Sunday morning finds the elementary aged children in Kindergarten through 6th grade experiencing God through workshops in Art, Cooking, Science, Storytelling and Drama, Video, and Computers in The Upper Rooms.

Our goal is to aid children in forming a lasting personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The use of rotating workshops makes this an energetic, innovative, culturally relevant experience for all ages.

Overview
The Workshops
Upper Rooms Staff
Children's Groups
Sample Schedule
Virtual Tour
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Parkway Heights' Upper Rooms workshops focus on one Bible story or spiritual concept each month. The rotation format allows each age-level group of children to engage the story in a different workshop each Sunday of the month. Experiencing the story through various forms ensures each child has the opportunity to learn in the way that best suits his or her individual learning strengths.

Parkway Heights uses the Power Express curriculum published by Cokesbury specifically for use in rotation settings. Power Express units offer eight workshops from which we choose four or five for each month. For more curriculum information, visit Parkway Heights' virtual bookstore.

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The Courtyard - the gathering place for all children and their adult group leaders (Shepherds).

Muffins n' Marvels - equipped for cooking and science experiments, complete with small ovens, refrigerator, kitchen sink, and lots of counter space.

Parables and Productions - plenty of free space for creating skits, puppet shows, and storytelling sets.

Reel Revelations - the video theatre with large screen TV, VHS and DVD equipment, and a microwave to prepare the popcorn served each week.

How Great Thou ART - all the art supplies needed in one place and a sink to clean-up after the great creations.

Mega Bible Bytes - Ten computers with internet capability and software geared to each rotation.

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The Upper Rooms' rotation model, which was implemented in September 2000, is very appealing to adult volunteer leaders of all ages. They report having as much fun as the children!

SHEPHERDS - Adults who volunteer to work with one age level of children throughout the year beginning in September. Shepherds are very important in the lives of the children in their class, as they offer a warm, loving, nurturing relationship. Shepherds commit to being present every Sunday possible. Their responsibilities include keeping attendance records and making contact with children who are absent for several weeks. In many ways, the Shepherd serves as a lay minister for the children.

WORKSHOP LEADERS - Adults who lead one of the five workshops by preparing experiences for the children based on the Bible story or faith concept of the month from the curriculum. One lesson is prepared and presented each Sunday with minor adjustments for age level abilities. Workshop leaders volunteer to serve one month; this short commitment guards against burn-out and encourages enthusiasm.

GATHERING LEADER - An adult who leads the children in music and worship and, additionally, helps plan a worship center display, drama, and Bible memory verse for each month. Announcements regarding children's events and updates for Shepherds are offered at this time.

ACTORS - Many Bible stories lend themselves to dramatic presentation as a focus during the gathering time. Youth and adults who enjoy acting are invited to share their passion with the children.

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Children are grouped according to age, with combinations varying from year to year based on class size. Parkway Heights presently has 60 elementary aged children on roll, however many children bring guests with them to enjoy The Upper Rooms.

FISHERS - kindergarten

CARPENTERS - first and second grade

FOLLOWERS - third and fourth grade

DISCIPLES - fifth and sixth grade

Group names are based on types of people who would have visited the upper room with Jesus.

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Visit our Photo Gallery for a virtual tour of The Upper Rooms.

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If you would like to know more about the Upper Rooms workshop rotation model at Parkway Heights, contact the Director of Children's Ministries.

If you would like more information about workshop rotation models used in churches throughout the U.S., visit www.rotation.org.

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