Jesus said, "I tell you the
truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter
the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
Elementary children need ministry
that allows for spiritual, intellectual and emotional development as they grow physically.
Here, you’ll find programming that combines Christian education, godly
relationships, and creative and meaningful opportunities for service at young ages.
“In the Word”
CHILDREN’S
CHAPEL:
We invite children ages 5 through grade 4 to join us for an interactive
“child-style” version of the sermon each week .
After the Pastor gives the children’s message, the group eagerly arrives
at the Sonshine Sanctuary. Early
elementary students look forward to being leaders, as they watch their older
peers lead song, skits and sign language. One highlight is Chickie and the
other puppets who bring the story to life!
“FABULOUS 14”
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
This is a great way for the children
(grades 1-4) to truly worship God through music,
the Word, and small group discussions. Sunday mornings in the Sonshine
Sanctuary from 9:45—10:45 a.m. children are excited to
study themes that draw on stories throughout the entire Bible.
FIRST COMMUNION
TRAINING: Training in the sacrament of Communion is
offered one Saturday morning in October and in March. Both child and parents learn through
participation in a drama, partaking in a reclining last supper, and creating a
commemorative banner.
Life in
Community:
CROSSROADS
KIDZ:
On Wednesday evenings, we offer Crossroads
Kidz! for Kindergarten through 4th graders and Alive 65! that provides fun
fellowship activities and a message learned through music
and drama. Children are engaged through the high-energy fun of a large-group
presentation as well as the relationship-building aspects of small group games
and crafts. The program places heavy emphasis on music,
art and drama.
THE
MASTER’S INN SUMMER CAMP: Each summer,
children who have completed grades 3-6 have the opportunity to attend an
overnight camp with the Children’s Minister.
This rustic camp, located about 75 minutes from church, focuses morning
and evening worship based on the life of a Bible Hero. Children have two electives each day (ex. Paintball,
horsemanship, crafts, archery/riflery, high ropes) and spend the afternoons at
the lake (blob, water trampoline, zipline, waterboats) or roller skating with
their friends.
Serving
Others:
TEAM
- is for 4th-6th graders who are TOTALLY ENERGIZED AND
MATURE! (TEAM)
Students
who complete the training and initiation, help lead Children’s Chapel as
servant leaders to the younger children. Their job is to treat one another, and
the younger children, in a way that ‘draws the younger children to their Savior.’
They serve as role models for the younger children who come to Children’s
Chapel by interacting with them and modeling enthusiasm for worship. They
prepare skits, puppet shows and present scripture in creative and engaging ways
and are scheduled to lead about once a month. They also help with set up and
clean up for children’s chapel. A training session/pizza lunch is held each
quarter.
KAIROS
PLACEMATS: Each fall our children prepare creative
illustrations and words of inspiration from scripture on placemats that are
taken to prisoners. We are told that
many placemats become artwork for the jail cells, and children are actively involved in sharing their faith with
those less fortunate than themselves.
CARE CARDS: In December, handmade cards that sparkle with
glitter, ribbon and stickers are prepared for widows and singles in our church. In July, our patriotic colors are the theme
for care cards given to the families of service
men and women who are serving overseas.
SPCA
SHELTER TREATS: Children love animals, and what better way to
care for homeless dogs and cats than to make (and bake) delicious treats for
those in the SPCA Shelter!
COINS4CLINIC: The Roanoke Rescue Mission is the only one in
Virginia to
have its own Clinic. Children collect or
earn coins which they place in empty prescription bottles. The funds collected support medical, mental
health and dental services at the
clinic.
