Crunching the Numbers

I just finished analyzing the attendance of our fourth and fifth graders--comparing this year's numbers to last year. Looking at the attendance of this group of fourth and fifth graders as third and fourth graders, we found that last year in September we averaged 42 kids a week in these two classes. This year in September we saw an average of 56 kids a week. In October of last year we averaged 41 kids per week, and this year in October we averaged 57 kids per week. That's an increase of 25% in September and 28% in October!!! As a whole, our entire Children's Ministries saw a 9% increase in September from '07 to '08 and a .8% decrease in October from '07 to '08.
So all in all, I'd say that we've seen some growth because of Bridge 45!

Unit 2 is Done!

I finished formatting Unit 2 for the curriculum today. Good timing considering the unit starts in 2 weeks. The majority of the work was done back in August when we did all our planning. I held off on finalizing it, though, until now because we wanted to make sure the format actually worked in Unit 1.

It's been an interesting process for me. I've spent the last few weeks analyzing, watching, talking with my husband about what he observes, questioning kids, finding feedback wherever I can get it. The problem with this, I've found, is I've focused so much on each individual lesson that I forgot about our big picture. While I heard stories about how our kids were starting to really think about what the Bible says, that they were reading their Bibles at home, and that our lessons were sticking, I felt discouraged that we weren't being relevant enough to a child's everyday life. Our lessons felt very academic.

But today, as I typed in the final lesson for Unit 2, I was reminded of the grand scheme of things... the over all picture... how it all fits together. The first half of our curriculum has been laying a foundation for what the rest of the year will bring. Unit 1 was necessary to the implementation of Unit 2. We needed to tell them why we study the Bible before we taught them how to study the Bible. They needed to know the layout of the Bible to understand that the Old Testament looks forward to the promise God made about bringing a savior for the world while the New Testament shows the fulfillment of God's promise.

As I typed the conclusion of Unit 2, and an invitation to salvation, I realized what an incredible experience this could be for our kids. So many of them accepted Jesus as their forever friend years ago. Some even have made a point to "see how many times they can do it" (despite being reminded that you only have to accept Jesus once). The majority of our kids accepted salvation with beautiful, innocent faith. Through the lessons in Unit 2, they'll get to see more of the why behind their acceptance. They're finally at an age where the wages of sin are real to them... death is something they understand. For once, the separation between them and God is tangible.

My hope through this unit is that not only will they gain the intellectual knowledge to distinguish between the Old and New Testaments and be able to explain how they fit together, but to also grasp a deeper understanding of what salvation is and why it is so important. Once this is achieved, then we can truly look (in unit 3) at the personal side of their relationship with the Lord. We can look at what sins they're struggling with and that God forgives them, as well as provide them with tools for resistance. We can understand the purpose of worship. See the need for fellowship. And finally, in Unit 4 we'll be able to help them take a deeper look at who they are in Christ--develop testimonies, learn about spiritual gifts and find out how we fit into the church.

I find myself even more excited for this curriculum than I was back in August when we initially prayed over and developed it. Last week, as I walked around our new modular unit, tears came to my eyes. What we're doing in teaching these students is so much bigger than lesson plans. It's greater than a new classroom building. It surpasses any personal achievement our team may have in the writing of it. Young hearts are maturing in their love for the Lord. Young minds are gaining insight, intelligence and information to withstand opposition as they grow older. I feel so much hope for these kids--they can be the future leaders of our church, our community, our country. They will grow up someday and teach their children the ways of the Lord. We're impacting generations.

This is so much bigger than just one lesson at a time. There is a big picture, and isn't it grand?

The Final Unit has been Delivered!

From a nice grassy lawn to a modular unit site!

The Modulars are Here & Clips from Unit 1

On Monday the excavating began for the modular units, and today the first of the two adult units arrived. Tomorrow the other adult unit will be delivered and on Friday our Bridge 45 unit will arrive! It's so exciting to have the use of our new room get closer and closer!

Also, here's a video from the past 6 weeks in Bridge 45.

Having fun with a video camera

This past Sunday was a response-project week. The small groups were each given the task of writing and producing a newscast, or some other form of video that covered what they've learned about how to study the Bible. We got a variety of videos! Posted below is what we'll be showing the kids over the next three weeks. Only two groups had sound quality enough to understand what they were saying, as well as stayed on target. The third video is a collection of clips from all the groups.

The point that was taught by each group was to use the SPECS method when studying the Bible. This is when you look at a passage and find...
S-Sin to Avoid
P-Promise to Claim
E-Example to Follow
C-Command to Obey
S-Stubling Block to Avoid

Enjoy!