After a day of school, several students from Hillcrest Primary School and Olga Brener Intermediate School go to United Methodist Church in Shawano for some fun and to learn about the Bible.
The Bible Kidz Afterschool Program was started by Pastor Allen Christensen at the beginning of the school year in 2013.
“This is something I’ve been doing for 15-16 years,” said Christensen, who has been the pastor in Shawano for seven months. Previously he was in Tomahawk.
From 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, the children work on a craft, play games, have a snack and then go to the prayer chapel for a Bible lesson.
Kim Ihrcke, church secretary and volunteer, has four grandchildren who participate in the program.
“It’s my favorite day of the week,” she said.
The lesson is often told with puppets that the children can also use. Christensen has an extensive collection of puppets, which the children also used for the Christmas program.
“I think they really enjoy it,” Christensen said. “Most are very natural with them.”
The pastor gets help from his wife, Cathy, and volunteers Cody Schmidt and Lexi Sexton.
“The children have a great religious understanding already,” Christensen said.
Marty Hinshelwood provides the cookies, which the children can have after they’ve had a healthy snack of fruit or yogurt. They sit at tables and use their manners.
“We reach out to the children of the church and community to get them involved,” Christensen said. “It‘s an ecumenical program.”
The church and volunteers help to cover the cost of the supplies. There is no cost for the children and anyone can join at any time.
“The children’s program is just a mission of the church,” Christensen said. “It’s part of our community outreach.”
Christensen said the program may go into summer school and possibly year round.
“There’s a need to do something midweek,” Christensen said. “It’s fun working with kids to understand what faith is, what the Bible teaches and God’s love.”
For more information, call the church at 715-526-5380715-526-5380.
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