September 5th, 2024
by Heather Herrin
by Heather Herrin
This summer was an absolute blast for our kids' ministry, and we just have to take a moment to celebrate all the incredible things God has done! From laughter and fun to deep spiritual growth, it’s been an unforgettable season, and we can’t wait to share some of the highlights with you.
MEGA/VBS – Kicking Off Summer with a Bang!
We started the summer strong with our BIGGEST community outreach, welcoming close to 200 kids and volunteers each night for our MEGA/VBS event! The energy was electric as kids explored their true identity, one that can only be found in Jesus. With fun crafts, cool hobbies, and awesome classes, the kids learned more than just skills, they learned about their worth in Christ.
But the fun didn’t stop there! Our kids also joined in a mission, raising over $400 to support The Smith Family, missionaries serving in Guatemala. Their generosity was inspiring! The best part? One child accepted Jesus as their Savior! We planted seeds of faith in so many young hearts, and we’re excited to see how God grows them!
First and Second Grade Day Camp – Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
We spent 2 incredible days with our first and second graders diving deep into the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Over 30 kids and leaders joined us to learn what it means to live out love, joy, peace, patience, and all those other beautiful fruits that show Jesus in our lives. Each day was filled with laughter, hands-on learning, and moments of spiritual growth.
While we might not see the full fruit just yet, we know that the seeds we planted are growing, and we’re watering them with love and God’s Word each week! 1 Corinthians 3:6 -“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
Third-Fifth Grade Kids Camp – Running the Great Race
To wrap up the summer, our 3rd-5th graders headed to Green Country Camp in Oklahoma for an unforgettable week. The theme? Running the Great Race (Hebrews 12:1-2), learning to follow Jesus with perseverance and purpose. It was a powerful time of worship, fun, and faith-building, where six kids responded to the Gospel, and we had the joy of baptizing three kids at camp and seven kids total! God’s faithfulness is amazing, and we give all the glory to Him for the life-changing decisions made during camp!
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for First Kids?
God has been on the move, and we’re excited about what’s to come! Our ministry is growing—so much so that we’ve outgrown our current space! (What an awesome problem to have!) Starting this semester, 1st-5th graders will meet in “The Bunker,” while our younger First Littles continue to thrive in their own space adding 3 large rooms for them to use too. Talk about bursting at the seams! We are seeing over 100 babies & kids each week!
Our First Littles group has doubled in size this year, and the kids have been loving the puppet shows and Bible lessons that bring God’s Word to life in ways they can understand and enjoy.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we had over 50 kids and volunteers at our first-ever SlimeTime Bash! This semester, we’re focusing on building a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-25) and teaching kids to hide God’s Word in their hearts (Psalm 119:11) being sure we really understand each verse ensure not only words but TRUTH is being hidden. Plus, each month we’ll pause for Kids on Mission Night, where we learn how to be missionaries right here in our own community. It’s going to be an awesome time of growth, fun, and service!
We’re Just Getting Started!
This summer has been such a season of growth and grace, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued support. Thank you, parents, guardians, and prayer warriors, for trusting us to be part of your child’s spiritual journey. We know that “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6), and we’re excited to see what God has in store for this next season!
Loving the Kids, Teaching Jesus and having fun! That is what it is ALL about!
-Heather Herrin
Interim Children's Director
MEGA/VBS – Kicking Off Summer with a Bang!
We started the summer strong with our BIGGEST community outreach, welcoming close to 200 kids and volunteers each night for our MEGA/VBS event! The energy was electric as kids explored their true identity, one that can only be found in Jesus. With fun crafts, cool hobbies, and awesome classes, the kids learned more than just skills, they learned about their worth in Christ.
But the fun didn’t stop there! Our kids also joined in a mission, raising over $400 to support The Smith Family, missionaries serving in Guatemala. Their generosity was inspiring! The best part? One child accepted Jesus as their Savior! We planted seeds of faith in so many young hearts, and we’re excited to see how God grows them!
First and Second Grade Day Camp – Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
We spent 2 incredible days with our first and second graders diving deep into the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Over 30 kids and leaders joined us to learn what it means to live out love, joy, peace, patience, and all those other beautiful fruits that show Jesus in our lives. Each day was filled with laughter, hands-on learning, and moments of spiritual growth.
While we might not see the full fruit just yet, we know that the seeds we planted are growing, and we’re watering them with love and God’s Word each week! 1 Corinthians 3:6 -“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
Third-Fifth Grade Kids Camp – Running the Great Race
To wrap up the summer, our 3rd-5th graders headed to Green Country Camp in Oklahoma for an unforgettable week. The theme? Running the Great Race (Hebrews 12:1-2), learning to follow Jesus with perseverance and purpose. It was a powerful time of worship, fun, and faith-building, where six kids responded to the Gospel, and we had the joy of baptizing three kids at camp and seven kids total! God’s faithfulness is amazing, and we give all the glory to Him for the life-changing decisions made during camp!
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for First Kids?
God has been on the move, and we’re excited about what’s to come! Our ministry is growing—so much so that we’ve outgrown our current space! (What an awesome problem to have!) Starting this semester, 1st-5th graders will meet in “The Bunker,” while our younger First Littles continue to thrive in their own space adding 3 large rooms for them to use too. Talk about bursting at the seams! We are seeing over 100 babies & kids each week!
Our First Littles group has doubled in size this year, and the kids have been loving the puppet shows and Bible lessons that bring God’s Word to life in ways they can understand and enjoy.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we had over 50 kids and volunteers at our first-ever SlimeTime Bash! This semester, we’re focusing on building a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-25) and teaching kids to hide God’s Word in their hearts (Psalm 119:11) being sure we really understand each verse ensure not only words but TRUTH is being hidden. Plus, each month we’ll pause for Kids on Mission Night, where we learn how to be missionaries right here in our own community. It’s going to be an awesome time of growth, fun, and service!
We’re Just Getting Started!
This summer has been such a season of growth and grace, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued support. Thank you, parents, guardians, and prayer warriors, for trusting us to be part of your child’s spiritual journey. We know that “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6), and we’re excited to see what God has in store for this next season!
Loving the Kids, Teaching Jesus and having fun! That is what it is ALL about!
-Heather Herrin
Interim Children's Director
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