Local Marion Church renovates kids programs.

Claira Wilson, Comm 244, Story 3 – 427 words, Community, 2/28/2019 – Religion/Non-profit

New Life Church in Marion is revamping their “Kids Zone” this spring.

The new kids program focuses on God’s creation, including underwater, desert, and arctic themes for each age group.

“It has been due for a long time. I think we have been using the same set up for almost 10 years and it just needs refreshed desperately,” Kids Zone volunteer AJ Simmons said.

The current classrooms in the Kids Zone are painted to depict Biblical scenes, but the vision for the new zone is to give kids a chance to learn about the world around them and their connection to creation.

“Right now the walls tell the story of the Bible, and I think that helps kids kind of learn and retain some of the teachings. However you know God also created the Heavens and the Earth and therefore all the animals and I think it’s a different way to look at it,” Jessica Flannery, Kids Zone volunteer, said.

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According to the church’s website, at New Life the number one priority outside of the adult sanctuary and mail lobby is creating the best environment for the kids.

With the check in area serving as an airport, kids will be given the full travel experience in a wagon style entry meant to feel like they are flying.

“So depending what age group they are that’s where they will be going so it’s an exploring adventure. They are flying in to whatever destination or class they are going to” Flannery said.

Renovation has not only been happening in the Kids Zone, New Life also just recently renovated their youth space, Momentum. According to the church’s website, Momentum youth ministries focus on connecting with God and connecting with others.

“This is an older church um and it’s an eclectic build. So there are so many areas and they just redid our youth area,” Berbereia said.

New Life has planned, fundraised, and ordered supplies for the renovations, with hopes to be done by Easter.

“Children matter and they really are important in a church, so we really wanted to create those spaces for our youth, our 18 and unders, and this is just our next step is to get that done,” Debbie Berbereia, New Life Book Keeper, said.

They hope to create a space for kids to be excited about learning the gospel. They want to create a fresh feeling, and bring out a sense of adventure for all ages.

“It is going to bring all of the worlds together for the kids to be able to experience,” Berbereia said.