Fellowship and Education
Be 5:6
Based on Matthew 5:6, which says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” this is the mid-week ministry for 5th and 6th graders. This ministry begins at 5:00 with a parent provided dinner which is followed by a topical Bible study. At 6:30, 5th graders may be picked up by parents or go to Kids of the Kingdom. 6th graders are invited to stay for 6th@6:30. Big Walnut students have the option of being picked up at school to come to the church to do homework until Be 5:6 begins.
6th@6:30
This is an opportunity for 6th graders to fellowship and talk about what it's like to be in 6th grade. This group is primarily for fellowship, but will also include service opportunities. This ministry will end at 7:30, in time for 6th graders who are interested in being a part of the youth praise team J.O.Y.
God’s Messengers
5th and 6th grade students have chosen the name God’s Messengers for their class as part of Crossroads Sunday School at 9:45 on Sunday mornings. In this class, they will study God’s word and also be introduced to safe multimedia forms including iPads, iPhones, computers, Kindle fire, safe apps and the internet. The use of this multimedia will not replace their use of the Bible.
Service Opportunities
We believe that serving others is an important part of faith development, so there will be service opportunities included in our 5th and 6th grade ministries, often on weekends. These opportunities will be announced at both Be 5:6 and in God’s Messengers.
Other Opportunities
Because 5th and 6th grade is the split between our children’s and youth ministries, there are some opportunities that are available through 5th grade, some that both 5th and 6th grade can participate in, and others that start at 6th grade. Here is a break down of those ministries:
5th and 6th grade:
Pulpit Pals
is the puppet ministry for 5th-12th graders. They perform at various times throughout the year, including every night of Vacation Bible School. For more information, contact the church office.
Carpenter’s Bells
is an opportunity for children to learn the art of bell ringing. They practice for a few weeks before they perform. It is open to 4th-8th grade youth. For more information, contact the church office.
Indoor Soccer
Indoor Soccer On Monday nights November through February, except the first Monday of each month, we have indoor soccer in the multipurpose room.Third through sixth graders will play from 6-7 p.m. and middle school and high school ages play from 7-8:30 p.m. Wear tennis shoes and shin guards and bring a dark and a white shirt.
Other ministries
We believe that children and youth should be full participants in the life of the church and should minister in areas where they have gifts and feel called. We have children that serve as greeters and ushers, and children in 5th grade and older are encouraged to volunteer at events such as the Easter Celebration, Harvest Festival, and Breakfast with Santa.
5th grade:
Kids of the Kingdom
Kids of the Kingdom Kids of the Kingdom is for children grades 1-6. They meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 September through May and sing each month, usually on the third Sunday. They also present the annual Christmas Musical at the 11:00 worship service on a Sunday in December. There are some extra practices during this time. Dates and times will be announced.
Acolytes
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The role of an acolyte is very important. Acolytes bring the light of Christ into the sanctuary to begin the 11:00 worship service to show the presence of God with us. At the end of the service, acolytes take the light of Christ out of the sanctuary and into the community. Children in 2nd-5th grade are welcome to be acolytes. Contact Heidi Stimmel for more information.
6th grade:
J.O.Y.
is the youth praise team. J.O.Y. stands for Jesus, Others, and Yourself, in the order that we should view the world. J.O.Y. practices on Wednesday nights from 7:30-8 and then shares their musical gifts at various services throughout the year.
Youth work mission:
Each summer a number of our youth and adults go on a week-long work mission trip. Throughout the year, the youth group works to raise money for this trip through various fundraisers. Youth can attend the summer after their 6th grade year. This is an experience that many of the youth look forward to each year, and even keep participating in following graduation!