January 5, 2009
Dear Families,

This letter is to inform you of the changes taking place in February. We have decided to continue using 252 Basics-the only change is that the 9:15 am servicewill be repeated at 11:00. The classes are determined by grade and the activities are conducive to all learning styles.

Here is what a typical Sunday looks like:

9:00-9:15-Early Arrivers

9:15-9:30-Small Group-“Plug-In”
Plug-In is designed to introduce children to the day’s topic in a setting that gives them individualized attention from their Small Group Leader and plenty of interaction with a small group of peers.
***Note: In order for your child to experience the full ministry of Kidopolis we are ending registration at 9:30 am. We value the time that your child is here and want to make the most of every minute.

9:30-10:00-Large Group-“Power-Up”
Power-Up is designed to engage children in worship in a large group setting. Music, prayer, and an innovative approach to the Bible are always a part of this interactive time.

10:00-10:30-Small Group-“Catch-On”
Catch-On is designed to help kids understand how the day’s topic applies to them. They’ll discuss real-life experiences, interact with a close-knit of peers, and participate in a variety of activities that appeal to different learning styles. Life-application and memory-verse activities, as well as prayer, are always a part of this hands-on time.

At 10:30 all children will be taken to the Assembly room for a transition time and checkout. We will be using the same check-in and checkout procedures as we do now.

This schedule will repeat at the 11:00 service with registration starting at 10:45 and ending at 11:15. At 12:15 all children will be taken to the Assembly Room for checkout.

Breakout room for “Double Stuff Kids”

If your family serves in both services or attends a service and serves a service we have an exciting room just for them. This room will be fun-filled directed play where your child will be involved in team building and creative problem solving activities. However, we support your choice if you decide to have your child attend a service with you either in the Central or East Auditorium.

Wednesday Nights:
Wednesday Nights will be a great time for your kids to have fun while learning biblical truths. This is a service provided by Generational Ministries to all groups who choose to meet on Wednesday nights. This is not an extension of Sunday mornings. We will be doing Kidmo which is a based on DVD biblical teaching along with a snack, time in the gym, worship, and other creative activities. For more information follow the GM link on the City Church website.

The Kidopolis Ministry Mission is to supplement the family in reaching kids and helping them become fully devoted followers of Christ. We must partner together to provide amazing biblical learning environments for the children of City Church each week. We want your kids to know that God’s message provides unchanging truth they won’t find anywhere else. We must make sure this truth is clear…together.

We have various volunteer needs with different time commitments available for even the busiest schedules. Enclosed is a page identifying volunteer opportunities with a brief description and time commitment. Please review it carefully as a family. We will have sign-ups January 11th, 18th, and 25th as you check-in your child. If you need more information please contact Nani Williams at nwilliams@thecitychurch.cc or 423.648.2971. Also don’t forget to check out the City Church website @ www.thecitychurch.cc

Sincerely,
The Kidopolis Team

Nani Williams-Elementary Director
Sarah Hayward-Small Group Director
Gwen Moon-Worship Director
Greg and Connie Sutherland-Large Group Directors/Kidopolis Elders
Stephen Williams-Production Director
Stacy Kehoe-Registration Coordinator

Volunteer Opportunities

Production Team

The production team is responsible for lights, music/sound, video, and other technical aspects of the Large Group time.
Time Commitment--flexible rotation

Hosts

The host is responsible for greeting the children in Large Group time and working with the storyteller to share the day’s message. Often times the host has an ongoing theme for the month. For instance, one month the host was Indiana Jones.
Time Commitment--depending on our needs it could be four consecutive Sunday’s or one Sunday a month

Storytellers

We are looking for individuals who enjoy telling stories in creative ways. There is a script available, but we don’t have to stick to it. We want to make sure that children go back to small group with a deep understanding of the biblical truth being taught that day. The storyteller plays a crucial role in this. It is so important that kids understand that God’s message provides unchanging truth that they won’t find anywhere else. We strive to make sure that during the seventy-five minutes the kids are with us, they “get it.”
Time Commitment--flexible and varies

Actors/Singers

Actors and singers are often needed to add to the creative storytelling. Think of it like a preview or way to get kids ready to listen and participate in their learning. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for their talent and are willing to share it with our children at City Church.
Time Commitment--flexible and varies

1:8 Adult Volunteers

We are asking parents to serve once every 8 weeks in their child’s classroom. This is a manageable time commitment and it gives you an opportunity to see how your children spend their time every Sunday at Kidopolis. We want you involved! Part of your responsibilities would be to assist the Small Group Leader and to have fun with the class.
Time Commitment--once every 8 weeks

Special Events Volunteers

This is an opportunity for individuals who don’t want to make a full-time commitment, but would still like to do their part. Periodically, we have special events, whether it’s just for Kidopolis or for the entire church. We want to give everyone the opportunity to be a part of serving even if it can’t be a Sunday-to-Sunday commitment.
Time Commitment--flexible and varies

Registration

This is a very important aspect of children’s ministry. This person is responsible for greeting families and helping them through the check in/check out process. They welcome new families and make sure they understand our policies and procedures. Time Commitment--one Sunday a month

Small Group Leaders

Small Group Leaders are our shepherds. They encourage spiritual growth through relationships, discussion and other small group activities. This is our most time-committed area for volunteers at Kidopolis--from the first Sunday in August to the last Sunday in May. The reason for this is consistency. Kids need to know that they can count on their small group leader to be there. They truly miss them when they are gone. It’s very important that this person be committed to the kids in their small group on a weekly basis.
Time Commitment for 2009--February-May (due to new schedule-will resume school year commitment in August 2009-May 2010)

Worship

Worship is an important time. We are looking for individuals who feel compelled by God to lead kids in a time of worship, either being the lead or backup vocalist
Time Commitment--flexible rotation

Wednesday nights

Kidmo will be returning as our midweek service for elementary children. We are looking for individuals interested in connecting with kids and facilitating activities. It’s a great time and requires little preparation. Everything is planned out in advance so basically all you have to do is show up and expect to have a great time. Also, we will need a registration team and if we have enough people sign up for this the time commitment could be minimal.
Time Commitment—5 consecutive weeks needing

***Note--In order to keep services as consistent as possible, we are asking that volunteers involved in the Large Group time be available for both services.

This includes the following:
Storytellers
Hosts
Worship
Actors/Singers