Shepherd of the Valley considers it a privilege to partner with families as their children grow in faith. GodZone is our Christian education program for Age 3 (by Sep. 1) - Grade 5. Confirmation is our Christian education program for Grades 6-9. Youth are invited to Affirm their Baptism in the fall of 10th grade.
How were the revised options for GodZone and Confirmation decided?
- Our Vision to invite all people to experience the Welcome, Transformation and Sending of Jesus Christ, led us to evaluate our worship, education, and supporting programs.
- We listened to feedback from members, administered surveys, sought advice from consultants and similar congregations, and engaged members for further advice and recommendations including a Children’s Ministry Task Force.
- We made adjustments to our initial plans based on this combined feedback and advice.
Why are there new sessions for GodZone on Saturdays?
- Starting in September, there will be a new worship schedule on Saturday with a band–led worship at 4:00 PM and organ/piano-led worship at 5:30 PM.
- There will also be an increased variety of music, hands-on service, food and fellowship on Saturdays for families.
- New GodZone sessions will provide more opportunities for families to be involved in worship, education and service.
- All music groups, including children and youth choirs and bells, will include Saturday performances on a rotational basis.
Why is GodZone divided between grade levels on Wednesday and Weekends?
- Consolidating sessions for each grade level will ensure the enrollments necessary to maintain quality, high-energy programming , effective group dynamics and motivations for student attendance.
- Data from GodZone 2011-14 enrollment and attendance indicates that the majority of PK-Grade 3 are more likely to enroll in a session time aligned with worship and Grade 4-5 are more likely to enroll in Wednesday sessions.
- The curriculum and objectives for Grade 4-5 are more focused on a readiness for confirmation. Aligning this group with confirmation on Wednesdays will provide opportunities to share service projects, parent resources and expectations for involvement in weekend worship.
Why is 3:15 Confirmation no longer offered on Wednesdays?
- 3:15 is inconvenient for students from local schools with the exception of Falcon Ridge students (who can walk across the street after dismissal).
- Immediately after school is not an optimal time for students to be in a structured learning environment.
- Attendance at 3:15 is very inconsistent due to seasonal participation in after school activities.
- It has been a difficult time to recruit youth and adult volunteers, and to establish parent involvement. SOTV believes that forming relationships to peers and mentors is critical to faith formation in young adults.
How will you support families whose children cannot attend the revised session times?
- A GodZone Home Edition will be available for parents to teach their children at home. Packets will be available once a month for parents to pick-up. Children’s Ministry Staff will also be available for specific grade level support.
- In Confirmation, we are excited to offer a weekend retreat + monthly small group option. Following the retreat, small groups will decide the day and time they will meet. Additionally, we are happy to provide you with resources for faith formation at home.
Why make changes at all if it will inconvenience some families?
God continually calls us to innovate and adapt program ministries to enrich opportunities for people of all ages to grow in faith and community. Several factors demanded that we reconsider and revise our options:
- Member feedback for more options that fit a busy family schedule
- Desire for programming at times when volunteers are more readily available
- Matching programming to an expanded worship schedule
- Group size and dynamics for quality programs
- Efficient use of staff resources and facility space
Further questions? Please contact:
Mim Campbell, Director of Children’s Ministry at (952) 985-7350 or Mim.Campbell@sotv.org
Katie Strand, Director of Youth Ministry at (952) 985-7360 or Katie.Strand@sotv.org
View revised 2014-15 Schedule for GodZone and Confirmation.
