Moving On Up: Better Experience, New Format Coming for Ark Kids and AYC

Posted on 07/22/2012 at 12:00 PM

A fresh experience is coming for the children and youth of The Ark Church on Sunday, August 12, when “Move Up Sunday” launches new age groups, newly-renovated meeting locations, and brand new programs—all designed to let your child or student get connected to Jesus.

Parents are invited to be a part of the transformation, meet the volunteers, and experience the teaching and worship during one of the Open House events, held during the regularly scheduled service times on Sunday, August 12, for Ark Kids; and on Wednesday, August 15, at 7 p.m., for AYC Student Ministry.

AYC Student Ministry—Now 6th to 12th Grade

The most significant change comes for those students going into 6th grade, who will now be a part of AYC Student Ministry.

The AYC Student Ministry will now be split into Junior High (6th–8th grade) and Senior High (9th–12th grade) groups. According to John Huseman, student pastor, this will allow him and his staff to minister in a more effective and age-appropriate manner.

“These groups encounter different issues, and now their experience will be more focused on them and their needs,” said Huseman. “The topics and sermons will have a different vibe based on the group’s needs.”

AYC High School students will continue to meet in the same location (Purple Auditorium) on Wednesday nights; however, beginning August 15, Junior High students will meet upstairs in the newly renovated Red Auditorium. On Sunday mornings during both services, Room 203 and Room 204 will be offering small group classes for Junior High students.

“These changes will not only allow us to be more effective in how we serve, but in how many we serve,” said Huseman. “We’re going to be able to pastor more students and minster to many more kids.”

Ark Kids—Now Birth to 5th Grade

With 6th grade students joining AYC, Ark Kids will now focus on children from birth to 5th grade grouped as follows:

“This set us up to be much more effective in ministry as we connect with children and see them connected to Jesus,” said Dr. Ellen Moore, children’s pastor for Ark Kids. “We’ll better meet the needs of our kids developmentally, more closely align with the school systems, and create space for more children.”

During the Sunday services, the Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders will meet upstairs in the Red Auditorium (formerly known as GForce); and the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will meet downstairs in the Purple Auditorium (formerly known as Club 56). These large group experiences will continue to focus on dynamic teaching, high-energy music, entertaining skits and more.

On Wednesday nights, students in Ark Kids Elementary will encounter a new, small group format. 

“The children will be grouped by grade level as they play, review, and discuss in a more personal setting,” said Moore. “It’s an opportunity for the children to get connected and build relationships, one of the key goals of our ministry.” 

 

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