AWANA

The name AWANA comes from II Timothy 2:15 and stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.” AWANA is a program aimed at helping churches and parents worldwide raise children and youth to know, love, and serve Christ. This ministry is not only for the children of Cross Pointe, but is open to all children from age 3 (and potty trained) through 6th grade. AWANA is an outreach to the 70% of the kids right here in Sioux Falls who don’t go to church, and to their entire family.

Studies have shown that a large majority of Christians in this country accept Christ before the age of 12, and of those who accept him later in life, most were exposed to the Christian faith as children. We work with children from age 3 up through 6th grade in three groups called Cubbies, Sparks, and Truth in Training. On any given Wednesday night during the school year we have about 75 children here at AWANA. Of those children, about half attend Cross Pointe, 30% attend other churches, and 20% don’t attend church at all. Those are children who, without AWANA might never be exposed to Christ or God’s Word.

Meal

Although it’s not really part of AWANA, we start each Wednesday with a meal from 5:30 to 6:15. Although on the surface this is to feed the children, parents, and workers, the more important aspect is that it gives our people the opportunity to meet and fellowship with some parents who might otherwise never come through the doors.

Games

There’s a lot of learning that goes on at AWANA each week, but there’s also a lot of fun! Along with being fun, the games teach teamwork and respect for the rules and give the children a chance to apply their energy to a common goal.

Book Time

In the Bible when Satan tried to tempt Jesus, Jesus responded with God’s Word from the scriptures. When Satan comes against you or me or one of these children how can we speak God’s Word if we don’t know it? One of the key activities at AWANA is handbook time where the kids memorize and recite verses of scripture. The scriptures are presented in an age appropriate way, for example the Cubbies at 3 years old learn John 3:16 as “God loved us and sent his son.” But as they grow they don’t just learn the words, they learn what the words really mean. Just as an example of how much these kids are learning, to earn a Sparky Award, a clubber must finish three handbooks, which involves reciting 166 verses and completing 37 activities on missions, witnessing, patriotism, prayer and creation.

Council Time

Council time is made up of stories, lessons, and activities that help the kids learn more about Jesus, Christian life, and how to grow in Christ.

Missions

AWANA also helps the children to learn about missions. We practice being missionaries here at home by inviting our friends to AWANA and talking with them about God. We learn about being missionaries by having a special missions night where we have a missionary come in and talk with each of the groups about being a missionary. We practice supporting missionaries by doing things like the Adopt-a-Club activity, where our children bring money to donate towards supporting a club in a country where the kids can’t afford to support a club of their own.

Click Here to View the AWANA Parent’s Handbook

AWANA Calendar 2011 – 2012

August 31 - First Night of AWANA
September 14 - Parents Night
September 21 - Bring a Friend
October 26 - Harvest Night
November 16 - Thankful Night (Bring canned goods for offering)
November 23 - No AWANA (Thanksgiving)
December 21 - Winter Carnival (Bring gifts todonate to charity)
December 28 - No AWANA (Christmas)
January 4 - Bring a Friend / Crazy Hair
February 1 - Adopt a Club kickoff
TBD - Bible Quiz (Local – Sat.)
February 9 - Red & White Night (Valentines)
February 15 - No AWANA (In Service Day)
TBD - Bible Quiz Finals (Sat.)
March 7 - International Night (Missions)
TBD - (Saturday) AWANA Games
April 11 - Backwards Night
April 25 - Last Regular Night of AWANA
April 28 - (Saturday) Grand Prix Prep
May 2 - Awards Night
May 9 - Grand Prix