Some of you were in Adventure Clubs or Stockade last year and we hope that even those who were not can come Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for those great programs.  We also think that many of you would also like to come on Sunday to Junior Church (if you don't have another church to attend.)

We have a great schedule planned and the tentative calendar is enclosed along with a statement of our purpose.  We think it is a great schedule and two decades of kids have enjoyed the curriculum which repeats every three years, so if a child is with us for 4th through 6th grades, they get to experience it all.

We begin by meeting with the adults in the main sanctuary at 9:30 am every Sunday.  About half way through the service, the children are dismissed to go downstairs to the room opposite the gym for about a half hour of lesson and a continued story.

  After that, there is a refreshment time for all in the gym until 11:00 am when Sunday School Classes begin, with classes for all ages from 2 days to 102 years. 

As much fun as the lessons can be, the highlight for most kids is the twice a year Junior Church Hikes.  You don't have to come Sundays to attend.  If you come to clubs or if you made some friends at Vacation Bible School and would like to come with them, you are welcome.

We have the tradition of going to a site along the Mississippi or Minnesota Rivers for an all day hike on the first Saturday after Labor Day and the first Saturday after Memorial Day.  The hike rotates between Fort Snelling State Park, the area near the Sibley House and Crosby Lake Park (on the St. Paul side of the Mississippi across from the Sibley House.)  The exact location depends on the water levels and wildlife reports.

We have alternate plans if weather turns nasty (we have had rain, snow, sleet and hail on various hikes over the years).  Children should dress for the weather, long pants are best because we tend to walk though prickly plants.  Sunscreen for the pale and insect repellant for the sweet need to be considered.  Children may bring snacks if they choose but we will provide snacks, drinks and lunch as part of the package.  If you have a personal backpack, it would be very helpful to bring it to help carry the all those supplies along the way.

We will meet at the church parking lot at 9:00 am, Saturday September 9.    A donation of $5.00  per child is appreciated to help cover the expenses.  We take lots of pictures and send each child a personal set documenting their adventure.  We also make posters with funny captions that are shown in the church gym.  Sometimes kids suggest we take a certain picture because it would look good on the poster.  (Ask someone who has seen them about "Cheeto Art.")

We will take the children back to their homes at the end of the day, usually starting about 5:00 pm with the last child getting home by about 7:00 pm.  If it is later, we will call.  If you want your child dropped off at a place other than your home address , be sure to let us know at the time of drop off.  We also carry a beeper 612-538-6882 and have a cell phone to return calls or notify of any changes in plans.

We will call over the week before the hike to confirm who is coming and who is not and to answer any questions.  If we do not call you,  please call Mary or Ross or the church office at their numbers listed below.

Pray for safety for the hike, for a good year of teaching and learning and for God's will for each child, both for right now and also for the future.