“Most people who trust Jesus as their Savior do so before the age of 15. Driven by this reality, George Barna invites us into the greatest harvest field of all time --children. He boldly and faithfully calls on churches to seize the opportunity to impact their communities, starting with the children.” - Jack D. Eggar, President & CEO, Awana Clubs International
Our mission is: Building Godly Character in Partnership with Parents. We are here to support you in successfully guiding your children toward becoming fully devoted followers of Christ.
Our ministry is divided into four age brackets:
3-year-olds
3-year-olds have their own private classroom and enjoy a curriculum geared to their specific age.
4-year-olds - 2nd grade
4-year-olds - 2nd graders meet in the area nearest the gymnasium at tables, which are roped off from the rest of the commons area. Each class consists of 15 to 20 kids and is led by small group leaders (teachers). The curriculum is specific for this age range with each group covering the same curriculum for the specified week.
3rd grade – 5th grade
3rd grade – 5th graders meet in the commons area closest to the entrance of the school. Girls and Boys are separated into class specific tables during the small group teachings while coming together as a large group for praise and worship as well as a large group teaching each week.
6th Grade
6th Grade - We have added a new bible based study time mixed with physical activities, all designed to grow and strengthen the faith of these soon-to-be teenagers.
The basic schedule for Discovery Years is similar for all ages, however, the curriculum is geared to the specific ages being served. In order to keep pace with the various learning styles of children today, we vary how we communicate our lessons each week. The biblical message is so powerful and effective – the same yesterday, today, and forever. But in order to teach in a relevant way, we vary our methods of presentation. Our goal is for children to become so fascinated with the Bible that they want to learn more.
We implement a curriculum where the Bible is taught creatively through drama, video, storytelling, and music. We use games and activities, which vary from week to week. We want our children to keep coming back for more!
Our goal is to have children come back week after week because they enjoyed their visit so much. While kids keep coming back for the FUN, we can accomplish our mission by continuing to teach them spiritually. In order to make our Discovery Years Ministry the best hour of a child’s week, we have to remember to add the FUN! And, on occasion we add to the weekly fun by throwing in a FUN special event for the entire family. In the past, this has included bowling and roller skating!
9:50 – 10:05: children arrive and interact with other students and teachers in their class.
10:05 – 10:40: large group time; children gather together for a period of praise and worship as well as a large group teaching.
10:40 – 11:00: children return to their small group areas and go through a lesson and activities with their teachers.
11:00: Parents arrive to pick up their children after the church serviceNOTE: 6th Grade children attend the regular church service for the praise and worship time and return to the commons area for small group activities.
At check-in, 4-year-olds through 2nd grade kids are given a name tag and are invited to participate in welcoming activities at their small group tables. The activities are designed for the leaders to interact with the children, to create an enjoyable environment, and to ease any separation anxieties.
The adult checking the child into the Discovery Years program is given a numbered tag that is needed to release the child at the end of the service. To retrieve your child you will be asked to provide the numbered tag that you were given at check-in.
If an instance arises where your children needs you before the service has let out, the number on your child’s tag – which is the same as on your tag – will be flashed on a small electronic screen located near the stage in the service. If you see your child’s number, please excuse yourself from the service and check in with your child.
Bruce & Teri Polson
952-758-3499