AWANA set to begin soon

Hannah Gross 
NLJ Correspondent 
 
For many years, Pastor Gary Andersen of First Baptist Church in Newcastle has directed AWANA, which is a ministry for kids from preschool age through  sixth grade to memorize Bible verses, participate in games and listen to a faith-building lesson from the Bible during Council Time. While he will still be helping out, he is passing the baton to Suzanne Burroughs, who has been a longtime leader with this youth ministry.          
Last year, the eight-month season was shortened due to the start of the pandemic, and it was questionable whether or not it would happen this year. With a few changes, however, AWANA will be starting up on Oct. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Registration takes place the previous week on Sept. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In past years, the older students met at the Weston County Senior Center while the preschoolers met at the church for “Cubbies.” However, because the senior center is unavailable at this time, everyone will convene at the church, and Cubbies will not take place this year. DeeDee Makousky directs the “Sparkies,” which is the kindergarten through second graders, and “Truth and Training” or T&T is directed by Melinda Stolhammer. Various other leaders and student helpers volunteer their time to teach these kids Scripture. 
To keep things simple and easier for parents to remember, the health guidelines and protocols for AWANA are very similar to the rules at the elementary school. Parents will drop off and pick up their child at the door without coming in, and if social distancing cannot be maintained, workers will wear masks. However, parents can decide whether or not their child wears a mask. It’s requested that if the child is sick or someone in the family is sick to keep the child at home. If he or she starts showing symptoms at AWANA, the parents will be called to pick their child up. If the elementary or middle schools are closed for any reason, AWANA will also be canceled. 
If the senior center becomes available, Burroughs said, the club will meet there instead, but for the time being, the ministry will meet at First Baptist Church. Even with all the safety precautions, the leaders at AWANA felt that it was still important to continue to “share the love of Christ and the Gospel” and show kids that Jesus is their Lord, savior and friend. 
“It brings them a sense of community,” said AWANA helper Maggie Makousky. 
“He’s not just a distant God,” Burroughs said. “It’s fun to share that with kids.” 
DeeDee and Burroughs said that it’s “mind-blowing” to see the kids’ faces when they grasp the truth and said their goal at AWANA is to make “the Bible real and a practical help to them even at a young age.” 
So, if your children are interested, sign them up at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church for a safe, faith-building evening every Wednesday. 
“It’s a fun environment for kids of all backgrounds,” Burroughs said.