Welcome to Children's Ministry at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church! We are excited to have you explore what Children's Ministry at Shepherd offers your child(ren). It is our privilege to join with each family in Connecting their child(ren) to Christ....impacting their life for eternity!
Christie Cotner, Children's Ministry Director

Announcements:

Last day of Sunday School, May 11

Shepherd of the Valley provides Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am and 10:30 am from mid-September through mid-May.

Preschool-Kindergarten (children who have turned 3 years of age before September 1st through Kindergarten):

A curriculum is used for this age group that has been developed using the Beginners Bible. The children meet their Shepherds (teachers) in their classrooms and then move to large group time for music and presentation of the Bible Story. The remainder of the hour is spent in Discovery Time and Shepherd time. They end the hour in their classrooms. Contact *Darla Ostrand or *Christie Cotner with questions or for more information.

1st-5th Graders:

The 1st-5th graders use the Promiseland curriculum. Students begin the hour in their classrooms and then move to large group time for music and the presentation of the Bible lesson for the day. After large group, they move back to their classrooms for Shepherd Time. During this time, they apply what they've learned to their lives. Contact *Keri Aldridge or *Christie Cotner with questions or for more information.

6th Graders:

The 6th graders use Youth Alpha curriculum for their study. Contact *Dana Lochner with questions or for more information.

Special Needs Sunday School

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."     

Psalm 139:13-14

Our desire at Shepherd of the Valley is for ALL of God's children to feel safe and welcomed as they come to learn about His love for each of them. Parents of children with special needs may consider the partnership of a Special Friend. This is a one-to-one assistant that provides for children who require extra help during large and small-group Sunday School activities each week. Based upon input from parents, these volunteers are paired with children to enable them to participate to the best of their abilities. Special Friends are available for 9:00 and 10:30 am Sunday School sessions.

What is Pioneer Club?

Pioneer Club is a Christ-centered program for boys and girls that integrates spiritual and personal development. It emphasizes discipleship and evangelism and it gives children opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, have fun, and develop Christian values that affect every area of their lives. It is like a scouting program with a biblical emphasis.

What does a meeting look like?

Opening - Welcome and prayer in their club groups.

Bible Exploration - Includes an introduction which addresses the club members; where they are, their interests, concerns and everyday experiences, and moves them into God's Word. Scripture study provides an opportunity for both club members and leaders to discover together what God says to us in His Word. Application calls for a response from club members and guides them into acting on what they have learned about God and His Word.

Award Activity - During this time, club members work on projects, skills, and activities to complete award requirements in the club members' handbooks.

Bible Memory - During this time, club members learn their Bible memory verses.

Large Group Activity - A game or relay is played to aid in the learning of an outcome objective for the year. This year's objective is to memorize the Apostle's Creed.

Closing - Song and prayer.

Why Do Parents Want Their Children in Pioneer Clubs?

A recent Pioneer Clubs Survey of Parents found that both churched and unchurched parents value the experience their children have in club. The program provides an opportunity for their children to be with friends and make new friends in a safe Christian environment.

Helping their children learn life skills and a Christian lifestyle are important concerns to parents. Pioneer Club does both with its fun-filled activity times and practical Bible explorations.

Costs and Items Needed

Registration takes place in September for the year. The registration fee of $25.00 covers costs of books, book bag, supplies, memory stickers, memory packs, and badges earned during club - (awards earned on their own at home will be charged to you). Bring in a white shirt for the logo to be ironed on.

2007 - 2008 Schedule

• Unit 1: October 10, 17, 24, and November 7
• Unit 2: November 14 and 28, December 5 and 12 - Christmas Caroling
• Unit 3: January 2, 9, 16, 23 and January 30 - Fun Event Night

February-March (we break for Lent)

• March 7: Family Potluck - Camp-In for Pathfinders, Trailblazers, and Challengers
• Unit 4: March 26, April 2, 9 and 16
• April 30: End of the year Banquet

Grades 4-6

3rd Base, The Stop Before Home is an after-school program that is offered to 4th - 6th graders. 3rd Base meets from 3:30 - 5:00 pm each Thursday that the Stillwater schools are in session (unless otherwise notified) from October through April. Kids attending Afton-Lakeland Elementary can take a designated bus which will drop them directly at the church.

The first half-hour is spent in free play. The next hour is centered on a Christ-focused activity. The last Thursday of each month is an open play day. Snacks are provided. This program is free of charge.

A completed Registration Form that includes permission and health information is required before participation by the children. Yes, friends are always welcome! Make sure they have a registration form too.

Looking Ahead to Summer:

Camp Wapo Dates:

For current 3rd graders - Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, 2008
For current 4th-6th graders - Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25, 2008

Wapo's Theme for 2008 is "Blessed: A Study of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount!"
Did you know that you are blessed to be a disciple for Jesus? During your week at camp we will be looking at Jesus' words to his followers beginning in Mathew chapter 5. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount we will begin by studying the greatest blessing we have been given - Jesus Christ, who is both the one blessing and the one blessed. Then we will dig deep into Jesus' instruction for us as disciples to see how we can better follow Him through the blessings we have been given. Through the week we will play a lot of games, sing a lot of songs, meet a lot of great people, all while learning how to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus. Please come and spend a week with us to appreciate how we have been blessed to become a blessing for others.

There are still a few open spots. Contact Christie if you would like to join in the fun of camp. Registrations will need to be sent in ASAP.

Vacation Bible School (for those who turned 3 years old as of September 1, 2007 - current 2nd graders):

Jesus' miraculous power will be bubbling over at Power Lab! Throughout the week we will learn from God's Word how Jesus gives us the power... to be thankful, to help others, to be brave, to live forever, and to tell others about God. As the kids are engaged with fun, science-themed surprises, they will experience amazing things. Join us for Bible School Monday, June 9 - Friday, June 13 from 9:00-11:30 am. Cost is $20/student or $50/family. Registration forms are available and can be turned in at the Information Kiosk and Information Desk. Don’t miss the fun!                                                                                                                                                                                                     VBS Registration Form [Download Here]                                                                                                                 VBS Volunteer Registration Form [Download Here]                                                                           

Summer Servefun (current 3-6th graders)

Get Ready for a Sports Explosion that's Centered Around Christ.
Get Ready for SportsLife Camp at Shepherd! (for kids who are 6-11 years old)

You will get to choose from basketball, street hockey, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, dance, cheerleading, and art. Along with these choices, there will be side shows of break dancing, high speed kickball, and a rubber chicken challenge. SportsLife Camp will happen Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31. Cost is $60. This is a great event to invite your friends and neighbors. Sign ups are available now, and can be turned in at the Information Kiosk and Information Desk.                                                                                                                                                                                                     SportsLife Camp Registration [Download Here]                                                                                                       SportsLife Camp Participant Release [Download Here]