Extreme Makeover

from Pastor Bonnie

The dumpster has arrived. Kids Clubhouse has been torn down and carried away! After 15 years, we are giving our elementary children's area a new look.

So what is going on right now behind the locked doors of the old clubhouse?

We are creating a new environment where kids will experience good teaching, engaging worship and practical life application.

It will be an atmosphere that is inviting to kids; where they will say, "This is my place…I like to come here…I can bring my friends here…I meet God here."

So what kind of atmosphere best helps kids connect with God? Here's a look into some of the thought process:

We considered environments that would draw kids to the event (e.g. a town, a village, a park) but this kind of atmosphere would not help to engage them with the purpose for which they are there--to connect with God.

Yes, we can worship God in a town, a village, a park. But it may be easier to worship in a worshipful atmosphere; in a room where the environment is focused on worship.

After all, we do not decorate the adult worship area like a ski lodge to draw in the adults. We have the cross and candles--

elements that help to engage us in worship. So why would we not do the same for our kids?

After much prayer and listening to the Spirit of God, on August 31, we will open our kid's elementary as…here it comes…"Kingdom Kids!"

This new environment will be a place where kingdom kids meet to come together for worship. It's not a kingdom with castles, but a bright worshipful room with lots of energy that says, "We are here together to connect with God."

As they enter the room, they won't see kids drawn on the walls, playing sports, but kids raising their hands in worship, singing, praying, and with smiling faces. Bright-colored rooms and draped material will brighten up space where old fences once stood.

We are excited about this extreme makeover. We are excited about all the things our kids are learning about worship as they join their parents this summer.

We are excited about our children coming to "Kingdom Kids" in the fall, where they will be able to experience other parts of our mission statement:

• "To build biblical community" (as they meet in small groups)
• "To extend the heart and hands of Christ" (as they are given opportunity to reach out to others)
• "To leave a legacy of faith" (as they are challenged with age appropriate truths and application).