CPC 1996 Annual Report:
Children's Ministries
Rhonda A. Herman

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Sunday School, Children's Worship, Adventure Club, Children's Chorus, Nursery Care, Special Events all add up to one fantastic ministry for children. Approximately 100 volunteers staff our regular programs which are attended by 200+ children. Our numbers are growing, but most importantly children are coming to know who Jesus is by the teachers that they have.

This year included our first ever PreConfirmation Class for primary age children. This class is designed for those children who express interest (on their own) in participating in the Lord's Supper and/or who want to be baptized. Twenty children attended our first class which was held during Lent.

Another first for Children's Ministries was the hiring of a summer intern. Helena Santos was hired in June to have oversight of our PreSchool teachers, parents, and children. She worked out so well that in September our Session approved the hiring of Helena as the Assistant Director of Children's Ministries for the PreSchool on a part-time basis. Helena continues to nurture, recruit, teach and assist as the position requires.

Very Exciting Bible School took us on The Jesus Expedition to such places as The South Pole, An Egyptian Desert, A South American Jungle, Mount Everest and The Pacific Ocean. 165 children journeyed with us to learn about Jesus.

Twelve families came together in August to compete in our first ever Family Olympics. After our banner making for the opening ceremonies, we competed against each other in family games. The points were totaled, medals were awarded, and dinner was shared.

"Being Who God Wants Me to Be" was the theme of our annual One Day Getaway for primaries. Twenty-three third-fifth graders came together to talk about Peter, who he was before he denied Christ and who he came to be as a leader in the church. One of the best parts of the day was our game of Capture the Flag where one team's flag was put in the center of a pine tree.

The All-Saints Party held on October 31 was one of the best yet. Our children love to dress up, play games, decorate pumpkins, and find candy. Fellowship Hall was packed out with families eating and having fun together. The family square-dance proved to be the favorite of the night.

Our annual Advent Fair is continuing to grow. The children love to paint and put together decorations for their own Chrismas trees. Many door hangers and cards were made and sent to our elderly.

The Family Christmas Eve worship service always brings our year to an exciting close. Children's voices were heard singing the choral piece "Once Upon a Night!" under the direction of our own Leo. The highlight is always the waving of flashlights up on the ceiling during the singing of Silent Night. A mitten offering was taken for the McKim Center.