Elevating Styles & Empowering the Community
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Our Community Center Sunday Project is designed to serve and support the families already registered in our programs, fostering positive interactions between volunteers and the community. Through this project, we aim to create a space where families can experience mutual support, love, and hope, while children participate in structured activities that nurture their spiritual, emotional, and social development.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
We use a Three-Step Experience to encourage children to grow in Christian values:
- Learning with Jesus
Theoretical lessons focused on Christian values and habits that help children develop faith-based attitudes. - Working with Jesus
Practical activities that reinforce the lesson of the day, offering hands-on learning experiences. - Playing with Jesus
Games and interactive moments that highlight Christian values in a fun and engaging way.
AGE GROUPS AND METHODOLOGY
To ensure dynamic, age-appropriate learning, children are divided into the following groups:
- Baby and Toddler (0 to 3 years): Early learning through simple Bible stories, songs, and sensory activities. This takes place in a shared space, not a dedicated classroom.
- Little Ones (4 to 6 years): Introduction to structured activities, including interactive storytelling and crafts.
- Children 1 (7 to 8 years): Deeper engagement in Bible stories, group discussions, and collaborative activities.
- Children 2 (9 to 10 years): Structured learning, including reading, role-playing, and moral discussions.
- Pre-teens (11 to 14 years): Analytical discussions, debates, and projects that focus on applying faith to daily life.
VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
- Volunteers should always work in pairs.
- Each group should have its own designated space.
- Coordinators must wear an identification badge.
- Every child must wear a name tag.
- Group coordinators are responsible for their group until the session ends.
- New groups will only open when there are enough volunteers to ensure proper guidance and supervision.
SOCIAL FOCUS AND CHRISTIAN VALUES
This project works inclusively with children from diverse backgrounds, avoiding religious imposition. This is especially important given our partnerships with Tabernacle Apostolic Church and Andrews University.
Our primary goal is to promote core values such as kindness, respect, compassion, empathy, and solidarity, helping children become responsible, caring members of society.
We use the Bible and uplifting books, such as Carrot Seeds, to explore topics related to God, Jesus, and the Gospel. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where each child feels respected and encouraged to reflect on how their behavior can positively impact themselves and their community.
KEY PRINCIPLES
Emphasize love, honesty, respect, compassion, empathy, and solidarity.
Encourage positive behaviors that shape strong moral character.
RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
Use Bible stories and Jesus’ teachings as examples of compassion, forgiveness, and love.
Incorporate uplifting books like Carrot Seeds that share positive and universal messages.
METHODOLOGY
- Storytelling: Present Bible stories and inspiring messages in a relatable, engaging way.
- Group Activities: Use games, workshops, and hands-on exercises to teach cooperation and empathy.
- Artistic Expression: Incorporate arts, music, dance, and drama to help children internalize and live out the values they learn.
WELCOMING AND RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT
- Every child is welcomed, regardless of background or family beliefs.
- We promote mutual respect and appreciation for differences, reinforcing that we can all learn and grow together.
BIBLICAL STORIES AND MORAL LESSONS
- Highlight Bible passages that emphasize unity, compassion, and hope.
- Avoid controversial doctrinal topics, focusing instead on character building and ethical lessons.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
To support the spiritual and moral development of children, guiding them along a path of goodness rooted in Christian teachings, while fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. The goal is to help children build a lifelong connection to God and Jesus.
ESTABLISHING COMMON GROUND
- Focus on universal Christian teachings like love, forgiveness, and kindness.
- Emphasize that the project exists to support, not replace, family-based religious education.
RESPECTING FAMILY AND CHURCH BACKGROUNDS
- Clearly communicate that this project complements, rather than challenges, each child’s existing beliefs.
- Use open, inclusive language that welcomes all traditions and avoids theological debate.
JOINT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
- Encourage children to actively participate in other Our House projects, such as caring for the Community Garden, or cleaning public areas in Benton Harbor.
- Include creative arts and music activities that celebrate God’s love and kindness.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION AND FEEDBACK
- Maintain an open feedback channel with parents and volunteers.
- Regularly evaluate the project to ensure it remains effective and aligned with its mission.
PARENTAL PARTICIPATION
- Invite parents to observe or assist during sessions, offering them a chance to experience the lessons firsthand.
- Share take-home summaries and reflection questions, encouraging families to continue the conversations at home.
A HIGHER COMMON GOAL
Above all, our goal is to guide children along a path of faith, goodness, and moral integrity, offering them a supportive, respectful space to develop their own personal relationship with God while also fostering strong social and ethical values.
By blending Christian references with uplifting literature and hands-on community service, the Community Center Sunday Project offers children a solid moral and social foundation, preparing them to live lives rooted in goodness, compassion, and integrity.
CONTACT US
If you are interested in learning more about this project or bringing it to your church or community, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out — it will be a joy to connect and learn a bit more about you and your organization.
Together, we can share love, hope, and meaningful experiences with even more families and children!
