5.1.26

Family Rock Painting Party!

NEW DATE! 

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.  In a busy a world, it's so important for us to set times to play and talk with our kids.  It's also 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 fun and fellowship with other church families! Registration is not required but is appreciated! 

Ready, Set, Go!

We're off and running!
The Healthy Kids Running Series kicked off last week with over 100 kids from our church and community! There are still 4 more races  (5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/31 at 2pm.), so there's still time to sign your kids up or to come and help out! Join us!

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.

This Sunday at CORE 

Children's CORE Classes run from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Sunday mornings. Classes are available for ages 2-4 years, Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, and Grades 4-5.   T
he heart of CORE classes is to teach our kids to know God and know His word. Join us this Sunday! 

Story and Scripture:

Jesus Goes to Villages, Towns, Countryside

Mark 6:53-56  

Story and Scripture:

Creation: Days and Kinds

Genesis 1:1-19

This Sunday at 4REAL Worship

Jesus is alive! And we can’t wait to help you celebrate with the kids in your ministry. When Jesus died for our sins, He reconciled us to God, and then when He stepped out of the tomb, He defeated the power of death. This is the reason that we can have joy, no matter what’s going on in our lives. This was all part of God’s rescue plan that began in the Garden.
 

Upcoming Events

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.
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.

Resources for Families- Talking about Loss

One of the biggest priviledges of being a parent is also one of the hardest: guiding our kids through the pain in this world. Thankfully, there are some resources available that can help guide us in our conversations with our kids. Below are some story books that can be helpful tools for talking to your kids about grief.
 
Need more support with grief and loss? Reach out to Hope Thru the Valley, one of the local ministries we support at Sparta Church.


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.