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Awana getting word out about Jesus [UPDATED]
Published 11:01am Thursday, August 30, 2012 Updated 11:01am Thursday, August 30, 2012Now in its fourth year, a growing program at Crossroads church has about 100 kids saying, “Awana learn about Jesus.”
Awana is an international organization created to teach children about God. Crossroads church has picked up the program, and it has quickly become popular among kids in the area.
“We’ve seen a growing interest in the program,” said Awana commander Nancy Nelson. “We’re anticipating there will be will over 100 kids this year.”
Last year, Awana had 95 kids join, and Nelson said about half of them weren’t from Crossroads church.
“I think a lot of people coming back have been brought by friends, and they have continued to come,” she said.
This year’s Awana will begin with a kickoff picnic, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5 at the Adams (Grotto) Park picnic shelter.
Parents will have the opportunity to learn about the program, meet other people involved and sign kids up.
After the kickoff event, Awana will go to its weekly schedule of 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays.
“The whole idea is to get God’s word into the hearts and minds of young people,” Nelson said.
Each Wednesday night, the kids will split into smaller groups based on age and gender and each night will be broken down into three sections: Handbook times, large group worship and, of course, games.
Each child is given a handbook when they sign up for Awana, and as they work through the book, kids will learn and memorize scripture. The same handbook is used throughout the international Awana organization.
During large group time, kids will gather to worship, listen to guest speakers and hear stories about God’s word.
“Game time gets pretty intense because these kids love to play,” said Nelson. “Even during that time they are learning how to play together with a team and enjoy the games.”
The name Awana is an acronym for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.” It comes from second Timothy, 2:15 which states, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
“The verse talks about how God wants us to be approved workmen who aren’t ashamed and who can correctly handle the word of truth,” said Nelson.
This verse is what Awana was built on, and the goal is to teach kids that nobody should be ashamed to be a workman for God, she said.
Awana is for kids kindergarten through sixth grade, and there is a registration fee of $23 per child. All are welcome to register at the kickoff event on Wednesday or any time at the church office.
