New classrooms, curriculum to greet 'Kingdom Kids'

Spencer church hosting new multigenerational approach

Those entering the basement of Hope Reformed Church will soon be greeted by a new mural declaring it a space designed for "Kingdom Kids." The kindergarten-through-sixth-grade area then transforms into a castle, complete with freshly-painted classrooms and moral-themed windows overlooking a courtyard.

"We just wanted to change the environment, and make it a fun place and a brighter place," explained Kim Smith, the Spencer church's director of children and family ministries, of the building's new youth-centered environment.

Beth Muilenburg and Tami Gilderhus led a team of volunteers in painting the basement, referred to by church members as "Harbor basement," and its youth-based classrooms in bright, welcoming hues this summer. The basement's main gathering space now features a kids version of Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" mural, which is being painted by Karen Cooper. Harbor basement's perimeter walls display windows painted by Katie Van Voorst with mottos such as Trust God, Choose Wisely, Love Others and Serve Faithfully.

These themes will be among those to be taught, beginning next month, in a new high-energy curriculum from "The reThink Group" that's interactive, "technology sophisticated," and kid-friendly.

"I am so excited about it," Joan Ebeling, Hope Reformed Church's curriculum director, said of the new curriculum. "It's maybe a bit unusual to get that enthused about something like a curriculum. But as a parent, I believe our faith is the absolute best thing that we have to offer our kids. (This allows us to) put it in their language and in a way that they're going to understand. That's what I see us doing with this, and in a way that they're going to want to come and hear about it. That was important to me: I want them to want to be here."

The church's new 252 Basics curriculum, as witnessed in action by Spencer church members at Faith Church in Indiana, covers three core principles: Wisdom and making wise choices; faith and trusting in God no matter what; and friendship and treating others the way you'd want to be treated.

Along with the new basement area and curriculum, which also includes components that help parents to reinforce what's taught on Sunday, elementary-aged youth will begin a new way in which to worship this fall.

As soon as they enter Harbor basement, "kingdom kids" will be treated to a snack and juice from members of the church's hospitality team. A short "gathering time" will then allow students to rotate between various activity centers, where adults will sign on to socialize, play games and do a variety of different things with them. Children will then connect with their respective small-group leaders.

"One of the parts of the system we liked," Smith said, "was we want them to build relationships with other adults in our church, and know that there are other adults who believe the same way that they can trust and confide in."

Following Sunday school teachers' instruction of lessons from the new curriculum, adults, along with middle school- and high school-aged youth, will lead a short praise-and-worship service for the K-6 children. This interactive skit time will introduce the day's Bible story, which will also be taught during an ensuing time spent with small-group leaders in their respective classrooms.

"We have an awesome core of middle school and high school kids who like to serve in this church," Smith said. "...The older kids are learning that it's a privilege to serve, that character does matter when you're up in front of these kids ... and that it does matter how they act outside of here."

"Our goal is to make this the best hour of our kids' week," she added. "...Anyone is welcome to join us. You don't have to be a member of our church to participate."

* An open house showcasing the freshly-decorated basement will be hosted beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31 in Hope Reformed Church, which is located at 919 Grand Ave., Spencer. Lessons and activities highlighted in the new curriculum will commence on Sunday, Sept. 7.