Transitions
Summer is here! For us in the Children’s Ministry, that means we are coming to the end of another year of classes. September 1 is the time when children entering 5th grade “graduate” from the Foundations Room and the Children’s Ministry. It is also the time when children entering Kindergarten move from the Beginnings Room to the Foundations Room. This year we have both transitions happening. Kasidy, Madison, Greta, and Sophia are all graduating, while Seth and Eli are moving into the Foundations Room! If you think of it, pray for these kids as they transition into these new stages.
Curriculum Updates
Just before the girls graduate from the Foundations Room, we will finish our chronological trek through the Bible with the Answers Bible Curriculum. How exciting that they get to finish the material before moving out of the room! It is also wonderful that the boys coming in will get to start at the very beginning! God’s timing is good!
This summer in the Foundations Room we have also started Worldview lessons from a book called Get Wisdom! The goal of this new material is to help us to develop godly character and grow in wisdom. Our first lesson introduced wisdom as knowing and understanding the truth, and using that knowledge at the right place and time. We also learned about listening, and that when we listen well to someone it shows that we love them. We studied Proverbs 4:1 which urges us to listen to instruction from our parents so we can gain insight. Next up will be a lesson about obedience.
Schedule Changes
One big change for us that will start in August is that the Beginnings and Foundations Rooms will be open on Sundays only. On Wednesday nights, children will remain with their families for the church service and small group discussions.
We have always desired to be a ministry that is mainly staffed by parents. With our current staffing situation and the number of children involved in this ministry, we believe that this change will help make the best use of our resources. It will also provide a neat opportunity for families to learn and grow together. As we move into fall, we will continue to evaluate the needs of the church and make adjustments to the schedule accordingly. To those involved in this ministry, thank you for your flexibility and support as we make these changes!
With help and guidance, even very young children can learn to actively participate in the corporate worship service. In March we posted this sermon notes sheet to help young children take notes during the church service. For those with non-readers, these listening pages can be printed and used to help your children actively listen to the service and discussion on Wednesday evenings. You could also use them as a springboard to make your own listening pages! If you are looking for more tips on how to help your children participate in the corporate worship service, please talk to Sara Huhmann or Teresa Cline. We would be happy to share some other ideas with you!
