South Jeff Family,
Greetings! I hope this post finds you well! I just want to spend a couple moments sharing with you about the changes that are taking place in the children’s ministry and why we are making those decisions. I realize that you may not be aware of those changes, and I would like to fix that. Also, I want to answer a few questions that may arise, although I welcome any additional questions you may have. The first major change has already taken place. We have reshaped Wednesday night to be what I believe a more organized, more engaging, and more biblically-rich. We have added a new curriculum, the Gospel Project, a three-year chronological study with each story pointing back to the Gospel. It also includes media components, such as a video that reteaches the lesson and songs that go with the lesson. We have also reshaped the intro time to a learning centers approach. Different activities are spread throughout the room that are related to the lesson, and students can freely move between activities. This means that each student has the freedom to choose that activities they enjoy, incorporating all learning styles. The second major change is the addition of a lesson in the nursery. Developmentally, infants benefit from hearing their language being spoken by adults. They are forming their view of the world and developing a foundation with which they will need to form relationships for the rest of their lives. Therefore, by adding a lesson to the nursery, we are encouraging language development by giving the teachers something to say, as well as helping infants feel safe and learn that Jesus loves them. Also, it adds structure that visiting parents will appreciate. Lastly, we are reworking the way we approach Sunday school. We have also purchased a new curriculum, Bible Studies for Life, that includes two hours of teaching so that the focus will be the same during both Sunday school and church. This adds a level of intentionality and will help parents engage their students in conversations about what is being taught. This curriculum also includes media to support the lesson, which I have observed as being helpful in engaging elementary students and increasing their interest in the lesson. I pray that you will continue to support South Jeff and the children’s ministry through your time and prayer. Thank God on our behalf for all the kiddos He has allowed us to work beside, and thank Him for the amazing adults He has already provided. Please pray that the transitions, some smaller and some larger, will occur smoothly and will help us further the Kingdom. Pray that God will send passionate volunteers to mentor our students. Pray that we, as a ministry, as a church, and as individuals, will keep our eyes on the Author and Perfector of our faith. In Christ, Emily
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South Jeff Kids Min 101A little look at our adventures in children's ministry. Archives
September 2014
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