We can't wait to see YOU this summer!!!

Congratulations to Heather Oaks (Pre-School Director) and Brian on the birth of their third child, Cannon David Oaks.  All is well with Mom and baby. We thank God for a safe delivery and a healthy little one for the Oaks family.  As you might expect, Heather will be on a well-deserved maternity leave for the summer.  Cassie Tonsmeire and Laura Tucker (along with others) will be resourcing the pre-school ministry during Heather’s leave. 

That brings us to the Summer Ministry at Covenant.  Summers are very different here!  First, let’s talk Sundays. 

Sundays...

On Memorial Day weekend (May 27) and Labor Day weekend (Sep 2) there will be NO Sunday School and only one worship service at 10am.  All the other Sundays (Jun 3 – Aug 26), Sunday School starts at 9am, followed by one worship service at 10am.  Again, Sunday School starts at 9am!

Now, let’s talk about ages and grades.  All ministry for children, except in the Nursery, are referred to in terms of “rising,” (or the grade the child will enter in the Fall).  So, a child who is currently in Kindergarten and who will be in First Grade in August will be considered a First-Grader.  That adjustment is made for all ages/grade levels.  The only exception to this policy is in the Nursery.  The two-year-old nursery class (actual age is three now) will remain in the Nursery for the Summer and will be promoted to their upstairs classroom in the Fall.  So, all announced grade levels are “rising.” 

The following is a list of Sunday ministries:

Koala Kids:  Sunday School for rising K4 and K5.  This is a fast paced hour where the children rotate between three rooms.  There will be a Bible Story Room, an Activity Room (game or craft), and a Singing Room (along with a snack).  The designated rooms are on the Midlands Level (2^nd floor) of the Children’s Building in Rooms C221, C222 & C223.  Please continue to check-in your child at the Midlands Level Welcome Station.

Outback:  Sunday School for rising 1^st – 4^th graders.  This is Sunday School with an Australian-style, Gilligan’s Island twist.  After singing and a Bible lesson cast in a fun-loving adventure skit, the kids go out-back for games and competitions.  Please have your children check-in on the Mountain Level (DaySchool Lobby) and report to Room C316.  Comfortable summer clothing is desired at Outback (kids may get wet). 

PA56:  Sunday School for rising 5^th & 6^th graders.  The “PA” stands for Project Adventure.  Kids will be engaged in team-building projects and challenges.  Lessons this summer center on the parables of Jesus.  Please have your child check-in on the Mountain Level (DaySchool Lobby) and come to Room C321.

Children’s Worship:  Again, times change for Worship in the Summer.  Worship is held at 10am (one service only).  Children, rising K4/K5 are invited to Room C221 for the entire worship service.  Parents need not return to the Children’s Building after Sunday School, your child will be taken directly to their worship room.  Kids, rising 1^st-3^rd grades will be dismissed from the sanctuary during the service (Passing of the Peace) and will be escorted to Room C321 for the remainder of the service. 

Parents Note:  Please note, that Children’s Worship in summer is considered a transition time for your child.  Some Summers we see difficulty with children moving up (or out) of their familiar grade level and the moving creates discomfort.  Please determine if your child is ready to sit in adult worship (for rising First OR Fourth Graders) and make advanced plans for their involvement there.  We will honor your desire for their placement. 

Other Summer Events...

Now, what about special events like camps, etc.?  Here is a list of special summer ministry:

June 11-15: Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children (Rising K4-Fourth Grade).  Time: 9am-Noon.  Registration forms here on the Blog or at Welcome Stations.

June 18-22: Created For a Purpose (CFAP) for girls (Third – Eighth Grades).  Waiting List in effect.

June 24-29: Bonus Days for boys/girls (Rising Fifth – Sixth Grades).  Cost: $275.  Registration forms here on the Blog OR envelope at Welcome Stations and by clicking here.

Game On Camp: For boys and girls (Rising First – Fourth Grades).   Time: 10am-1pm.  Cost: $100.  Registration form here on the Blog OR envelope at Welcome Stations.

July 9-13: Game On Camp Week 1

July 16-20: Game On Camp Week 2

Wonderful Wednesdays: For boys and girls (Infants - Rising First Grade). Times are 9am - 1:00 pm. Specific Wednesdays throughout June & August are filled with crafts, games, and water play. Pre-registration is required and forms are available here on the Blog or at SonShine Valley Welcome Station. 

We can’t wait to see you this Summer!!!!!

-Dan Edwards-

Pastor to Children & Families