Children's Ministries Department

"Then little children were brought to Jesus"
Matthew 19:14

Rhoda Burrill Director Rebeca de los Rios Associate Director

 

Vision: To see children come to know Jesus as their Savior, to grow as members of God's Family, and to go in service to Jesus.

 

New Resources in the Library!!

In the Children's Ministries Department, it is our fervent prayer that many children be led to Jesus. In order to safeguard Jesus' children, we must love them. Only then can we lead them to Jesus.

Children are like soft, rich soil, waiting to receive seeds. Children between the ages of 5 and 13 have a 32% likelihood of accepting Jesus as their Savior. That percentage drops drastically as a child grows older.* We can't ignore those tender, impressionable years. The first seven years of a child's life are the years in which the character is built.

How many people will be affected by the influence of one Children's Ministries worker in one class?

"When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages,--to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them."  Desire of Ages, p. 517

*Statistics from Barna Research

 

Camp Meeting

The Children's Ministries Department is dedicated to providing ongoing, updated programs for children at Camp Meeting, both English and Spanish. Camp Meeting is held each year at Forest Lake Academy and North Florida Camp Meeting is held at Camp Kulaqua. Spanish-language Camp Meeting is held at Forest Lake Academy and Miami, alternately.

The learning center concept is used in order to make the experience more effective and the lessons longer-lasting.

The children's classes are divided into six different age groups: ages 0-23 months, Ages 2 and 3, ages 4 and 5, ages 6 and 7, ages 8 and 9, and ages 10-12.

 

Vacation Bible School

Each spring, Vacation Bible School Training Workshops are held both in English and Spanish. These are held either at Camp Kulaqua, or in Central/North or South areas.

In 2008, the workshops are schedules for March 15 at Pine Lake Retreat, and March 22 at Miami Temple.  The theme to be presented is, Castles and Crowns, A Royal Adventure, from Review and Herald.  We will also display Jersusalem Marketplace from Group, and Amazon Expedition from Answers in Genesis. Spanish Workshops be scheduled and dates given at a later date.

Vacation Bible School follow-up is stressed at each workshop. Once we have these children inside our doors, we need to keep them returning. Many follow-up programs are available. Information on these programs can be obtained from the Children's Ministries Department.  At the Fall Convention, we presented the fall festival as a suggestion for follow-up.  Heroes Unmasked and Wild West Fall Fest are available from Group Publishing at http://store.grouppublishing.com/OA_HTML/gpCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=16842.  There is also a one night Christmnas program from Group titled A Night in Bethlehem.  This can be found at http://store.grouppublishing.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=879182&section=15527.

 

Conventions

Children's Ministries conventions and workshops are held at various times and places. Check the calendar for dates and locations.

2008  Fall Convention 

September 19-21

Camp Kulaqua

Theme: Transformed By His Love

Workshops in all classes Beginners through Earliteen

Seminars:  Still in the planning stages, but may include those listed below.

                 Oz and Wilde-Puppetry Track www.ozandwilde.com -confirmed

                 Children's Church-Je Clermont http://tinytunesonline.com/ -confirmed

                 Mike Bradenbaugh-Using Nature to Teach About God-confirmed

                 Darlene Karst-Ministering to Troubled Children-confirmed

                 Youth Department-topic yet to be decided

                 Caren Ippolito-Decorating and props-confirmed

                 Elaine Kennedy-Dinosaures: Where did they come from...and where did they go?-confirmed

                 Robert Henley-MySpace and My Children-confirmed

Registration

                $125 per person for Lodge

                $135 per person for Chalet

                Registration fees are increased due to additional seminar costs, but you will be more than thankful for these.

 

Fun and inspiration is on the way!!  Be sure to attend this convention!  You will take home some fabulous resources, unforgettable memories, and best of all, ideas to help in making your Children's Ministries relevant and inspiring.  And don't forget the friendships you will forge with others who have the same goal-to see our children in Heaven.

 

Brochures will be mailed early in July.

 

For more information on Camp Kulaqua go to:

http://www.campkulaqua.com

 

 

Services Available

1. There is a lending library of materials and resources that will help the Children's Ministries leaders have a more effective and vibrant ministry. These materials are available to all churches for a small fee to cover postage.
2. Questions answered or researched. Provide resources for your problems.
3. Encourage all churches, regardless of size, to have a Children's Ministries Director.
4. Be available for each church, Children's Ministries Director, Sabbath School teacher, or member.
5. Conduct individual Sabbath School workshops for churches that request one.