LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP!
Next weekend is a wonderful opportunity for dad and sons! Camp Cedarbrook is running a Father Son Retreat and you can still join!

For more info and to register click here.

We're off and running!
The Healthy Kids Running Series is off and running! Want to your child to try it? You can still sign up for the rest of the series ( 5/10, 5/17, 5/31 at 2pm.) or have them try one race! 

The HKRS' goal is to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. There are five races (one a week for 5 weeks). Kids ages 2-14  years old  race age appropriate distances (see  below). At the end of the five weeks series, all kids will receive a medal for participating. In competitive division (ages kindergarten and up), the top finishers will be awarded a trophy as well.

It’s May, and we’re nearing the end of God’s Big Story as we travel through the Bible in a year. But this month holds two incredible truths for kids in your ministry. First of all, we are currently living in God’s Big Story: the time between when Jesus returned to heaven, and when He will come back to earth again. And that’s the second amazing truth: that in the end, God will make everything right! We start off with Peter and Paul boldly facing the Sanhedrin, and then travel with Philip into the wilderness, where he meets an Ethiopian official with big questions. We watch Saul on the road to Damascus as his blindness helps him truly see, and we go on deck with Paul as he weathers a terrible storm at sea, followed by a shipwreck. We end with John’s vision of heaven, where God Himself will one day wipes the tears from our eyes and mend everything that’s broken. It’s a great time for kids to discover how we can follow in the footsteps of Peter and Paul and many others to share the Good News of Jesus. And no matter what challenges we face, we can always rely on the Holy Spirit to help.

 Following Jesus and carrying out the good work He left for us to do is an epic quest—a journey that none of us can complete on our own. That’s why this month’s theme is “Trek: Don’t stop, don’t give up God’s with you,” so kids can remember that God will help them on this grand adventure, every step of the way.

Peter and John Are Taken to the Sanhedrin
We follow Peter and John to the Temple, where they meet a man who can’t walk. When Peter heals the man through the power of the Holy Spirit, the religious leaders have Peter and John arrested. But when they question the men, Peter and John show that even though they’re ordinary men, they have authority from Jesus. And when the leaders warn them to quit preaching, Peter and John refuse to stay silent.
This week's Bottom Line: “Keep going because of what God has done."

 

Hey dads! We have a really great opportunity to connect and grow with your son(s) this May! Join other dads and sons for a Father Son Weekend at Camp Orchard Hill May 15th-17th. Erwin Morales will be coordinating a group from Sparta Church.
For more info and to register click here.

One of the goals of Children's Ministry at Sparta Church is to help equip parents to be the primary disciplers of their kids. This event was created to help parents with two things: intentionality and friends.  Imperative to find like-minded families to do this parenting journey alongside. So join us for a Rock Painting Party- an opportunity to play and be creative with your kids while getting to know other families at church!
 
On Friday May 29th from 4:30-6:30pm, we're having a Family Rock Painting Party and Picnic. We'll be painting rocks to create a rock garden around our Children's Ministry Wing. All supplies are provided! Pack a picnic dinner, bring your creativity, and enjoy a night of funn a busy a world, it's so important for us to set times to play and talk with our kids.  It's also i and fellowship with other church families! Registration is not required but is appreciated!

Breakaway Day Camp is our 4 week summer day camp for kids ages 6-12 in our church and community! Each week (register up for as many as your like) is full of activity, energy and a daily Bible lesson. Find out more here.

The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party: A True Story about Heaven, Jesus, and the Best Invitation of All

 by Joni Eareckson Tada

What will heaven be like? Answering this question for kids can be challenging.
This biblically faithful storybook shares the  truth that when Jesus comes back to this world, he will bring heaven with him! There will be a new creation where well have new hearts and a new body, living in a new city. And best of all, we'll be with Jesus, forever! It will be better than we can ever imagine.

He Always Hears: A Story for Kids on Grief, Lament, and Hope

By: Alyson Punzi

In this book designed for kids ages 3–8, Jane faces challenges when her seemingly perfect life takes a difficult turn. After enduring a series of losses that leave her feeling scared, Jane’s parents teach her how to cry out to the Lord―the one who hears her cries and is working to make all things new. Whether kids are dealing with pain big or small, this book encourages them to turn to God in their moments of sorrow.

Goodbye to Goodbyes: A True Story about Jesus, Lazarus, and an Empty Tomb

By Lauren Chandler

Goodbye to Goodbyes  is a simply retold story of Lazarus rising from the dead. It points to the hope that someday, there will be no more goodbyes. It honestly acknowledges the grief of death while pointing to the hope of Heaven. 

Where Did TJ Go?: A Book for Kids on Grief and Loss

By: Annie F. Downs with Tatum Green

Where Did TJ Go? helps grieving families explain what happened and what kind of experiences a child might be having in heaven with the God who loves them and makes everything good in its time. Tender and sincere, this story doesn't shy away from the hurt even as it offers comfort and hope to those left behind.