What is Kingdom Kids?

Sunday school is Kingdom Kids at Holt UMC. During the service, children ages three through fifth grade go to workshops. Instead of traditional Sunday school with closely-graded classes, we utilize the workshop rotation model. This model is a group of loosely-graded kids, led by shepherds, that moves through different workshops focused on a particular Bible story or Christian theme. A rotation lasts 3-6 weeks. A typical year will have 8-9 rotations from September through May.

Workshops

The workshops are led by leaders who prepare and teach Bible lessons and hands-on activity. The kids will rotate from workshop to workshop each week, but the leader stays in the same rotations for the entire rotation. The leader teaches the same materials each week with minor adjustments for various age levels.

Workshop Stations

Our designated workshop stations are: Gold Crown Theater (Storytelling, Drama, Videos in Youth Room 1), Creation Station (Art/Science in Youth Room 2), Bible Busters (Games in the Fellowship Hall), and the Solid Rock Cafe (Cooking in the Fellowship Hall Kitchen).

Group Assignments

Children are assigned to a small group for the school year (the names of the groups are the Fishermen, Carpenters, Weavers, Potters and Scribes) under the nurturing care and guidance of shepherds who lead them through the workshops in each rotation. Group lists are posted on the dry erase board outside the chapel. New children will be assigned to a group when they arrive.

Preschoolers

Those who have not begun school will participate in the preschool section of the program. Preschoolers will not “rotate”, although they will participate in a variety of hands-on activities during their class time. It is important that children at this age level feel comfortable with their environment away from mom and dad and a key factor is keeping them in the same room with as much continuity as possible. It is preferable that children be potty trained before moving from the nursery to the preschool class. Preschoolers that attend at the 11:00 am service are combined with older children.

The Children's Moment

The Children's Moment is the time during both the 9:30 & 11:00 am services that children are welcomed to the chancel area (the platform steps) for a short message and prayer. We understand that it can be daunting for new children to make the long walk to the front! We welcome parents to join their children to assist them in becoming more comfortable. Another option is joining us in the hallway following the Children's Moment if that is desired. You can locate your child in the children's wing following the service.

Children's Activity Boards

These are available in the foyer outside the sanctuary for your child's use. They are clipboards with the week's children's bulletin and crayons. There are two levels of bulletins: non-readers (ages 3-6) and readers (ages 7-12). Please place boards and crayons back in the narthex at the conclusion of the service.

Kingdom Kids II

This is held for children during the 11:00 am service; and focuses on the same rotation theme with workshop-style activities, however, all children (preschool-grade 5) are in one group.

Cherub Choir

This is an option for children in grades K-5 during the 11:00 am service. This group meets in the chapel. Periodically we enjoy this choir during the worship services at 9:30 & 11:00.

Bibles

We distribute Bibles to children in the 3rd grade in the fall. During Kingdom Kids, we strive to teach our children important Bible skills, but our time is limited. Additional special events for children in grads 3-5 will be scheduled to introduce Bible skills in a fun, exciting setting. Watch your Hotline (church newsletter) for more information. We encourage and reward children for bringing their Bibles to class. We have plenty of extra Bibles on hand for those who do not own their own.

Summer Kingdom Kids

Workshops are not held in the summer. Instead all children are combined and volunteers lead a lesson and activity for the children during both the 9:30 & 11:00am services.

"Parents, your participation and questions are most welcome. We appreciate your prayers and support as we work together to bring the message of Jesus Christ to children, youth and adults."

-Kathie Church, Christian Education Director