We are making some BIG changes in the next few weeks to better facilitate the growth we have had in our children’s ministry. If you are a parent of a child in our program, you’ll want to pay close attention:

*starting June 1st, we have new age classes:

• Room 101 – babies until 1
• Room 102 – Seedlings – 1’s
• Room 103 – Sprouts – 2’s
• Room 104 – Saplings – 3’s
• Room 105 – Big Backyard Jr. - 4’s
• Room 106 – Big Backyard – 5’s & K

* Elementary small groups (1st – 4th) and then the Clubhouse will be moving to the old Youth Room

* We are looking for 2-3 vounteers who would like to help in the Clubhouse when we need them as well – dramas, games, leaders, etc. These can serve on a weekly, monthly, or as needed basis – whatever works for you!

* We will be integrating our 5th and 6th graders into leadership roles as well through the 56. Our uprising 5th graders will not enter into the 56 until January. However, we’ll be using them and our previous 5th graders to help lead worship, sound, etc.

A few exciting Children’s Ministry happenings:

(1) This past Sunday, the boys turned in 16 pounds of offering money, but the girls won with 19 pounds! We’re excited as we’re trying to reach our $75.00 goal to provide dinner for an evening for The 153 Project.

(2) The BIGGEST egg hunt Friarsgate has ever seen is only 5 days away! If you live in the Irmo area, you need to be inviting everyone on your street! We got approval from the school board today to send flyers home with kiddos at two of the local elementary schools in our immediate area.

(3) Pray for this Sunday as we talk to your children about the COURAGE Jesus had when He died on the cross. Because of what Jesus did, we can know that “we don’t have to be afraid of anything because Jesus can do anything.” We are praying for the Holy Spirit to speak to the children through the powerful message we are working on.

(4) Starting April 6th we will be offering the “Now That I Am A Christian” class during first hour to children in 3rd & 4th grade. This class walks children through what it means to be a Christian, how you become a Christian, and how you live your life as a Christian. The class will run for 6 weeks from 9-10 am on Sundays. Parents should receive more information within the upcoming week. If your child is younger than 3rd grade and may be interested, please contact me.

If you are in 5th or 6th grade there is a new small group for you! Come Sundays at 9:00am to the youth room and join together with others in 5th and 6th grade. You’ll find a place just for you where you fit in and can ask some of life’s most difficult questions — “what if Jesus is a liar?”, “why can’t I go to PG-13 movies?”, etc.  This new group will let you dig into God’s Word as your tackle real life issues and thoughts, you’ll also get to know new friends and join in on youth trips like Jr. High Believe. Mrs. Gina and Mr. Blake are awesome at leading it and hope to see you Sunday!

I’ve been thinking about our plans for 2008 a bit lately. We have some big things this year for your family to look forward to:

* A HUGE Spring outreach event

* More events for you to invite your friends to – things like “Kids Night Out, Back to School Bash, Parties, etc.”

* Another Summer Slam event

* small groups on Sunday mornings to get closer to friends and learn more about God. You can ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask with a leader who cares about you!

* Opportunities to serve in our community

* Large Group programs in The Clubhouse like you’ve never seen!

Stay tuned! You don’t want to miss this year!

We have finished out first month of curriculum with the new material – I though it was great! I heard great feedback from parents, kids, and teacher.

As we head into October your kids will be learning the following:

1’s – 5’s - God Made Everything

1st – 5th grade – Respect – responding with words and actions that show others they are important.

Be sure to ask them what they are learning — ask to see their Small Talk and Refrigerator Notes to follow up at home!

We’ll be going on week 3 of our new 252Basics curriculum this week as we continue to look at “Initiative” – seeing what needs to be done and doing it. This week the kids will learn about showing initiative in telling their friends about Jesus. It should be a powerful Sunday. We have some great worship coming their way with Skip and I know they’ll enjoy small group time as well. Remember to encourage your child to return their God Time card with them each Sunday for Bible Bucks. It’s a great way to reinforce what we’re learning at home during the week.

Here’s the breakdown of the new classes starting September 5th. The kiddos will be in the same classes for both Sunday School and 2nd hour. No more transitions between classes!

• Room 101 — Seedlings – birth to steady walking
• Room 102 – Sprouts – steady walking – 2 year olds
• Room 103 – Saplings – 3’s
• Room 104 – The Big Backyard – 4’s – Kindergarten
• Room 105 – The Clubhouse – 1st – 5th grade

Children up until school age will move on the week following their birthday. All other children K-5th move with the school year.