Awana

WHAT IS AWANA?

 

Awana is an international Christian program for children.  The name is an acronym for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, which is based on 2 Timothy 2:15: "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."

 

The organization consists of thousands of clubs around the world devoted to reaching boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and training them in His ways.  These church-based, community clubs are open to all children regardless of faith or church affiliation.

 

Our goal is to provide a series of well-balanced physical, social, mental and spiritual activities for children.  Bible memorization is the heart of the program.  As the children complete work in the handbooks, they receive a uniform and a variety of awards which reflect their accomplishments.  In the process, they have LOTS OF FUN!

 

WHO MAY ATTEND?

 

The GBC Awana program is open to all children from age 3 (with birthday by September 1st) through 6th Grade.  Our program is organized into three separate clubs:

 

    Cubbies (3 & 4 year old boys & girls)

 

    Sparks (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade boys & girls)

 

    Truth & Training (3rd through 6th Grade boys & girls)

 

WHEN AND WHERE DO WE MEET?

 

We meet weekly during the school year from 7:00 til 8:30 PM each Wednesday night (excepting several holidays).  We also have several special events throughout the year (e.g., Hayride, Grand Prix, Fun Fair) which are normally held on Friday, Saturday or Sunday but which are announced well in advance.  Unless otherwise announced, all meetings and events are at our church building on Fairview Road.

 

WHAT DO WE DO?

 

Our regular club meetings normally consist of five parts:

 

    - Opening Ceremonies, which include prayer, pledges to the American and Awana Club flags, a song time, awards presentations and announcements;

 

    - Council Time, which features a Bible-based story or moral lesson;

 

    - Handbook Time, when kids recite to their leaders the verses they've learned during the week, or take time to learn additional verses;

 

    - Game Time, when our Games Directors lead the kids in a variety of fun but safe games, races and contests; and

 

    - Closing, when we reiterate any announcements, provide handouts about upcoming events and once again pray.

 

We also have an Awana Store where the Sparks and T&T kids can spend the "Awana Shares" they earn by doing their Handbook memory work to buy a wide selection of toys, Awana products and other notions.

 

We modify this schedule on special occassions (e.g., Christmas Party, Western Night) in order to increase Game Time or include time for a snack.

 

We also have a number of special fun events throughout the year, things like:

 

    - a hayride and campfire;

 

    - the Awana Grand Prix, a pinewood derby car race which is open to both kids and adults; and

 

    - the Awana Fun Fair, a carnival-type affair where the kids can ride a pony (weather permitting), or try their hand at games such as "Fish Stand," "Ring the Church Bell," or "Balloon Burst."

 

WHO CAN I CALL?

 

For more information, call the Awana Commander (Mike Frye, 334-8311) or the GBC church office (337-1160).