Quarterly Shabbat School Newsletter

January 2024

Dear Parent,

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of our Shabbat School program since arriving at Avoca Christian Church! Our first program will be on January 13, 2024.  We have been working diligently over the past few weeks to settle in and work out the details. As we have moved to a new location, we understand that changes are necessary to adapt to the new circumstances. Therefore, we are making several adjustments to the program, many factors influenced our decisions, such as the classroom setup, locations, and the low number of volunteers.  The changes are outlined in detail below.

Changes in the Shabbat School Class

New Format

·        We are switching to a Children’s Church format.

o   We will have one mixed-age class instead of four age-based classes.

o   Within the class, the children will be assigned to one of three groups, each with a designated children's ministry volunteer. These groups will remain the same throughout the quarter.

New Ages

·        This mixed-age children's church will be for 4 to 9 year olds

o   This would be children who were in the previous Preschool (4-5) and Early Elementary (6-8)  and some in the Upper Elementary (9) classes.

o   Due to the location of the classrooms, we cannot take any child who is not fully potty trained and children who are considered a flight risk (who have a tendency to run off and are unable to follow basic classroom instructions).

·        What about those who now do not have a Shabbat School class now

o   Currently due to a lack of components to have a toddler class, parents can temporarily utilize the nursery for children aged 2-3.

o   We plan to pray and plan about implementing a bar/bat mitzvah program for 10-13-year-olds sometime this year.

Curriculum for the elementary classes

·        We are continuing to use the “Dig In” Curriculum from Group Publishing and the series “Epic Teachings of the Bible.”  

o   The next four weeks, we are focusing on prayer, and the children will have the opportunity to recite their memory verse for this series.

§  Memory Verse: Matthew 6: 9-13 due Feb 3rd

·        Each class incorporates the following activities: a core bible study, a hands-on object lesson, games, a time of digging deeper into the bible, a short 5-minute video, and many reinforcement activities.

What you need to know before coming to class

Check-In & Check-Out

·        We are relaunching our Check-In system. 

o   This is through our Vineyard Connect app

§  It would be very helpful to have your family profile up to date on the app

Procedures for Check-In & Check-Out

·        1.) We will have a check-in station in the lobby, and we highly recommend that you do this when you enter the church before the main service starts

o   We will have a Children’s Ministry Volunteer ready to assist you until all are comfortable with the system. 

·        2.) After the children are prayed for, they will be dismissed to the lobby and will walk with their group leader to the classrooms in the building next door.

·        3.) At the conclusion of the children's church program, children will be brought back to the lobby.  Children will be escorted to their parents in the sanctuary if the main service is still going.

o   Please note that some adjustments will be made with check-in and check-out as we work to streamline this process.

Food & Drinks

·        We will have a built-in snack time for the class (about 10 -15 minutes).

·        Please send a non-messy snack and a drink; make sure the snack & drink are labeled with your child’s name. 

o   Due to our current setup, children will not have individual snack cubbies. Instead, all snacks will be stored in a large bin until their group’s snack time. Labeling your child's snacks is important to ensure they receive their own.

Classroom Rules

·        Classroom behavior & discipline policies

o   Our classroom behavior policy is 1) be respectful of the teacher, 2) be respectful of classmates, and 3) be respectful of church property.

·        Our classroom discipline policy is a three-strikes rule. 

o   If a child repeatedly breaks behavior guidelines after being warned and encouraged to make good choices, they will be escorted to their parents in the sanctuary after the third offense.

We understand how important it is for your child to have a meaningful Shabbat school experience, and we sincerely hope that these adaptations will help facilitate just that. Please don’t hesitate to come to me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Blessings,

Jessica Miller – Children’s Ministry Director

423-741-3696   admin@vineyardjc.com