We are excited to announce that this year we will add Awana to our Children's Ministry programs beginning Wednesday, August 29^th.

Awana is a fun scripture based program raising kids to become spiritual champions. It combines worship, scripture memorization and active games to develop a program that kids will cherish for years to come. The program's primary focus is scripture memorization helping kids understand God's Word and how it relates to their lives.

Awana began in 1930 at North Side Gospel Center in Chicago. Awana stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed taken from the club's key verse 2 Timothy 2:15. In 1950 they began publishing materials for other churches. Today Awana is used by 12,000 churches in the U.S. and over 4,000 churches in 100 countries. The Awana prayer is that every child around the world would come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Kids will experience biblical teaching that relates to each child's age and experiences. Through bible memorization Awana teaches kids to understand the gospel message and trust Christ to be their Savior. Children experience the fullness of God's love through the experience of digging deep into His Word. Today's world can leave kids feeling lonely, hurt, angry and broken. The best way to help these kids cope is to give them the truth of God's Word as the tool to bring them to happiness. Awana gives kids the tools to bring others to Christ as well. The memory verses they learn will offer an opportunity for kids to not only learn what we believe but why we believe and how to share that belief with others.

It has been really fun listening to adults who had positive things to say about how Awana touched their life as a child. Some where brought to the Lord through Awana, some brought others to the Lord, and some did both. Many of those people are thrilled that Awana will be offered here at the Vineyard and can't wait to join in the fun.

The clubs are broken down by ages and grades. Preschoolers are called Cubbies and they have their own worship, games, handbooks and group time. Kindergarteners through 2^nd grade are called Sparks and will share worship and games with the 3^rd through 6^th graders who are called T & T (Truth and Training). Each club has their own set of handbooks and children progress through the program as the years go by.

The night begins with an opening ceremony consisting of welcome, prayer, worship, flag ceremony, and announcements. The rest of the night is on a rotational schedule where groups go between game time, small group time, and large group time.

Game time is where 4 teams experience ultra-fun physical activities while learning sportsmanship, teamwork, and good character through team competition. Game time is a favorite among all kids.

Small group time is a time to recite memory verses, bond with leaders and work one on one in age specific handbooks. The kids receive encouragement for their hard work memorizing bible verses and completing assignments in their handbooks. From there handbooks go home with the students to work on during the week.

Large group time is for teaching the biblical teaching, presenting awards, sharing testimonies, and inviting the kids to accept Jesus into their lives.

Kids will love Awana so much that they will love inviting their friends along to share in the fun. The program is set up in such a way that kids can join the program at any time during the year and work at their own pace. They start at book one in their age level and move on through the books in order at whatever speed they choose. The students are encouraged to work through the books with their parents, but can work on their own as well.

Awana will meet on Wednesday Nights August 29^th from 6:30 to 8:30. We meet during the school year months and take the summer off. Children preschool through 6^th grade may register. We are excited to offer this program to preschoolers this year as we have not offered a midweek program for this age group. A small yearly charge will cover handbooks, awards, and uniforms. The fees vary based on age and participation.