The Midweek Menu
Electives for kids?
Well, why not, says one California church. While adults in many congregations enjoy the luxury of choosing the topics they want to study, children usually are assigned by age or grade, and that's that.
But not the fourth through sixth graders at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. For them, Thursday evening is a freewheeling program called Candle Factory.
"Do we make candles? Well … yes," says Mike Barnett, director of children's ministry. "We train kids in the practical ways to be lights in a dark world."
After an opening half hour when the entire group meets together for a mix of singing, skits, movies, puppet plays, and/or games, the children head for the class of their choice—such options as:
"The Promise Players," a group that wrote its own play, made costumes, and performed for first- through third-grade classes as well as the opening half hour.
"The Mud Hens," who learned to make gifts out of clay while discussing how the Master Potter molds lives.
"Making a Joyful Noise"—children studied various worship songs, learned some new ones, wrote their own, and made musical instruments.
"Women of the Bible" (for girls only).
"Enter the Kingdom"—object lessons and discussions of the Good News, for newcomers and visitors.
Each elective runs for three or four months and requires prior sign-up. If choosing just one is tough, a child's favorites are likely to be repeated the next quarter. Class time is 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the length of the adult midweek service, which runs concurrently.
Adult teachers and helpers often suggest ideas of special talents and gifts they'd like to turn into Candle Factory classes. "We've had this going for about four years now," says Barnett, "and find it to be a fresh and exciting change ...
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