SPARK
• SPARK Children’s Programming resumes in Fall 2023.
See SPARK Summer activity dates below.
SPARK
What is SPARK?: The acronym means: Scripture, Prayer And Relationship for Kids. SPARK is essentially Sunday School. We explore the Bible through stories, games, crafts, snacks, and other activities.
When is SPARK?: Sunday SPARK meets at 9:00 a.m. We begin in the sanctuary for about 15 minutes and then are dismissed to go to our SPARK groups.
Wednesday SPARK meets at 5:00 p.m. We begin in the community room for about 15 minutes and then are dismissed to go to our SPARK groups.
Who is SPARK?: 3 years old through 4th graders are invited to participate. (3 year olds must have turned three (and toilet trained) by September 1, 2023.)
SPARK Volunteers
WE NEED YOUR HELP! The strength of our program lies in the hands of the AAA Adults and teens who work with our children. AAA means those who are Authentic, Available and Affirming.
OUR GOAL is ALWAYS to HAVE MORE PEOPLE HELPING — and EVERYONE carrying a little less of the load.
- WE NEED MANY TO SAY YES.
- WE NEED YOU to be a part of the team. To make a difference in the lives of our children.
- Together we will SPARK the FAITH of our KIDS!
YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED and INVITED TO FIND A WAY TO VOLUNTEER.
Please commit to at least three hours SOMETIME this YEAR.
Are you in 5-8 grade and looking for a fun way to make a difference and be a role model to our younger friends?
Sign up to be a SPARK Shepherd!
Are you in 9-12 grade, love kids and want to share some time while you complete service hours for church and/or NHS? Sign up to be a SPARK youth leader for either the Preschool-Kindergarten aged kiddos or lead a SPARK rotation for our 1st-4th graders. (This type of volunteer work also looks great on those college and job applications.)
Are you an adult (caregiver or not) who wants to find a way to be involved with our SPARK program?
Sign up to be a rotational leader!
Volunteer Descriptions
Preschool / Kindergarten Leadership Team
- Seeking AT LEAST two per room per each week. If we have more, it makes it easier to rotate your schedules.
- Lesson plans are provided and sent by email to you ahead of time. Supplies are provided.
1st – 4th Grade Shepherd (5th-8th Graders)
- Shepherds are a steady presence for the children.
- Shepherds are NOT required to teach, but to assist the teacher.
- Each unit has three weeks & three lessons — ART, BIBLE/ACTIVITY, COOKING
- Children are divided into groups. Each group has a shepherd(s).
- Two (2) shepherds per group. Having two takes care of finding subs in absence.
1st – 4th Grade Leaders (9th-Adult)
- Leaders guide the conversation for the story/theme.
- Lesson plans are provided and emailed out ahead of time. Supplies are provided.
- Each unit is three weeks long. We prefer leaders to commit to three weeks at a time.
- For each unit we need an ART leader, a BIBLE/ACTIVITY leader, a COOKING leader.
- Each leader guides a small group through the same lesson for three weeks with a different group of children.
Substitutes
There are always times (and sometimes last minute) that subs are needed. Volunteering as a substitute means that your name and contact information will be on the sub list. Please volunteer to SUB if you are willing to be on call and sometimes at the last minute. Please be prepared to say YES when called.
Seasonal Teams
- Rally Day Carnival Team – September 11th/14th
- Christmas Program Team – Late November – December 11th/14th
- Vacation Bible School Team – April – June 2023
All volunteers over age 18 will need to have a background check prior to serving.
A Sign Up Genius will be created and added to every SPARK email. Check it often for opportunities to join us!
SPARK dates to note:
Stellar VBS (Vacation Bible School)
June 5th- 8th, 9:00am – 12:00am
Welcome to Stellar VBS—the summer event that helps kids discover what it means to shine Jesus’ light! At Stellar VBS, kids explore how Jesus shined hope, love, forgiveness, and joy to the world—and how we can do the same with his power! You can expect a week full of faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures that help kids grow in friendship with Jesus!
July 10-14
Summer Stretch, 9:00AM-3:00PM (Times may vary).
Hey 4th Graders (2022-2023) – Summer Stretch! We’d like to invite you to join us at Summer Stretch this summer! 5-8th Grade (2023-2024 year- You’ll register for the grade you are going IN to.)
This service oriented, gospel-centered day camp for kids NOW in 5th-8th grade is just one way to live out our faith in our community. In the morning, we SERVE. In the afternoon, we PLAY.
Summer Stretch, 9:00AM-3:00PM (Times may vary).
Hey 4th Graders (2022-2023) – Summer Stretch! We’d like to invite you to join us at Summer Stretch this summer! 5-8th Grade (2023-2024 year- You’ll register for the grade you are going IN to.)
This service oriented, gospel-centered day camp for kids NOW in 5th-8th grade is just one way to live out our faith in our community. In the morning, we SERVE. In the afternoon, we PLAY.
We are also looking for high school youth or college aged young people (as well as adult volunteers) to serve as mentors and small group leaders.
Some of the places we MAY serve: The Waconia Food Shelf; Feed My Starving Children; Good Samaritan Center; Lutheran World Relief. Some of the places we MAY play: Waconia Movie Theater; Bowlero; Beach Day; Urban Air. On Friday, ValleyFair ALL DAY!
Register for Summer Stretch here >>>
