The mission of the Elementary Ministry is to provide developmentally appropriate, engaging and authentic opportunities for elementary children to grow with grace and gratitude in Christ. It is a fun and exciting program for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
Overview
Children’s Sunday School is a primary focus of our children’s program. We use a Workshop Rotation Model that enhances learning and allows teachers to focus on their unique gifts (see below). We also know that children learn best from example and are great helpers. At TPC, the Elementary Ministry participates in many church activities: planting in the garden and recycling items (Earth Care Ministry), collecting change for a cause (Stewardship), recycling clothes and toys (Big Blue Bin), singing during worship (Praise Kids), buying gifts for less fortunate kids (Christmas Giving Tree), Blessing of the Pets, and celebration of the seasons of the Church year from Advent to Pentecost.
Weekly Activities
Sundays
We offer Sunday school each week from 9:45–10:45 am in the Elementary Hallway.
We use the Workshop Rotation Model in our Sunday School classes, teaching the same story for 4-5 weeks in a row. A workshop might focus on learning about the story using art, drama, Bible games, cooking or some other activity. By slowing down the rate of story change, the Workshop Rotation Model deepens the student’s experience and memory. Bible literacy improves when the same story is taught through different workshops over 4 to 5 weeks and each workshop focuses on a different creative learning style or “intelligence,” which broadens memory.
On Sunday afternoons at 5:00 pm, kids can also participate in the Music Ministry. Learn more about the Music Ministry for children.
A Time for Young Disciples
During both worship services, children in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades enjoy A Time for Young Disciples. During this time the children come forward for an age-appropriate introduction to the worship theme of the day.
Children’s Chapel
During both worship services, Children’s Chapel is offered for Kindergarten–3rd graders only. The children leave worship with their group right before the sermon begins and re-enter the service during the sermon response, enjoying a child-friendly sermon during that time. To participate, sign up before the service at the Welcome Desk located outside of the McCoy Chapel for the 8:30 services or outside the Great Hall for the 11:00 service.
Wednesdays
OWLs: Our One Wednesday Logos group for 3rd–5th graders meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00–8:00 pm with the older youth. We share dinner, games, and music time with the Youth Ministry (links to page) and then break off for our own Bible study time. Children in 3rd–5th grade are invited to attend these gatherings from September to April.
Camps:
VBS (Vacation Bible School) is one of the biggest events of the year for our kids. It’s also our biggest intergenerational activity, with almost as many volunteers as children. VBS takes place from 9:00–12:00 pm the first week after school is out. You can view this year’s VBS page to get review our program and sign up your kids.
KidQuake is the first experience of camp for many of our kids. KidQuake is a retreat weekend with kids from all over our Presbytery at Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, Texas, held during the weekend of April 24-26, 2020. During the weekend, children will experience worship, small groups, fellowship and FUN together. Here is more information about KidQuake for Spring of 2020.
Missions
Children participate in various missions within the church and locally. In the fall the Elementary Ministry, in collaboration with the Youth Ministry, leads the collection of change for our annual Stewardship Campaign. In winter children look forward to having the opportunity to shop for other less fortunate kids through the Christmas Giving Tree. To learn more about Mission opportunities at TPC click here.
For questions about the ministry please fill out the form below. To learn more about our Director of Elementary Ministry, Danielle Coleman, view our Staff Page.