LIL' SPROUTS: MINISTRY TO CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

In the earliest years of childhood, children are developing ideas such as"Church is a place where I am happy, where I feel safe, where I am loved." In our infant and toddler childcare rooms, and in our preschool and kindergarten church school classrooms, children are greeted by friendly faces and plenty of fun! We emphasize safety and developmental appropriateness in our materials, and plan activities that appeal to the youngest ones in our midst. We believe that God creates people of all ages with the desire and the capability to worship their Creator,and we hold Cherub Chapel so that even our youngest children may worship God in a way that is accessible to them. Lil' Sprouts programs happen during the 10:00 am service each Sunday.

GOD'S GARDEN: MINISTRY TO CHILDREN IN THE ELEMENTARY YEARS

*  Church School Chapel - We believe that God has created people of all ages with the desire and the capability to worship their Creator, therefore we hold Church School Chapel so that elementary school children have a place to worship God in a way that is accessible to them.

Created by the Spirit Art Workshop: Forget those craft sticks, markers and paper! In our hands-on art workshop children focus their imaginations on exciting art projects. Each project is designed to allow a child the opportunity for self-expression and exploration of the lesson's theme. While the children are engaged in their art projects, conversations around the design tables continue the telling of the story. Creative minds and hands work together in this popular workshop.

Fruits of the Spirit Café Cooking Workshop: In the cooking lab, kids create tasty treats, ancient recipes, or modern day delicacies as they experience their bible lessons. Hands-on,creative cooking (and eating!), from an Agape meal or Empty Tomb Biscuits, lend children a rich new way to expand their understanding of God’s Word.

God’s Canopy Storytelling Workshops: In our two storytelling workshops, children explore Biblical stories through a first person account of an “eyewitness,” and are then invited to respond to that account in meaningful ways. One time they’ll help Mrs. Noah finish a project commemorating the landing of the ark,another time they’ll meet Abraham and have the opportunity to write their names in the stars and be counted in the numbers of his descendants.

Temple Tales Drama Workshop: Many different things happen in this workshop. Sometimes the activity is drama, which offers children the opportunity to step into a biblical story. Role-playing and reflection provide another avenue for exploration of spiritual truths. Sometimes, through games and exploration activities, children discover the time and place relationships of Biblical events, often examining our modern world in relation to events and items found in the Bible.

Sower’s Cinema Video Workshop: Our own video theater offers children visually stimulating access to Bible Stories. Movies and conversation (and popcorn!) allow children to process what they have seen and to incorporate those stories in meaningful ways in their own lives.

Moved by the Spirit Movement and Games Workshop: Children use their entire bodies to experience this amazing world that God created… why not encourage them to use their bodies to explore God's teachings in the Old and the New Testament? Through sight, sound, and movement, children discover that the Bible is much more than just a collection of words.