more comfortable staying together, they are always welcome to join you in the main service!

My child has a food allergy. How is that handled?

Safety is our priority. When you register, your child’s printed name tag will prominently feature a section for allergies and other medical issues. Our classroom leaders check these tags before serving any snacks.

What do 5th Sundays look like for my older kids?

On 5th Sundays, Treehouse kids (K-5th) join the adults in the sanctuary. We love the “joyful noise” of a full family service! We often provide worship bags with quiet activities or sermon notes designed specifically for kids to help them engage with the message.

A Church United Note on Inclusion

We desire to be a community from all walks of life. If your child has special needs or sensory sensitivities that require specific accommodations, please let us know! We want to partner with you to ensure every child can experience the love of Christ in a way that works for them.