CPC 1999 Annual Report:
Children's Ministries
Rhonda A. Herman

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Our Goal is : Guiding children into a personal relationship with Christ by modeling Christ, faithfully teaching God's revealed Word, and nurturing children in God's love.

We moved children towards Christ in a new way in 1999. Central Presbyterian Church Preschool opened its doors in March with a three month pilot program for two year olds. In September, we built on that and offered a three year old class and a class for two year olds meeting on Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11:30a. We also offered an extended day program from 11:30-3p called ASAP (A Special Afternoon for Preschoolers). Our vision is to provide the young children in our community with a loving, Christ-centered environment where they may grow and develop.

Sunday School, Adventure Club, Children's Worship, Children's Choir, Nursery Care, Special Events all add up to one fantastic ministry for our children and their families. Approximately 100 volunteers staff our regular programs which are attended by 200+ children. The highlight of the year was The Kid's Zone, a one day event, where 1st - 5th graders learned how to have a heart for God's world from special guest, Jill Harris. Our children's hearts and eyes were opened to a world that is lost and without hope.

Our Preconfirmation Class is just one example of how we lead children to a deeper understanding of their own faith in Jesus Christ. 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.

In June, 153 kids went on an "Ultimate Adventure" during a Very Exciting Bible School. We learned how to worship, praise, trust, and thank God because He loves us so much. Children 4 years old - 5th grade learned about Rock Climbing, Windsurfing, Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting, and Snowshoeing and how all of these can lead to an ultimate adventure with Jesus Christ. The VeBS staff took our program to the Christian Community Center where we ministered to their 1st - 5th graders.

Our Mission's Minded Kids Club (M & M Kid's Club) went on the road as we put our faith into action! We worked at the Christian Community Center and Habitat for Humanity. Real live missionaries such as Bruce and Becky Wilson, Steve and Amanda Taylor, Jody and Teri Hansell, and Chris and Kay Smoes taught and nurtured us during our club meetings throughout the year. An afternoon was spent with Jill Harris praying and learning how to have a quiet time. This club continues to meet the second Saturday of each month for training and discipleship.

Our year came to an end with the Family Christmas Eve Worship Service. All Sunday School children from two year olds through fifth grade sang songs while Patti Dixon, as Mary, told her story. A mitten offering was taken for the McKim Center.

Children's Ministries put out two booklets for our children and families to use together. A Scripture Memorization Booklet gives a listing of suggested scripture passages to memorize at each age level. It also provides helpful methods and techniques to use. Our Advent Devotional is for use during Advent season.