2014-2015 Celebration Baptist Church

Awana Clubs Information Packet

Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed

(2 Timothy 2:15)

Parent’s Letter Dear Parents, Welcome to the Awana Club Ministry at Celebration Baptist Church. We are excited about the upcoming year and look forward to ministering to your child. Awana Clubs are Christian based clubs that teach Biblical truths with a emphasis on scripture memorization. The goal of Awana Clubs is to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and train them to serve Him. Awana clubs reaches this goal through a very structured and creative program, and makes it fun and exciting for those involved. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm during the school year. Check-in time is 6:15 pm. When your child first begins in each club, he/she will receive an entrance booklet. This is the first step in Awana Club achievement. Please help your child complete this booklet in the next two to three weeks. After completing the entrance booklet, your child is eligible to earn more awards as a member of his or her Awana club. We want to work with you in providing balanced physical, social, mental, and spiritual activities for your child. We invite you as parents to take an active role in our Awana program by working with your child as he/she studies the handbook lessons. We will plan a special “Parent’s Night” for you to come and be a part of the club with your child, meanwhile, feel free to stop in and see what your child is doing at anytime. If you have any questions about Awana Clubs at Celebration Baptist Church, feel free to contact our church office at 416-5539. We look forward to seeing your child grow with us in Awana Clubs! Sincerely, John Parks John Parks Awana Commander

Puggles

! Puggles® recognizes the learning ability of 2-and 3-year olds by introducing biblical precepts at church and equipping parents to teach them at home. Toddlers love having their very own Awana Club just like their older siblings. ! In Puggles, children are welcomed each week with play time, songs and simple crafts and activities. Leaders present age-appropriate lessons using large, colorful teaching cards, finger puppet plays and more. Lessons teach and reinforce four basic biblical precepts: • God Made Everything • God Saw That It Was Good • God is Love • Give Thanks Special take-home cards that correspond to each week's lesson help parents nurture their child's faith at home. Participating in Puggles will give your child a head start on the path to loving and following God for life. Many churches also use Puggles as a Sunday school nursery program and with Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS®) groups.

Cubbies

! The Awana club for preschoolers is built on two premises: • Young children can and should receive spiritual training.

• Home is the primary place for spiritual training.

! Our preschool program meets these needs through … • Fun – and lots of it! Awana is fun with a purpose – to reach and train kids for Jesus Christ. Games, puppets, crafts, awards and other activities transform our preschool program into a lively weekly experience where fun and learning go hand in hand.

• Friendly characters and leaders Cubbie Bear, Luv E. Lamb, and Katie Collie take preschoolers on a thrilling journey through God’s Word. Caring, committed volunteer leaders from our church nurture your children spiritually as Christian role models and teachers.

• Foundational teaching Bible-centered handbooks and club activities help your children begin to build a solid understanding of the basics of Christianity at an early age.

• Family involvement Cubbies is unique because it supports parents as the primary source of spiritual nurturing. By working directly with their child on the weekly handbook lessons, parents become active participants in their child’s spiritual development.

Sparks

The Awana club for children in kindergarten through second grade builds on the material taught in our preschool club. The aim of the curriculum is to take youngsters a step deeper into God’s Word while giving unsaved boys and girls regular opportunities to hear the gospel and come to faith in Jesus Christ. After being immersed in solid foundational teaching at the preschool level, boys and girls frequently come to an understanding of their need to trust Christ as their personal Savior while in Sparks.

! Immersing kids in God’s Word

The Sparks program is firmly grounded in Scripture. The three handbooks feature:

• Basic truths about God, Jesus Christ, salvation and the Bible • An increased emphasis on Scripture memory over our preschool materials. In three years, a child will learn and review 68 verses, many of which cover salvation and key Christian doctrine • Clear and consistent presentation of the gospel message

! Fun + learning = results Sparks club meetings combine learning with fun to create an atmosphere of irresistible excitement for churched and unchurched kids alike. Club meetings are divided into three segments:

• Bible teaching, worship, award presentations and the gospel message • Small group interaction and completion of Bible-based lessons • Age-appropriate games on the Awana game circle Along the way, Sparky, the friendly firefly, encourages boys and girls to learn verses and complete assignments throughout the three handbooks.

Truth & Training (T & T) The AWANA Clubs third-grade through sixth-grade program is Truth & Training (T&T)! This exciting program features increased focus on Scripture application, an improved club structure, a colorful new look, fun characters and more. Our goal is that many of today’s young people will become tomorrow’s church leaders.

• T&T is equipped with a variety of dynamic tools to accomplish this mission:

• Four handbooks of increasing difficulty which teach children that life’s ultimate adventure is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ • A cast of fun characters that boys and girls learn from and follow on interesting journeys in the handbooks • Weekly meetings that expose children to the gospel message, Scripture memory, Bible study, awards, team- oriented games and gut-busting fun • A Bible-centered curriculum that helps kids build a firm foundation for their faith, hide God’s Word in their heart and apply the truths of Scripture to their daily lives

• Evangelism and discipleship go hand in hand in our third- through sixth-grade program. By the time a child has completed T&T, he will have:

• Learned and reviewed approximately 310 verses • Studied dozens of passages from the Old and New Testament • Regularly heard and read the gospel message • Discovered the Bible’s response to questions like “How does God want me to live my life?” and memorized verses to back up these answers • Completed mission projects that help him see the world through God’s eyes

Middle School years can be turbulent times in the lives of students. Transitioning from childhood to adulthood can filled with many challenges. Trek® challenges middle-school students to consider their destiny in Christ and pursue it through life application of God's Word. Trek focuses on 7th-8th grade boys and girls with a balance of structure and flexibility. • Trek begins every Wednesday, by joining the Real Life Student Ministry group (9th – 12 th) for worship and games. Student led, this time of interaction is essential in building a sense of community among students. • Trek continues the evening by breaking away for the older group for their own small group time. During this segment, Trek members focus on curriculum, Scripture memorization, and life application of Bible principles. An adult volunteer leads each small group. • Trek’s final segment is large group time. During this meeting time, all Trek members gather in a large group for encouragement, challenge, and instruction from the Bible as an adult leader focuses on the key Bible passage for the gathering. Weekly, Trek participants receive lessons relevant to the night’s theme and applicable to their life circumstance.

Awana Leadership

For any questions concerning your child or club activities, please contact the appropriate club director: Pastor Allan Eakin AWANA Commander (over all clubs) John Parks Games Director Justin Huie Puggles Director (2 yr.) Brandi Garner Cubbies Director (3yr.-4yr.) Laura Dempsey Sparks Director (K5-2nd gr.) Stephanie Penn/Ashton Eakin T & T Girls Director (3-6 gr. girls) Courtney Roth T & T Boys Director (3-6 gr. boys) Clay McKnight Trek Director (7-8 gr. Boys & girls) Shannon Howard

2014-15 CBC AWANA Clubs Calendar Aug., 20, 2014 Preregistration/Preview Night Aug., 27, 2014 AWANA Club Night #1 Sep. 3, 2014 AWANA Club Night #2 (Friend Contest) Sep. 10, 2014 AWANA Club Night #3 Friends Night; Banana Split) Sep. 17, 2014 AWANA Club Night #4 (Friend Contest) Sep. 24, 2014 AWANA Club Night #5 (Friend Contest) Oct. 1, 2014 AWANA Club Night #6 (Cardinal Night) Oct. 8, 2014 AWANA Club Night #7 Oct. 15, 2014 AWANA Club Night #8 (AWANA Store) Oct. 22, 2014 AWANA Club Night #9 Oct. 29, 2014 AWANA Club Night #10 Nov. 5, 2014 AWANA Club Night #11 (Penny Drive) Nov. 12, 2014 AWANA Club Night #12 (Camo Night; Penny Drive) Nov. 19, 2014 AWANA Clubs Night #13 (Penny Drive) Nov. 26, 2014 AWANA Club HOLIDAY Dec. 3, 2014 AWANA Club Night #14 (Penny Drive) Dec. 10, 2014 AWANA Club Night #15 Dec. 17, 2014 AWANA Club Night #16 (AWANA Store) Dec. 24, 2014 AWANA Clubs HOLIDAY Dec. 31, 2014 AWANA Clubs HOLIDAY January 7, 2015 AWANA Club Night #17 (New Years Pizza Blast) January 14, 2015 AWANA Club Night #18 (Section Contest) January 21, 2015 AWANA Club Night #19 (Section Contest) January 28, 2015 AWANA Club Night #20 (Section Contest) February 4, 2015 AWANA Club Night #21 (Section Contest) February 11, 2015 AWANA Club Night #22 (Valentine Party) February 18, 2015 AWANA Club Night #23 February 25, 2015 AWANA Club Night #24 March 4, 2015 AWANA Club Night #25 March 11, 2015 AWANA Club Night #26 (Green Night) March 18, 2015 AWANA Club Night #27 March 25, 2015 AWANA Club HOLIDAY April 1, 2015 AWANA Club Night #28 April 8, 2015 AWANA Club Night #29 April 15, 2015 AWANA Club Night #30 (Beach Night) April 22, 2015 AWANA Club Night #31 April 29, 2015 AWANA Club Night #32 May 6, 2015 AWANA Club Night #33 May 13, 2015 AWANA Club Night #34 (AWANA Store) May 20, 2015 AWANA Club Awards Night Contests " Friends Contest (September 3-24) ! Penny Drive (November 5-December 3) " Section Contest (January 14-February 4)

Price List Puggles Take Home Cards $ 14.00 Uniform $ 11.00 Cubbies Handbook $ 11.00 Vest $ 11.00 Drawstring Backpack $ 6.25 (optional) Sparks Handbook $ 11.00 Vest $ 11.00 Drawstring Backpack $ 6.25 (optional) T&T Clubs Handbook $ 11.00 Uniform $ 16.00 Drawstring Backpack $ 6.25 (optional) Trek Uniform $ 16.00 Drawstring Backpack $ 6.25 (optional) Limited scholarships are available. Each student is asked to bring $ .50 per week for club dues.

Celebration Baptist Church AWANA Clubs Guidelines

1) Be on time. The doors open to clubbers at 6:15 pm. Upon arrival, clubbers should check-in at the appropriate table with their dues. All clubs will start promptly at 6:30 pm and will end at 8:00 pm. 2) Each clubber is expected to participate in all club activities each evening. Total participation is a must! Notes will be accepted to excuse a clubber from Game Time due to injury or illness. 3) Bring your Handbook, Bible, and dues ONLY. 4) Tennis shoes and properly fitting clothes should be worn for the weekly AWANA meeting. 5) Uniforms. Clubbers are eligible to purchase them only after the entrance booklet is passed. 6) No awards will be presented a clubber unless he/she is in uniform. 7) Handbooks must be brought to all club meetings by every clubber, including clubbers who do not have sections to pass. Each section in the handbook must be passed in one sitting. Two “helps” from the leader are allowed with the average section. 8) Dues. Each clubber should pay $ .50 per week to help provide treats, awards, and supplies. 9) Activity permission slips should be brought back with the child’s second visit to the club. Failure to do so would prohibit the child from participating in any outing or special activity. 10) AWANA Clubs meet during a school year. They are dismissed for the summer. 11) Discipline. If a child continues to disrupt in club, he/she will be taken home.

Some often asked questions about AWANA Clubs include... What do kids do at AWANA? The club meeting is divided into three segments: Game Time, Handbook Time, and Council Time. While playing games on the unique AWANA Game Circle, kids have fun, get exercise, and learn good sportsmanship. During Handbook Time, clubbers progress through age-appropriate handbooks by memorizing and demonstrating an understanding of Bible passages. The main feature of Council Time is a Bible lesson, but it also includes recognition of achievement and presentation of awards. What does the word “AWANA” mean? “AWANA” is an acronym for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.” It is taken from II Timothy 2:15, which states, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” What is a section? A section is a segment of material to be memorized, usually two or three Bible verses. Some sections include brief quizzes or puzzles designed to test Bible knowledge and understanding. What is the five-count? When an AWANA leader begins to count aloud from “one” to “five”, that’s the signal for quiet and attention among clubbers and leaders.

Some tips for parents... Communication. Should you have a problem or a question concerning something your child has told you about AWANA, contact your child’s leader. Should you still have a question or concern, talk with the Club Director or feel free to contact the AWANA Commander.

“I can’t find my AWANA handbook.” This cry is heard all too often about the time parents are ready to drive their child to church for AWANA Clubs. A good way to avoid that cry is to designate a place in your home where the child’s Bible and AWANA handbook is to be kept. As long as the Bible and handbook are put back in their place after studying or attending club, the child should find them easily when needed. Only 10 minutes a day. The average child will be properly prepared for the weekly AWANA meeting if they spend 10 minutes a day in the club handbook. Help your child develop the 10-minutes-a-day habit early in the club year. Make AWANA a priority. You are busy, but if you want to help your child be successful in AWANA, you need to make AWANA one of your priorities. You’re going to ask your child to spend 10 minutes a day in the handbook. Please set aside enough of your time to help him or her learn sections and provide on-time transportation to club related activities. Achievements Levels. New clubbers receive an Entrance booklet. It consist of several sections that teach basic Bible truths and introduce clubbers to AWANA. On completion of the Entrance booklet, clubbers may purchase the appropriate uniform and handbook. Once they start working in the handbook, clubbers first achieve their Rank, and then work on Bible Drills and Activities. Encourage clubbers not to put off their Activities until late in the club year. They may start working on Activities as soon as they complete the first Rank. When you first see the Entrance booklet and /or handbook, look through it so you become familiar with what your child is required to do. Help your child work at a pace that will enable him or her to complete the handbook before the end of the club year.

About Us . . .

Celebration Baptist

Church

4601 Hwy. 229 Haskell, Arkansas 72015

(501) 416-5539 http://celebrationbaptistchurch.com

Schedule of Services Sunday Worship – 10:30am Children’s Worship – 10:30 am Wednesday Awana Clubs - 6:30 pm REAL LIFE Student Ministries - 6:30 pm

Church Staff

Allan Eakin, Pastor Jared Eakin, Worship Leader