God continues to bless the children's department and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my workers for their endless hard work and dedication to the children of this church. It is amazing to see God working through you on behalf of the children.

It is my pleasure to inform you that the children’s department is now sponsoring a child in Ethiopia through the organization "Food for the Hungry”. His name is Zekarias Zegeye Jirata and he is in 3rd grade. Zekarias lives with his parents and 4 siblings in the community of Anger Meti in the western part of Ethiopia bordering Sudan. The offering that your children give on Sundays during stewardship will be used to pay the monthly sponsorship fee for this child. We will be giving he children the opportunity to correspond with our sponsor child so that they feel a part of this endeavor. Please help us by sending an offering with your child each and every week. Thanks in advance for your support!

I am proud to announce the launch of a new program in the children's department entitled "Seekers" which will be run by Bev and Zak VanHorn. This program is for children in 1st - 6th grade and will begin on May 30th. The program will run on Wednesday and Sunday evenings during the summer and then only on Wednesdays once quizzing begins again in the fall. We will introduce the program to the congregation during the morning service on May 10. The sign up will take place immediately following the morning service on May 17th during our “Seekers Kick-off Barbeque”. The entire church will be able to purchase tickets for this luncheon which will be prepared and served by our `Kidz Kitchen" staff. The money raised during this event will help to defray some of the startup cost for this new program.

We are making plans for VBS and I am happy to announce that Christen J ones will be our VBS director this year. We are all excited to see what God will do this year. I urge all of you to become involved in some way because VBS can only work if we have a large committed crew. More details on VBS and opportunities for volunteers will be forthcoming.

Please keep this list of dates and events below as future reference.

Sunday May 10th - Mother's Day: Children will be in adult service. Introduction of “Seekers" program will be during the A.M. service.

Sunday May 17th - Adventure Sunday for all children 1st thru 6th grade. ‘Seekers" registration during the Kick-off Barbeque immediately following the A.M. service.

Wednesday May 20th & 24th - Seeker‘s program begins!
Please continue to keep our children and workers in your prayers!

Kelly R. Huscroft
Children's Director

Seekers

Dear Parents,
We are excited about a new program for the children of Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene! We are introducing "Seekers" as a Wednesday evening worship & activity group for the children in grades 1st thru 6th. This group will also meet during Sunday evenings in the Summer; while quizzing is not in session.

"Seekers" is for children seeking Christ through selfless behavior, actions, and deeds!
They will also learn about commitment, integrity and community awareness. The children will learn about the beauty in God’s world as well as how scripture ties into every facet of life.

There is a $1.00 per week cost per child to help defer the cost for supplies and badges. The total for the month is due at the beginning of each month. We are asking that the children commit to one year at a time. While we know that the children can not always make every meeting we ask that parents try to have their child (or children) there. We have a designated amount of time planned per badge. Once the time is finished (per badge) there will be one additional week for children who have missed a class to finish their project. If a class is missed there is no refund for that week.

There will be a letter sent home at the beginning of each activity session to keep you involved and informed about what your child will be learning as well as what activity they will be involved in. We are asking that you sign and return the bottom part of the letter so as we know you have reviewed their lesson. Each child must have their signed paper to begin that scheduled session/badge. We will have a sign up booth at the conclusion of the May 17th am service.

The booth will be in the fellowship hall. There is a “Kidz Kitchen” event planned at this time to kick off the "Seekers".
I would like to thank you for this opportunity to spend time with your children and observe their growth in Christ! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call!

Yours in Christ,
Beverley J. VanHom & Zakariah E.P. VanHom