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

Shepherd of the Valley offers Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am and 11:00 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 or *Christie Cotner with questions or for more information.

Where do Sunday School Offerings Go?  Offering envelopes are distributed at the beginning of the Sunday School year to those attending Sunday School.  Children’s offerings throughout the year help support various mission opportunities (link). Giving is purely at your discretion and will not be recorded individually.  Use this opportunity to teach your child(ren) about offering and that we give out of our love for Christ.

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.

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.

Reserve these Summer Dates! (there will be more info, as these events near)

• Vacation Bible School
  For 3 yr. olds - current 2nd graders.
  June 21st - 25th, 2010, from 9:00 - 11:30 am.
  
       VBS Registration Form [Download Here]

• Summer Servefun
  For current 3rd - 6th graders:
  June 17th FULL, July 15th, & August 12th, 2010
  
       Summer Servefun Registration [Download Here]

• Lake Wapogassett Bible Camp:
  Current 3rd graders (Seeds weekend): July 16th - 18th, 2010.
  Current 4th - 6th graders - week of July 18th - 23rd, 2010.
  
       Information on Camp Wapo [Download Here]
       Registration Form [Download Here]
       Health Form [Download Here]
  

• SportsLife Camp:
  August 2nd - 6th, 2010, from 9:00 - 12:00 pm.
  
       SportsLife Camp Registration Form [Download Here]
       SportsLife Camp Participant Release Form [Download Here]