AWANA is an acronym for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed
and comes from 2nd Timothy 2:15. "Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth." The mission of AWANA is
to teach boys and girls the gospel of Jesus Christ and to
train them to serve him. It is also an effective vehicle for
the participants to witness to other boys and girls and even
their families.
AWANA is a
National Organization with ministries in
all 50 states and in over 110 countries.
AWANA was introduced to our church in 1993 as part of
the Youth Ministry, currently called the Jesus & Me (JAM)
Youth Ministry. The present Commander is Deacon James
Graves. He has been in this position since 2000. Our present
Youth Minister is Reverend Joel Washington.
Since AWANA's inception, we have seen numerous
children accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Parents as well as their children have been actively
involved in the ministry. Over 100 children participate
in the ministry every year. The participants come from
over 10 churches throughout the Washington Metropolitan
area including our own First Baptist family. Entire
families have joined First Baptist because of the AWANA
ministry. Through God's blessing the First Baptist
Church of Highland Park's AWANA ministry, other churches
have observed and received information about the
ministry and started AWANA at their own church.
The
AWANA Parent Handbook 09-10
is for children between the ages of 3-6th grade. The
ministry is divided into groups by age and/or gender.
The ministry meets September through June of every year
on every Friday of the month except the third Friday.
The ministry time is from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Activities include scripture memorization, council time
(an invitation to accept Jesus Christ is given at this
time), game time, and snacks. Once a month, we have
special
Theme Nights
to place lively emphasis on select scriptures.
Additionally, exciting field trips are scheduled
throughout the year. We have outings to
AWANA Olympics
, Bible Quizzing, roller skating, paintball, gaming
places, restaurants, sleepovers, you name it. Plus,
there is the annual
AWANA Camp
which is usually held just after school is finished.
The dates for 2009 are Thursday, June 25th through
Saturday June 27th at Refreshing Mountain Camp in
Stevens, Pennsylvania.
The AWANA Ministry staff is comprised of dedicated
and Spirit filled Christians who have a love for
children. There are presently over 50 adults who
come out on Friday to work with the children. The
ministry groups are:
|
Ministry Name |
Age/Gender |
Director |
|
Cubbies |
3-4 years/boys/girls |
Shannon Scrivner |
|
Sparks |
Kindergarten/boys/girls |
Nicole Obey |
|
1st grade girls |
Cheryl Munnelyn |
|
1st/2nd grade boys |
Anthony Moore |
|
2nd grade girls |
Pamela Moore |
|
Sparks Gate Test |
|
Victoria Washington |
|
Truth and Training |
3rd/4th grade girls |
Wymell Shoats |
|
3rd/4th grade boys |
Hardwick Moore |
|
5th/6th grade girls |
Patrice McLamb |
|
5th/6th grade boys |
James Graves |
|
Share Store |
|
Linh Truesdale |
|
Game Time |
|
Odell Duncan |
|
Administrative Staff |
|
Nancy Clark |
|
Gloria Stovall |
|
If you are interested in joining the
First Baptist Church of Highland Park's
AWANA Ministry,
please contact the
church office at (301) 773-6655.
|
