Class Curriculum Covers Bible Basics

The primary goal of the Children's Education Ministry here is to present the Bible as an entire story made up of real people whom God used in His overall plan, and to explain how we can apply that information to our own lives.  Nursery and Toddler classes begin with God's world and Bible families, incorporating numerous songs, visuals, and hands-on activities.  Preschool classes continue this technique as the study well-known Bible leaders from the Old to the New Testament.  Elementary classes use visual and participatory methods to teach a very detailed overview of the Bible in chronological order.  By the time a student finishes sixth grade, he should have completed an overview of God's Word four times (with greater detail as he progresses through the program), as well as modern day applications that can be used in his own life.

As a part of this study, our Bible class teachers make every effort to help students develop a real love for the word by teaching Bible books and their locations, special scriptures to treasure, Bible geography, and basic Bible facts.

Matthew Killough

Children's Minister

matthewk@sp-coc.org

KIC and PALS Programs Offer Activities for Elementary Group

To develop friendships among Christ-like classmates, grade schoolers at South Plains enjoy an activity each month throughout the year.  KIC (Kids in Christ) involves activities for those in 4th through 6th grades, while PALS (Primaries Acting Like the Savior) includes those in 1st through 3rd grades.  Parent volunteers are asked to host the monthly events that range from bowling and Putt-Putt to caroling and service projects.  During the summer months the two groups also enjoy weekly activities that include everything from craft classes to field trips, again with the aid of participating parent volunteers.

                                Ecclesiastes 12:1

Retreats, Camps Offer Fun and Fellowship

Spending a week, a weekend, or just a day with Christ-like friends can be quite a memorable experience for those who participate in any of the outings offered in the area.  Each summer, South Plains holds Camp Evergreen for 4th through 8th graders.  LCU will host a one-day event called Carpenter's Kids for 4th and 5th graders, and a week-long Camp Champion for those from 5th through 8th grade.  Our own pulpit and youth ministers and their wives will be teaching and directing summer camp sessions.  Several members have connections at LCU Encounter, Blue Haven Youth Camp, White River Youth Camp, and Pine Springs Youth Camp.  LCU also offers several other camps including a day camp for elementary-aged kids, in addition to music and sports camps.  A good number of kids from South Plains participate in one or more of these summer camps to come back spiritually uplifted and closer to each other.

Pathfinders Offers "Pint-Sized" Worship for Preschool & Primary

Throughout the school year, a special Bible hour called "Pathfinders" takes place in Room E-113 each Sunday evening during services for youngsters from ages two to second grade.  This special worship assembly, geared for this younger crowd, is produced by a teaching team who serve as actors, puppeteers, and song leaders.  Once each month, the students also participate in special craft activities tailored to their ages and topics of study.  To find the classroom in the education wing, look for the room with the BIG RED BARN.

BIBLE BOWL Participants Study Scriptures In-Depth

From January through May, a specialty class is offered for 4th through 6th graders interested in an in-depth study of one book of the Bible.  Students attend the class during Sunday evening and Wednesday evening services.  After seeing a team of teachers present the chapters visually and reviewing the material through games and activities, all Bible Bowlers are encouraged to attend the competitions held at churches in the West Texas area.  Bowlers learn the importance of real Bible study as well as Christ-like friendships.

South Plains Strives to Make Kids Feel Special

The Children's Education Ministry at South Plains wants kids to feel important.  We host a variety of special programs to instill that feeling in our kids here.  As sixth graders graduate from elementary school, it has been customary to honor them with a special brunch and evening service where parents, grandparents, and siblings are encouraged to attend.  Those graduating from kindergarten are also honored at a special service as they face their first graduation from school.  Programs such as these are intended to let kids and their families know how vital they are to the South Plains congregation.

Children Find a Variety of Opportunities for Involvement

Activities abound for children who are looking for chances to participate at South Plains.  Various parents organize and coach LCAA ball teams made up of South Plains kids.  One or two Reader's Theatre drama productions are performed each year by our upper elementary students.  South Plains members also serve as Boy Scout leaders conducting weekly meetings at the church building.

What we desire our children to become, we must endeavor to be before them.