Discovery Years is Evergreen’s ministry to kids 3 years old through 5th grade.
Our mission is: Building Godly Character in Partnership with Parents.
To accomplish this goal, we implement a curriculum where the Bible is creatively taught through drama, storytelling and music. We vary our methods of presentation to keep things fresh and engaging. Lessons learned in our large group presentations are then explored and discussed further in small groups led by caring adults. This allows children to build meaningful relationships centered around application of God’s principles in their daily living. Along with our weekend service activities, we provide some take-home tools for parents to continue to teach and apply these lessons throughout the week.
For the first 15 minutes, children remain with their parents in the sanctuary for our family worship time. Then we take a 4 minute break for parents to escort their kids to the individual classrooms. For the remainder of the service, 45-50 minutes, the kids stay with their classes for either a large group or small group time. After the service the parents pick the kids up from their classrooms.
Kids alternate each week between large group and small group so that we have enough time to develop teachings or have unhurried discussions.
In large group the kids gather for a time of dramas and storytelling, as well as worship and large group games. In small group, the kids have discussions geared to their age level designed to strengthen their faith and help them grow into followers of Jesus Christ. They also play games, explore the Bible and memorize verses together.
The kids are divided into three groups:
· The three-year-olds have their own classroom and enjoy a curriculum geared to their age.
· The four-year-olds through 1st grade each have their own classroom but join together every other week for large group in the Chapel. The curriculum is geared toward this age including acting out Bible stories, coloring, games, and pre-reading activities.
· The 2nd through 5th graders each have their own room and are divided by boys and girls.
These divisions allow for activities to be geared for age appropriateness and different interests. Every other week they all come together in large group.
Our time with the kids is so limited. Children’s spiritual growth is primarily developed by their parents. So to help parents with this important task we provide take-home materials to further discussions in character and getting to know God and the Bible.
For more information about our Discovery Years program contact:
Gail Schultz 952-895-0220