Tammie Sawicki, Director of Children’s Ministry

Being able to meet in person was embraced by Children's Ministry in 2021! The kids were excited about seeing each other and their teachers in person. Part of the opportunities that were presented was keeping things that worked last year as well as working creatively with the changing environment that COVID presented.

The 9:00 in-person Family Service continued through the first quarter of 2021. Zoom Sunday School was offered until May 2021. In-person classes for Children’s Ministry started in June 2021. We continued to offer families tools to develop their discipleship at home through weekly lesson emails, seasonal kits to take home for family worship, as well as in-person fellowship opportunities as often as possible. Families were encouraged to offer videos to be used in the services being live-streamed. The average in-person attendance was 17-19 kids, with 4-6 faithful volunteers always at work behind the scenes. Virtual attendance averages 3-6 kids with 1-2 volunteers. Babies and Toddlers average attendance was 4-6 kids.

To be the best stewards of our resources, we combined Youth and Children twice. The classes were held in the Youth Room since it is a bigger space. This allowed ages to interact and learn from each other. The Youth were lifted into leadership roles and they embraced it wholeheartedly.

· Summer curriculum - Was virtual as well as in-person. Focused on 13 parables that helped us live like Jesus lived.

· Advent curriculum - Was in-person only. The Bible lessons illustrated “gift” in action. Being prepared for Jesus’ birth, telling others about Jesus, sharing with others the blessing Jesus gave to us, experiencing the gift of praise and rejoicing in our Savior’s birth.

Overall 2021 was a year of embracing change and adapting what worked at the moment. We still kept on the mission, which is to love and grow in Jesus. We are looking forward to what 2022 brings and are excited for what God has in store for us!

2021 Highlights:

Kids had fun doing the Epiphany pageant during the Family Service this year, which was live-streamed.
Advent Kitchentable Discipleship kits were a big hit.
Children’s Ministry for babies and toddlers was able to be in-person all year long.
In-person VBS was our biggest event, with over 100 kids in attendance.
Weekend Away retreat over Labor Day weekend in Buena Vista was a cherished time of fellowship and fun.