The Church of God of Carmichael

In the 6 year old class we strive to bring Bible lessons to the children at a level to match their understanding. We build upon their previous knowledge gained in the younger classes and challenge them to explore more about Jesus.

We begin the hour singing songs about Jesus with the children ages 2-6. Next the children divide up into the different classes based on their age and understanding.

At the beginning of our class, in order to help the children focus into a state for learning, each one of us tells what we are thankful for. These are being added to our “Thankful Chain” (see picture at the lower right of this page). Then a Biblical lesson is brought in a manner easy for the children to understand and always with room for questions. At the end of the lesson there is often time for the kids to color or complete a craft as they share about the important things of their life. The kids go home with a memory verse each week. We challenge them to work on the verse learning the scripture and where it is found.

It is exciting to watch the children as they come to know who Jesus is and what he can do for them.

We’d love to hear how we can help your child and family, through our lessons, to support what you are trying to teach your first grader about what’s going on at home: school/homework, chores, caring, sharing, new brothers or sisters, friends, sick or aging grandparents, and even tough economic times! Stop on by our classroom, we’d love to meet you!

About the Teachers

There is NOTHING more fun that being with kids! Age 6 (usually 1st grade) is a fantastic age to teach kids – about everything and anything, but especially about God and His plan. These children are already experiencing what the “big world” is like and they desperately need guidance and encouragement to choose the right Way.

I grew up in a Christian family and have always attended the Church of God. I’m a pleaser by nature and always wanted to do the right thing. The only problem with that was, as a child, I sometimes lied to please people. By the time I was 13 I realized that I had to have my own relationship with Jesus and I needed him to change my heart. What a wonderful change he made– a sin free life! I don’t regret anything I have given to God; He is my best friend.

I began working in Bible Story Time in 1983 and have loved every minute of it. From song leader to helper to teacher- what an opportunity to share God’s love with others!

~Maritza Thorpe

Many times Jesus told us to be as the little children- trusting, full of faith, open to learning and listening, and fun-loving. In first grade, children are beginning to be exposed to many aspects of real life. They need the assurance that God loves them and has a plan for them. It is our desire to share with them the best way to go through life- with God by their side. This is the perfect time to share God’s love to children.

I was blessed to be raised up in the Church of God and enjoyed the benefits of a living in a Christian home. At a young age I became aware of the need for a personal relationship with God and that I couldn’t rest on my parent’s salvation. While I was an easy going child and not given to causing trouble with my family or school mates, I knew that the attitudes and argumentative spirit I had weren’t pleasing to God. I gave my heart to God at the age of 8 and made a determination to do my best for him from that time on. Through the years I have made mistakes and grown and learned many things of God and I wouldn’t trade this sin free life for anything.

I began working in Bible Story Time in the fall of 2010 when there was a need for a new teacher. When I was approached about teaching the class, my mind went to thoughts of being willing. I have always desired to work with the children but the opportunity had never come up. While I was excited about being a teacher, I was well aware of the responsibility and the lack of experience that I had. In my personal study that week, God brought my mind to when King David was telling his son Solomon that God planned for him to build the tabernacle. David gave Solomon good advice to follow God and to seek him and keep him first. Then, to bolster his confidence, David reminded his son that God had chosen him to build the sanctuary for worship and to be strong and do it. (1 Chronicles 28:9-10) When I read these words, it was as if God spoke to me saying, “I have chosen you to help build the temple with in these children; Be strong and do it.” I count myself blessed to work with the 6 year old class and know that with God’s help the beauty of his plan can be made plain to the children.

~Emily Crain