JUDSON BAPTIST CHURCH 2017-2018 Club Manual Puggles Cubbies Sparks T&T Judson Baptist Church Awana Clubs 4900 Franklin Road Nashville, TN 37220 www.judsonawanaclubs.com www.judsonbaptist.com 615-833-6600
Judson Baptist Awana Clubs Manual Table of Contents Page 1. History of Awana 3 2. Awana Clubs Leadership Team Directory 4 3. Welcome to Awana Clubs.. 5 4. Awana Clubs Details... 6 a. Meeting Times... 6 b. Club Age Groups... 6 c. Nightly Schedule 6 d. Check-in / Pick-up 6 e. Registration / Costs... 7 f. Dress Code 7 g. Uniform Inspection Guidelines. 8 h. What to Bring to Awana Clubs.... 8 i. Missions Offering... 8 j. Handbook Guidelines. 8 5. Awana Clubs Awards... 9 a. Points - Individual and Team... 9 b. Monthly Drawing Prizes... 9 c. Awana Clubs Store... 10 d. T&T Star Clubber... 10 6. Awana Clubs Leaders and Parents... 11 a. What We Expect from Our Leaders... 11 b. What We Expect from Our Parents... 11 7. Awana Clubs Policies... 12 a. Discipline... 11 b. Wellness... 13 c. Inclement Weather... 13 8. Other Awana Clubs Events... 13 a. Grand Prix... 13 9. About Judson Baptist Church... 14 10. Opening Ceremony... 15 11. Awana Clubs Calendar... 17 12. Special Nights and Theme Nights..17 Items in this manual are applicable to all Awana Clubs held at Judson Baptist Church. Some items pertain to certain clubs. These sections are noted as to which clubs they are applicable. 2
To the Parents We hope you read this entire manual for the Judson Baptist Church Awana Clubs. This is the best way to make sure you have complete information regarding this ministry. Should you have any questions which are not addressed in this manual, please feel free to contact your child s Director or any member of the Leadership Team at any time. Awana Clubs Leadership Team The History of Awana Since 1950, Awana has grown from a single church in Chicago into a ministry that includes United States churches (in all 50 states) and churches in more than 104 other countries, totaling 47,000 churches spanning 6 continents! Each week, more than 3.7 million children and youth, 470,000 volunteers, and 260-plus field staff take part in Awana in 100 different denominations. The word Awana stands for Approved workmen are not ashamed, as taken from 2 Timothy 2:15. Awana is a fun and exciting way for children to learn Scripture and it works! Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV The goal of Awana each week is to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and to train them to serve Him. The global reach of Awana has grown at a rapid pace with the goal of reaching 10 million kids with the gospel by 2020. 3
Awana Clubs Leadership Team Directory Children s Pastor Jack Oliver.Phone: 615-335-0415 Email: jack.oliver@judsonbaptist.com Veronica Winder..Phone: 615-833-6600 Email: veronica.winder@judsonbaptist.com (Adm. Asst.) Awana Commanders Tim McIntyre..Phone: 615-482-0600 Email: TMcIntyre@premier-ortho.com Julie Robertson..Phone: 615-595-9611 Email: philandjulie@yahoo.com Cubbies/Puggles Directors 3, 4 and Pre-Kindergarten 5-Year Olds / Boys and Girls Mali Biddle...Phone: 615-973-6818 Email: m.biddle@comcast.net Christy Spain Phone: 615-293-6000 Email: cwspain1@aol.com Sparks Directors Entering Kindergarten 2 nd Grade / Boys and Girls Paula Hall Phone: 615-331-1154 Email: bphall4@bellsouth.net Linda Harlan.Phone: 615-218-4050 Email: linda56nut@aol.com Kim McIntyre Phone: 615-482-0500 Email: kimberly.mc37@gmail.com Truth & Training Directors Entering 3 rd and 4 th Grades / Boys and Girls Barbara McDaniel Phone: 615-377-1333 Email: grangranmc@gmail.com Emilee Puckett..Phone: 662-315-8189 Email: emilee.puckett@gmail.com Game Time Directors Harry Beavers Phone: 615-891-7282 Don Clemons..Phone: 615-330-1661 Email: hjbeav@comcast.net Email: clemons@realtracs.com 4
Welcome to Awana Clubs We are glad you have decided that Judson Baptist Church is a place where your child can grow in the Lord. We are sure that our Awana Clubs will be a place of learning and excitement that will have a positive influence on your child. Awana Clubs offers several opportunities for your child to grow spiritually through Scripture memorization and a basic understanding of biblical principles and doctrines. Awana Clubs also provides an opportunity for children to learn to compete as a team. They will learn to win and lose with a proper attitude of fair play and sportsmanship. The Awana Clubs ministry at Judson Baptist Church works in unison with the other ministries at Judson to help your child learn about Jesus and to grow in Him. Consequently, you will see that your child can earn points for their team by being active in other children s ministries. This can also help them achieve in Awana Clubs by assisting them in passing some of the sections and activities in their handbook. We ask for your support in encouraging your child to complete their handbook materials prior to each club week. This way we will have the time to show them how to apply what they learn to their everyday lives. We would also appreciate your promptness in dropping off and picking up your children. Club starts at 5:45 PM and ends at 7:15 PM. We thank you for the opportunity to work with and minister to your child. We consider this a trust and serious responsibility that we do not take lightly. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to acquaint you with the Awana Clubs ministry of Judson Baptist Church and how it can benefit not only your child, but your entire family! 5
Awana Clubs Details Meeting Times The Awana Clubs ministry at Judson Baptist Church is held on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 PM- 7:15 PM. The rooms for Awana Clubs will be opened for children to arrive at 5:35 PM. Children will not be permitted in the rooms before that time. Club Age Groups Awana Clubs at Judson Baptist Church has the following clubs: Puggles 2 years old by August 15 (JUDSON MEMBERS ONLY) Cubbies 3 years old (by August 15), 4 years old and young 5 years old Sparks Entering Kindergarten through 2 nd grade Truth & Training (T&T) Entering 3 rd through 4 th grade Nightly Schedule A typical night is divided into three parts: 1. Handbook Time 2. Game Time 3. Large Group Time Check-in / Pick-up Parents MUST sign their children and receive a security tag for each child. At the end of the Awana Clubs night, the parent must return to pick up their child at 7:15 PM. We will notify parents when a child is sick, fussy, or not adjusting to the Awana Clubs night, or in rare instances for disciplinary reasons. Children MUST be picked up by their parent with their security tag at the conclusion of the evening. No Awana Clubs child will be permitted in the hallways without leader supervision or permission. 6
Registration / Costs All children who participate in the Awana Clubs ministry at Judson MUST have a completed Information Form and Medical Release form on file with the church office. The Awana Clubs ministry does its best to keep costs to a minimum. However, there are a few costs associated when your child participates in Awana Clubs. Registration Fee per Judson Family is $10.00 or per Non-Judson Family is $15.00. (There is an Early Bird discount of $5.00 per family if registered before the end of August.) You will receive an order form with pricing for uniforms and handbooks as your child completes the requirements to officially become a part of Awana Clubs. Puggles (2 years old) (Judson Members Only) T-shirts / Backpack (optional)/cd (optional) Cubbies (3 years old, 4 years old, and young 5 years old up to Kindergarten) Handbook / Uniform Vest / Book Bag (optional) / CD (optional) Sparks (Entering Kindergarten through 2 nd Grade) Handbook/ Uniform Vest/ Book Bag (optional)/ CD (optional) T&T (Entering 3 rd through 4 th Grade) Handbook / Uniform T-Shirt / Backpack (optional)/ CD (optional) There are also occasional events and activities which will have a minimal cost associated with them. You will receive information about these activities throughout the year. Note: Uniforms and books cannot be given out unless payment is made ahead of time. Please do not let finances stand in the way of your child participating in Awana Clubs. If there is a financial need, please let the Awana Clubs Commander or Pastor Jack Oliver know and we will work with you so your child may continue to participate in our Awana Clubs ministry. Dress Code Children attending Awana Clubs should wear comfortable clothing with their designated uniform and tennis shoes in order to participate in the activities held on a typical evening. Some activities may be difficult to participate in wearing skirts, heels, flip-flops, sandals, dress shoes, etc. One night each month, we will have a Theme Night and your child will be asked to bring or wear a certain item(s). When this is the case, you will be notified at least one week before with instructions about what they should bring for that special night. You can also find the schedule of Theme Nights on page 17. 7
Uniform Inspection Guidelines Clubbers and Leaders are expected to wear their Awana Clubs uniform to each club meeting. A goal of each Awana Club is to have 100% of its attendees in uniform. A properly worn uniform helps Awana Clubbers and Leaders earn respect and credibility. For a personal inspection of your uniform, apply this standard: Does it appear neat and clean? What to Bring to Awana Clubs Your child should bring their Bible, Awana Clubs Handbook and their Missions offering. Your child should not bring other items with them. If your child does bring something which does not pertain to Awana Clubs with them and a Leader sees it, your child will be asked to put it away and keep it out of sight. If a leader sees the item again, the Leader will confiscate the item until the end of the Awana Clubs night. Missions Offering We collect a missions offering each club night which is used to help the Awana Clubs missionaries. We encourage children to bring a weekly offering. Your children's offering helps to support our missionaries, J.J. and Laura Gillette, and their family of seven. They live by the sacrifices of others who give financially. This offering allows J.J. and Laura to assist churches in sharing the good news of Jesus. May God bless your generosity! There will be nights where there is an emphasis on missions, focusing on needs of other countries and missionaries. With this emphasis on missions, it is our prayer that the children will grow with a desire to serve and to help missions work, reaching others for Christ. Handbook Guidelines Clubbers must pass sections with no more than 2 helps. A help equals three words or less, or any other hint. Clubbers are encouraged to pass sections word perfect. Clubbers must pass an entire section during one session. They cannot quote one verse, and then look at the book before saying another verse within the same section. If a clubber does not bring their handbook to the weekly club meetings, then sections may not be passed or checked off by the leader. Sections must be passed in order. Cubbies: work through the book together reciting one Bear Hug each night in order within the book, with the exception of the 6 special nights for holidays. Sparks: Red Jewels and Green Jewels must be done in order for HangGlider, WingRunner, and SkyStormer books. T&T: Discoveries must be done in order, but Silver & Gold sections may be done in any order. Sparks and T&T: To complete a handbook in one year, a child should have two sections ready to be completed when they arrive each week. Sparks and T&T: We limit the children to 4 sections per night because our focus is on hiding God s Word in their hearts, not simply reciting large amounts of sections. 8
Awana Clubs Awards Each Awana Clubber has the opportunity to earn exciting awards. These awards are to be worn on the uniform. NOTE: Awards may only be given when a child is in uniform. These awards should be displayed and worn proudly. They represent achievement and spiritual growth in the knowledge of God and His Word. We will encourage all young people to strive for their highest potential. In Cubbies, all Clubbers work on the same section per week. In Sparks and T&T, each child works at their own pace and will be guided and helped by a caring leader. To complete a handbook in one year, your child should have two sections ready to be completed when they arrive each week. Points - Individual and Team Sparks and T&T Clubs Each child is assigned to a color team (red, blue, green or yellow) and earns points individually and for their team each night by the following: Attendance Bringing their Bible Wearing their uniform Bringing their Awana Handbook Bringing a friend Bringing a missions offering Passing handbook sections Game-Time Performance/Participation Attending any church the Sunday prior to Awana Participation in Theme Nights and Special Events Each night there is one winning team per club and each child on the winning color team chooses a prize from the Awana prize box. Monthly Drawing Prizes Sparks and T&T Clubs parks and T&T Clubs) Each month the Clubbers are able to compete for the monthly prize drawing. To be eligible the Clubber must complete at least 2 sections in one night. Then they will have their name put into the drawing. The last Wednesday of each month the Awana Clubs Commander will draw for 4 th, 3 rd, 2 nd, and 1 st place. 4 th place will receive 25 bonus Awana bucks. 3 rd place will receive 50 bonus Awana bucks. 2 nd place will receive 75 bonus Awana bucks. 1 st place will receive 100 bonus Awana bucks. These points will be added to their individual point record to count toward the Store at the end of the club year. There will also be a drawing for one grand monthly prize for both Sparks and T&T combined. It is usually a $25-dollar movie gift card! 9
Awana Clubs Store Sparks and T&T Clubs Clubbers can earn points by accomplishing any/or all of the activities as listed under Points Individual and Team. These individual points convert to Awana Bucks for the Awana Store and are used to purchase various items. The Store is held at the end of each Awana Clubs year. Even though they receive the regular uniform awards and other items, we provide the Store as an added incentive to help motivate every Clubber to work hard and memorize as many verses as possible. We stock the Store with toys, candy, games, play jewelry, sports equipment, and various other items that clubbers will enjoy. All Awana Bucks must be spent in the year they are earned. There will be no carry-over of Awana bucks from the previous year. Please make sure your child is there on Store Night. Please see the Awana Clubs Commander if there is a reason your child cannot be present on Store Night and we can shop for your child. T&T STAR Clubber Award The T&T Star Clubber award will be awarded on the last club night of the year during the Awards Ceremony. Those eligible to win this award are those girls and boys in the T&T who meet ALL of the following criteria. If more than one Clubber meets the criteria, their names will be put in a hat and the winner will be drawn from the eligible names. What is the prize you ask? The winner receives a $100.00 Gift Card to Toys R Us! Yes, you read correctly so you had better get busy studying! Here are the criteria: 1. Must receive all Club & Church attendance awards. 2. Have no unexcused absence for the entire year. (An excused example would be sickness or the parents going on vacation, which is no fault of the Clubber.) 3. Must participate in Awana Clubs games each week if physically able. 4. Must complete 1 full handbook, including all silvers and golds, during the club year. 5. Must not receive a 3 count during the year under the discipline system which results in clubber being escorted to the parent. 6. Must consistently be in proper uniform, including the special Theme Night uniforms. Meet all these 6 requirements and be there on Awards Night and you could win! 10
Awana Clubs Leaders and Parents What We Expect from Our Leaders We have very few basic requirements that our Leaders must meet. However, we also have some expectations we encourage them to consider. The following may give you some insight into the type of leadership we strive for in our program. A Leader must: have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ be a member of Judson Baptist Church have a desire to work with and a compassion for children agree with the Awana Doctrinal Statement as found in the Training Manual We Expect our Leaders to: realize Awana Clubs is not just another program, but it is a ministry of the church and a place of service to God pray for our Awana Clubs on a regular basis display a Christ-like attitude before the clubbers and other leaders be on time What We Expect from Our Parents Encouragement: Always encourage your child. Children have much more fun when Mom and/or Dad show interest in their accomplishments. During the week, help your child prepare at least 5 minutes per day to help them pass their sections. This will ensure they will complete their handbook and will receive their special awards. Attendance: Help children attend Awana Clubs every week and arrive on time. Consistency builds friendships, achievement, and self-discipline. Attend all major events. Parents are always welcome and are encouraged to attend special events as a way of showing your support and approval for your child s accomplishments. Promptness: Please plan to bring clubbers by 5:45 PM and pick up clubbers at 7:15 PM. Clubbers will not be permitted to leave without an adult coming to pick them up. Discipline: Please review the discipline guidelines found under Awana Clubs Policies on page 12 in this manual with your child. Awana Clubs has very few rules of behavior, but in order to insure that all clubbers have an opportunity to learn as well as have fun, some rules of behavior will be enforced. Game Time: If your child needs to be excused from participating in Game Time, please send a note to that effect to their Leader; otherwise, they will be expected to participate with all other Clubbers in all activities. 11
Awana Clubs Policies Discipline Awana uses two different counts: one for the group and one for the individual. Group: The 5-Count is used to bring the group to order. As the Leader counts from 1 to 5, the children should become quiet and still. Individual: If a child is disrespectful or is disruptive to the club during a night, the following 3-count procedure will occur: A 1 count will be given for the first offense and the Leader will tell the Director. A 2 count will be given for the second offense, and the child will be counseled by the Director outside the club room and then returned to club. A 3 count is given and the child is taken by the Leader and Director to their parent or guardian. If this occurs, there will need to be contact between the parents and the Club Director and/or the Commander before the next club meeting for the child to return to club. If the Clubber has to be taken to the parent a second time, they must miss the next two club meetings, and a parent must meet with the Club Director or the Commander to discuss returning to club. If a Clubber is removed from club a third time, they will not be allowed back into the program for the remainder of the club year. It is our prayer that no situation will have to be resolved in this manner, but in fairness to all Clubbers and Leaders, the above will be enforced as necessary. The Leaders realize that there are many family situations that may affect a child s behavior. We encourage you to let your child s Director know if there is any situation that may help us in ministering to your child. This helps the Leaders to potentially minister to the child as opposed to just viewing a situation or action as a discipline problem. Awana Clubs has only a few guidelines: Keep your hands to yourself Proper speech speak to others with respect Respect Leaders and others The children s ministry of Judson Baptist Church has behavior and discipline policies, which are available for your review upon request and at Judson's website Children s Information Packet. 12
Wellness Sickness can keep going around with children, affecting not only the other children in your child s Awana Clubs group, but also your family as the illness goes back and forth between the children. Here is our established health policy for the Awana ministry: Children should not attend Awana Clubs if they have any of the following symptoms: Fever 100 degrees or higher within the last 24-hours Vomiting within the last 24 hours Diarrhea within the last 24 hours Runny nose if accompanied by other symptoms and/or colored discharge Bad Cough coughing and sneezing increase the chance of infection being spread Any rash that is suspected to be contagious If your child is prescribed an antibiotic, they must have been on the antibiotic for a minimum of 48 hours prior to attending Awana Clubs. Inclement Weather Judson Baptist follows Metro Nashville School System snow cancellation policies. When the weather is inclement you can find out if Awana Clubs activities are cancelled by the following: 1. E-mail Alert an e-mail list will be compiled from the registrations and all Known e-mail addresses of Awana Clubs families will be contacted if Awana Clubs activities are cancelled 2. You will be automatically subscribed to the updates available at our Awana Clubs website at www.judsonawanaclubs.com 3. Contacting your child s Awana Club Director Other Awana Clubs Events Grand Prix When: First Wednesday March (Cubbies) {except this year it is on February 28, 2018} When: First Friday in March (Sparks and T&T) {March 2, 2018} Where: Judson Baptist Church Cost of the kit: $7.00 What is the Grand Prix? Each child is given the opportunity to purchase a kit that contains a shaped block of wood, 4 wheels, 4 axles, and directions. The child can then construct a car (according to the specifications given) and decorate it with paint, stickers, or whatever comes to mind. On the day of the race, as long as the car meets racing standards (a pit crew will be available to make adjustments if any are necessary), the cars will race against each other on a pinewood derby track. Many races will be run in order to determine the winners. Trophies will be given for Speed and Design in Sparks and T&T. (More information will come closer to the race date!) 13
About Judson Baptist Church Judson Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and has many ministries to help meet the needs of the community. We offer children s ministries as well as youth and adult ministries. If you would like more information, you can contact the church office (615-833-6600) or visit the church website at www.judsonbaptist.com We invite you to attend our worship services Sunday mornings at 9:00 am and 10:30 am and Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm. We also have a Wednesday night worship service and Bible studies starting at 6:00 pm while our children attend Awana Clubs. Weekly Opportunities Sunday Soul Summit Children s Worship (Kindergarten - 4 th grade)...9:00 am Life Groups (all ages)...9:00 am, 10:30 am Worship Services..9:00 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm J.A.M (Judson Arts Ministries: 3 yrs old -12 th grade) 5:45 pm Wednesday Awana Clubs (2 years old - 4 th grade).... 5:45-7:15 pm Worship Service....6:00 pm Merge (5th-6th grades)...5:45pm Middle School Ministry (7th-8th grades).....5:45pm High School Ministry (9th-12th grades).5:45pm Adult Choir/Orchestra......7:00 pm Contact the church office (615-833-6600) for a complete listing of short-term small groups that meet on a weekly basis and other opportunities available for all age groups that meet at various times throughout the month. 14
Opening Ceremony Awana Cheer Leader: What does Awana stand for? Response: Approved workmen are not ashamed. Leader: What is the first goal of Awana? Response: To reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ. Leader: What is the second goal of Awana? Response: To train them to serve Him! American Flag I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Christian Flag I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood uniting all Christians in service and love. 15
Opening Ceremony (cont.) Awana Flag I pledge allegiance to the Awana flag which stands for the Awana clubs. Whose goal is to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him. Bible I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide its word in my heart that I might not sin against God. 16
2017-2018 Awana Clubs Calendar (Italicized words are Theme Nights and Theme Months) (Bold Italicized words are when Awana Clubs do not meet) (Bold words are Party Nights, Grand Prix, Store Night, and Awards Night) (Bold RED words are non-wednesday events) August 12 *Saturday* Awana Ministry Conference 16 Children s Back to School Party 23 Leadership Training 30 Awana Clubs Meeting 1 and Parent Meeting September 6 Meeting 2 13 Meeting 3 20 Meeting 4 27 Meeting 5 - Crazy Hat and Socks Night October *Bring a Friend Month* 4 Meeting 6 11 Fall Break - No Awana 18 Meeting 7 25 Meeting 8 - Pumpkin Orange Night November 1 Meeting 9 8 Meeting 10 15 Meeting 11 - Thankfulness Night 22 Thanksgiving Break - No Awana 29 Meeting 12 December 6 Meeting 13 13 Meeting 14- Birthday Party for Jesus 20 Christmas Break - No Awana 27 Christmas Break - No Awana January 3 New Year s Break - No Awana 10 Meeting 15 17 Meeting 16 Fruit of the Spirit Night 24 Meeting 17 31 Meeting 18 February *Bring a Friend Month* 7 Meeting 19 14 Meeting 20 - Hugs & Kisses Red Night 21 Meeting 21 28 Meeting 22 - Cubbies/Puggles Grand Prix March 2 *Friday* Sparks/T&T Grand Prix 7 Meeting 23 14 Meeting 24 - Shamrock Green Night 21 Meeting 25 28 Meeting 26 April 4 Meeting 27 11 Meeting 28 - Double Bubble Bucks 18 Meeting 29 Store Night/End of Year Party 22 *Sunday* Leadership Luncheon 25 Awards Night and Ice Cream Celebration 17