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Wednesday
Night
Our
Wednesday night services are very unique. More than any other service,
Wednesday night services are designed to meet the children's needs on an
individual and personal level. One of the most frequent complaints large
churches receive is that individuals get lost in the size of the church. This
service is designed to make sure that no child falls through the cracks.
On
Wednesday nights, we use a small group system. The children break off into
groups of 10-15. Each one of these groups is led by an adult worker who leads
the kids through a pre-arranged lesson. The worker takes the groups
step-by-step through the lesson, making sure that every child understands it.
This is a great time of learning and growth for both the kids and the teacher.
By building a close relationship with the teacher, the Word is opened to the
children in a way that would have never been possible in a larger setting.
Friday Night
Friday
night is fun night. Naturally, kids are more excited during a Friday evening
service than in any other service. So rather than fight their natural energy,
we use it to impart the Word of God to them in a way that allows them to learn
while having fun at the same time.
Twenty
years from now, the children will not be able to recall a particular lesson or
theme; however, what they will never forget is the feeling they had about
church. On Friday nights, we show music videos, play games and give away
prizes. All activities are centered on the theme they learned the previous
Wednesday. A short message is given, and then questions are asked about the
lesson to give the children the opportunity to win prizes.
The
purpose of all of this is so that, wherever the children are in their lives,
church will always be the one place in the world where they know they will be
loved and accepted and have a great time.
Sunday Morning
Sunday
morning is our Word-oriented service. This is the service in which we focus on
conveying God's Word as clearly as possible to the children. Through object
lessons and illustrated sermons, we bring the Word to the children on a level
that is easily understood, received and applied to their lives.
In
the Sunday morning service, we combine many of the ideas from the other two
services. The variety of things that we do during the Sunday service are part
of what make this service so unique. From playing games to praise and worship,
everything in this service is designed to teach. The single theme is taught
again and again to the children in a number of different ways, ensuring that no
child leaves the service without a clear understanding.
This
is the service that sets the tone for the rest of the week. For many of the
children that come to church, this will be there only chance to hear the Word
of God preached. Many parents do not attend the weekday services. Consequently,
it is essential for the teachers to do everything within their power to ensure
that service is run well and without distraction. There is no service in which
we see more children's lives touched by the Word of God.
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