program begins Monday

McCONNELL - The First Baptist Church will begin their AWANA program this coming Monday, September 8, at 6 p.m.

AWANA is a strange word. That is because it is an acronym that stands for "Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed", which is taken from 11 Timothy 2:15.

AWANA is a Bible-based, Christ-centered youth program committed to ministering to children. The weekly club promotes an atmosphere filled with fun and excitement. AWANA forges a partnership between the headquarters' staff and the local church. The AWANA headquarters provides the necessary materials and training, the local church supplies the willing workers. The AWANA program has proved to be an amazingly spiritual success for more than 11,000 churches from America to Zimbabwe. AWANA Clubs reach kids for Christ. Thousands of young people are disciple in AWANA Clubs with over one million of them from various races and nationalities hearing the gospel each week.

The AWANA program is divided into game time, handbook time and council time. Through these groups kids interact with other children and their leaders to develop character, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The young people are involved in understanding the scripture and how it applies to their lives. During the council time, clubbers sing worship songs, participate in a Bible lesson and learn more about serving God. Children in preschool are members of the Cubbies. Sparks is the AWANA Club for kids in kindergarten, first grade and second grade. T&T (Truth and Training) is the AWANA 3rd-6th grade program.

"Your children need to be involved in AWANA because it is an exciting way to learn about God," said Rev. John E. Godby, pastor of First Baptist Church of McConnell. "Parents want their children to be involved in sports, scouting, and other secular activities that will cause them to become a better citizen. Many times spiritual training is omitted from a child's life. This is the reason the First Baptist Church of McConnell is involved in an AWANA program."

Since Monday is not a traditional church meeting night, First Baptist of McConnell has selected that day to be the time for AWANA to meet from 6-8 p.m.

"AWANA headquarters has certified our staff," said Godby. "They are eager and spiritually energized to teach your children."

The opening ceremonies will be held Monday, September 8. Another reason the church has chosen to have AWANA on Monday evening is to allow children to attend from other churches that do not have such a program.

"We hope you will consider AWANA to be a vital part of your children's life." Godby said.

For more information on the program you may call Pastor John E. Godby at 752-7774 or AWANA Commander, Judy Turner at 855-7083.