Volunteer Positions - 2014-2015 School Year

 

We have volunteer opportunities for you in Bible Trek!

Volunteering in Bible Trek is very easy to do -- and it's a whole lot of fun!  We have some opportunities for you to get involved in the next school year.  Grab a spot fast, before they're gone!

9:30 Service
Coaching Positions Available: Kindergarten Girls, 1st Grade Girls, 3rd Grade Girls, 1st Grade Boys, 2nd Grade Boys, 3rd Grade Boys

Coaches come and stay for an entire service, and attend adult worship as well.  They lead a small group in discussion about the lesson and they help with activities.  Small group questions are pre-written for coaches, and have Bible references for where you can find the answers in case you missed it during the lesson time!  It's a great opportunity to influence young lives for Christ!

 

Special Education Aide: We are looking for 1 person with experience with children with Special Needs to be an aide in our classroom during the 9:30 service.

 

11:00 Service (North)

Coaching Positions Available: 1st Grade Girls, 2nd Grade Girls, Kindergarten Boys, 3rd Grade Boys

Coaches come and stay for an entire service, and attend adult worship as well.  They lead a small group in discussion about the lesson and they help with activities.  Small group questions are pre-written for coaches, and have Bible references for where you can find the answers in case you missed it during the lesson time!  It's a great opportunity to influence young lives for Christ!

 



 

Special Education Aide: We are looking for 1-2 people with experience with children with Special Needs to be an aide in our classroom during the 11:00 service.

 

11:00 Service (South)

Coaching Positions Available: 1 Coaching Position Available (all age levels)

Coaches at South Campus come and stay for an entire service, and attend adult worship as well.  They assist the Director with helping kids understand the lesson, feeling welcome, and playing in centers.  It's a great opportunity to influence young lives for Christ in a smaller setting!



 

Special Education Aide: We are looking for 1-2 people with experience with children with Special Needs to be an aide at our South Campus to rotate between all classrooms (ages Toddler, Pre-K, and Bible Trek).

 



Other Jobs (Not During Service)

Snack Supplier: We are looking for 1-2 people to purchase our snacks (and get reimbursed) for about 100 kids each week, including both of our North and South campuses for all services.  Deliver snacks by 9:25 to North Campus (we have someone to bring them to South) and turn in receipts to Elizabeth for reimbursement.

 

Center Leader Positions Available (North Campus Only): Logical Center, Active Center, Creative Center

 

Center Leaders come for 30 minutes before each service (both 9:30 and 11:00 if possible, though we can be flexible) to help the kids pay in their specific center.  Center supplies is all provided, and simple instructions will be there for your reference.  Your job is simply to play with kids who come to your center!  It's a fun and simple job, and you won't miss to be there!

 





Devotions

Hey, Parents!

I thought this week you might be interested in doing the devotions that our coaches do in preparation for our lessons.  These devotions go along with the curriculum, and will prepare you to talk with your kids about the lesson this coming Sunday (May 18th), but are meant to be done this week (May 12-16).

Monday - - Read Matthew 28:16-20

When reading this week’s passage, what does Christ say our job is as his disciples? What is his promise to us?

Tuesday - - Personal Reflection Questions

1)  Why did Jesus go to heaven?

2) Is it harder for you to hear Christ’s call to service or to believe his promise of always being with you?

3) How can you help the kids in your small group understand that Jesus is still with us, even though He went to heaven?

Wednesday - - Read Acts 1:1-11

When reading this passage, picture it from a child’s perspective.  How does that change how you read this story?

Thursday - - Discuss this week’s readings with your small group or accountability partner

Even if you can’t make it to this week’s small group, we encourage you to talk through what God is placing on your heart with someone this week.

Friday - - Memorize Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24

Volunteer Positions Available

Here are the volunteer positions available for the 2013-2014 school year!

 

2013-2014 School Year Openings

Bible Trek runs from September 8, 2013 - June 15, 2014

**Safety of our kids is very important to us.  Background Checks are required of anyone working with Bible Trek**

Position: Worship Team Leader
Commitment: 3 Hours Every Other Week
Description: We are looking to create a second worship team this year that will potentially take over worship for the following year (2014-2015) when our current leader steps down.  This team will lead worship every other week for this coming school year.  The leader will decide which songs to sing on a Sunday and lead worship for our 9:30 and 11:00 services. Come to church by 8:00 and lead worship both services in Bible Trek.  You can leave after the 11:00 worship set (around 11:15).

Position: Tech Team Member (3 openings)
Commitment: 2 30-minute intervals once every 4 weeks
Description: Come in 15 minutes before service to run slides and music for our in-between time as well as for worship.  Use of Pro Presenter and iTunes.  Training will be provided.  This position may be filled by teenagers or adults who are at least going into 7th grade.  Every 4 weeks from 9:15-9:45 and 10:45-11:15.

Position: Worship Team - Guitar Player
Commitment: 2 15-minute intervals every other week
Description: Play guitar, following music that is written out by chords, for our second worship team.  You will be expected to be there every other week to help - - worship runs from 9:30-9:45 and 11:00-11:15.  Coming early to practice before church is always helpful.  The person who takes over this position might also want to be a coach!

Position: Worship Team - Piano Player
Commitment: 2 15-minute intervals every other week.
Description: Play piano, following music that is written out by chords, for our second worship team.  You will be expected to be there every other week to help - - worship runs from 9:30-9:45 and 11:00-11:15.  Coming early to practice before church is always helpful.  The person who takes over this position might also want to be a coach!

Position: Worship Team - Drum Player (9:30 service)
Commitment: 15 minutes every week
Description: Play drums for our 9:30 worship team every week.  You will be expected to be there a little before 9:30 to be ready to play at 9:30.  Worship runs from 9:30-9:45.  You might also want to consider being a coach for the 9:30 service!

Position: Assistant to the Director
Commitment: About 4 hours every week (8:30-12:30 every Sunday)
Description: Arrive early to Bible Trek and stay late to help our Director with tasks as needed, such as making copies, cutting paper, setting up centers, or filling coaches' binders.  During services, helping the Director with tasks such as handing out prizes, snacks, keeping the room tidy, keeping kids in their centers, and other tasks as needed.  Attend church on Saturdays to be able to serve on Sundays.  If this position is filled, it will free our Director to spend more quality time with kids, parents, and coaches each week.  It is also a flexible position, so if you have time from 8:30-9:30 but can't commit to helping during services, that would still be extremely helpful!

Position: 3rd Grade Girls' Coach - 9:30 Service
Commitment: 1 hour every week of the school year
Description: Our 3rd grade girls' coach shows up a little before the 9:30 service begins and helps kids with their center activities.  She engages in worship with the kids, and gathers her group before the lesson.  She sits with her kids during the lesson and then leads her group in pre-written questions about the lesson.  She mentors 3rd grade girls.  After small groups, she might be asked to help with our whole-group activity.  Then she helps kids in their centers until kids are dismissed.

Position: 4th Grade Girls' Coach - 9:30 Service
Commitment: 1 hour every week of the school year
Description: Our 4th grade girls' coach shows up a little before the 9:30 service begins and helps kids with their center activities.  She engages in worship with the kids, and gathers her group before the lesson.  She sits with her kids during the lesson and then leads her group in pre-written questions about the lesson.  She mentors 4th grade girls.  After small groups, she might be asked to help with our whole-group activity.  Then she helps kids in their centers until kids are dismissed.

 Position: Kindergarten Boys' Coach - 9:30 Service
Commitment: 1 hour every week of the school year
Description: Our Kindergarten boys' coach shows up a little before the 9:30 service begins and helps kids with their center activities.  He engages in worship with the kids, and gathers his group before the lesson.  He sits with his kids during the lesson and then leads his group in pre-written questions about the lesson.  He mentors Kindergarten boys.  After small groups, he might be asked to help with our whole-group activity.  Then he helps kids in their centers until kids are dismissed.

Position: 1st Grade Boys' Coach - 9:30 Service
Commitment: 1 hour every week of the school year
Description: Our1st grade boys' coach shows up a little before the 9:30 service begins and helps kids with their center activities.  He engages in worship with the kids, and gathers his group before the lesson.  He sits with his kids during the lesson and then leads his group in pre-written questions about the lesson.  He mentors 1st grade boys.  After small groups, he might be asked to help with our whole-group activity.  Then he helps kids in their centers until kids are dismissed.

Position: 2nd Grade Girls' Coach - 11:00 Service
Commitment: 1 hour every week of the school year
Description: Our 2nd grade girls' coach shows up a little before the 11:00 service begins and helps kids with their center activities.  She engages in worship with the kids, and gathers her group before the lesson.  She sits with her kids during the lesson and then leads her group in pre-written questions about the lesson.  She mentors 2nd grade girls.  After small groups, she might be asked to help with our whole-group activity.  Then she helps kids in their centers until kids are dismissed.

Position: South Campus Coach (we're looking for 2)
Commitment: 1 hour every week, or every other week, of the school year
Description: Our South Campus coaches show up a little before the 11:00 South service begins and greets kids as they come in.  Bible Trek at South is a more intimate group of kids, so there is a lot of room for relationship development.  We expect our coaches to sit with the kids during the lesson and foster a relationship with the kids, in hopes of bringing the children closer to Christ.

Welcome to the Stage, Mr. Steve!

We are so excited that our coach, Mr. Steve, is stepping up to teach a lesson this morning!  He will finish up our lesson series on the Beatutiudes.  You're not going to want to miss this week's lesson!!  He even has a surprise friend joining him...

In fact, if you read this post, let's do another coupon :)

Dulcie's Discussion

On Testimony Tuesday we feature a story from one of our coaches.  This week Ms. Dulcie is sharing!  Please note that any kids' names have been changed to protect the privacy of our kids.  We will try to let you know if your child's story is going to be featured, so you can share in the joy!

Dulcie's Testimony:

I am always astounded by the kid's prayers. Everyone (no matter what grade I coach) always has a suggestion (which when you get to young and senior teens it's like pulling teeth). They always pray for their friends, family, pets; never for themselves. It is so very humbling and inspiring to pray with these kids every Sunday. I hope they never lose that innocence!

Paul's Parley

This week our 2nd grade boys' coach for the 11:00 service will share in our Testimony Tuesday segment.  Please note that all names have been changed to protect the privacy of the children in our church.


In the fall of 2011 I became aware through weekly announcements at church that there was
a need for volunteers in Bible Trek. I felt a calling to serve but was apprehensive because
my experience in other churches had been working with Jr./Sr. High Teens. But despite my
apprehension, I decided to help where there was a need and began working in Bible Trek that
September. Throughout the year I still had doubts that was the best place for me but I enjoyed
my coworkers and the interaction with the children. God must have a reason for leading me to
this ministry. Then in May 2012 I was at a soccer tournament coaching and I felt a tug on my
pants. I looked down to see Jason* standing there. He seemed as surprised as I was
to meet there. He said , “Hi Coach Paul! I know you from Bible Trek! “ It was that day that I
felt God affirmed my place in serving in children’s ministry. I realized if I can coach sports at
any age level, God can certainly use me teaching and guiding the primary age children at church
too. Just that short conversation with Jason was enough to change my attitude and approach
at Bible Trek. I enjoy each of the boys in my small group and love spending Sunday mornings
sharing about God’s love for them.

*Name has been changed

Welcome to the Stage, Mr. Stephen!

Mr. Stephen will be teaching his first lesson this Sunday!  You're not going to want to miss it - - we're starting a series on the Beatitudes!

We can't wait to see you this weekend!!

Keep tuning in to our blog.  You never know when it may pay off *wink* *wink*

 

Chris' Colloquium

This week's testimony comes from our very own Chris E.  Chris volunteers in our Bible Trek room during the 9:30 service on Sundays.  He leads our Kindergarten boys' group during that service and he also has started teaching lessons.  Please note that any children's names have been changed to protect the privacy of our little Bible Trekkers.


“I have a great idea”. I have said these words often, generally to the dismay of either my
boss, or my patient wife.

A year and a half ago, as a “baby Christian”, I had a great idea. I wanted to learn
more about what was in the Bible and what it meant. At times it can be difficult to
read, understand, and sort through. Adult Bible studies, with folks that have studied the
Bible for many years, can be intimidating. I had heard a lot of the stories; Jonah and the
Whale, Adam and Eve, Moses, The birth of Christ, and had a general understanding of
them, but I wanted to know what they really meant.

I needed to study the Bible more. Not on a 37 year old, husband, working professional,
and father of 4, level of study. I needed to study the Bible at a 4th grade or lower level.
I needed Bible Trek to teach me about the bible. I needed to get in the door and let God
work on me a little.

So my great idea, wife approved, was to volunteer as a coach in Bible Trek. Being a
coach has encouraged me to study the Bible, just a little more, and in a way to teach
the lessons at a basic level to the children of Northgate; a basic level for children to
understand, and for me to comprehend and digest.

I have been a “coach” (small group of 3-6 children) to 3rd grade, and kindergarten boys.
The lessons are well planned by the staff, and easy to teach to the children. The time
commitment is minimal. I have taught 2 group lessons to the entire class, K-4th grade
boys and girls. This required a little more preparation, but this was completely voluntary,
and is not required by any volunteer at Bible Trek.

In my time with the Bible Trek program I have gained a deeper level of understanding of
the Bible. I have noticed the natural pull that children have towards the Holy Spirit and
the Bible. And not only in Bible Trek, but also in my job as a Police Officer, as I interact
with children, often in the midst of crisis. I have seen children and adults in terrible
situations “light up” when I talk to them about Jesus.

If we, as Christians, do not teach our children what is expected of them, then the world
will. I encourage you to learn a little more about the Bible Trek program at Northgate. If
you would like to help, then volunteer, you will not regret it.

Elizabeth's Experssion (Testimony Tuesday)

We are going to start doing something called "Testimony Tuesday."  This will be the day that one of our coaches posts a testimony from either their own lives or Bible Trek.  The kids in this ministry are such a testimony to each of us every week, and unfortunately we don't always have a chance to share our stories with you parents week-to-week.  We won't be using any of the kids' names, but we'll try to let you know personally when there is a post about something your child said or did so you can share in the joy that your child brings to us.

This week I would like to share about our wonderful coaches, and what a blessing each of them has been to this ministry as well as to me personally.

This is my fourth year with our children's ministry, and my third year directing.  I can't tell you what a blessing and a privilege it has been to be a part of something so life-changing and rewarding.  Throughout my time in this ministry, I have seen lives being changed, spirits being renewed, and hearts being turned toward Christ.  Each year we ask children to commit their lives to Christ.  Last year we had 42 first-time commitments to the Lord.  This is not because we have a great curriculum or a fantastic room (although we are so grateful for them, and they do play a major role in this ministry), it's because of the leaders who step up and volunteer their time to your children.

Mr. Rick is my right-hand man.  I don't think that's exactly what he signed up for, but it's what he is.  What a wonderful leader he is!  Rick works very hard for this ministry.  He does lots of work at home for our slide shows and videos (he makes all the videos and slide shows for Bible Trek).  Not only does he do behind-the-scenes work, but Rick also takes over teaching lessons whenever he can, and leading Bible Trek when I'm away.  I am so thankful for Rick!
Ms. Heather has recently stepped up to start teaching and joined our Leadership Team.  Her energy and enthusiasm light up the room!!  Heather advocates for our children with special needs, which is a huge help to us as we strive to provide an inclusive setting for our youngsters as they learn about Jesus.  Heather is a huge blessing to our ministry.
Ms. Rachel is one of our high school helpers.  She has such a warm heart for our girls.  She is extremely loving toward your kids when she is in Bible Trek.  We just love her!
Ms. Katherine is the love of your young girls.  Seriously, they gravitate toward her.  And I don't blame them!  She is one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people I have ever met.  I am privileged to know her, and your kids are so fortunate to have her as a leader!
Ms. Katie is another one of our young women volunteers toward whom the little girls gravitate.  She always, always has a smile on her face - and it lights up the room!  Katie seems to always have a happy story to tell.  I see her brighten the days of our coaches each week, as well as the days of our kids.  She is an absolute joy to have in Bible Trek!
Ms. Tammy stepped out of her comfort zone to help out with Bible Trek, and I'm so glad she did!!  Tammy is a wonderful help at our sign-in table, and does a fantastic job making sure our kids get signed in properly.  She is more than willing to jump in and help wherever she can, and the girls in her group adore her!  They're not alone - us coaches adore her, too!
Mr. Steve always has a smile on his face.  He is warm and loving, and provides a great example of what the young boys should aspire to be when they grow up.  That's exactly what young men need to see!  Steve is another coach who helps out wherever he can and always has a child close by.  The kids love him, and so do the adults!  He brightens our days.
Mr. Stephen is a wonderful example for our young boys to look up to.  He is sweet and fun to be around.  One of the things that has most impresses me about Stephen is that even though he doesn't always have boys in his group, he consistently comes ready to serve - - and finds a place for himself on those days that no first grade boys come.  He has a servant's heart!
Mr. Chris E. has recently stepped up to the platform and started teaching lessons.  The kids love it when he teaches, and so do I!  He does a fantastic job helping the kids understand the Bible, and what it means for them in their own lives.  This carries on into his small group, as well.  Chris is always able to find ways to explain biblical principles in a way that his young boys can understand.  He's great!
Mr. Chris C. is a very committed volunteer.  He worked with us for a year, then followed our Bible Trek ministry to South Campus.  Now that there is no Bible Trek at South, he has returned to us - - but he faithfully continues to support the ministries at South campus as well.  Chris draws the boys in his group in to the story of the Bible, helping them to understand their place in God's story more clearly.  He is an engaging story-teller, and teacher.
Mr. John cares a great deal for your older boys.  He coaches our 4th grade boys, and it's the perfect place for him because he comes prepared to answer the toughest of questions.  John is a great inspiration to me as a Christian, and he is a wonderful example for the boys in Bible Trek.
Mr. Jeffery is one of our helpers in Bible Trek.  He helps out with the 4th grade boys and has seemed to cultivate some very meaningful relationships with the kids.  Whenever I ask for a coach volunteer, the boys in his group want him to volunteer!
Mr. Alex runs our slide shows during worship and makes sure there is always music playing between services for the kids.  He takes his job very seriously, recognizes the importance of what he does in Bible Trek.  We are very fortunate to have him on our team.
Ms. Jacky has been working with this ministry for much longer than I've known her.  In fact, she consistently is able to tell me stories about the testimonies she hears from kids in her group that make her realize she taught that child's father, or grandfather!  Now that is what being committed to seeing lives being changed really means!  Jacky has a heart for Jesus, and Jesus has given her a heart for your girls.  This year she has stepped out of her comfort zone to fill a need that we had for a Kindergarten coach (she is used to coaching the older girls).  Jacky has done a fantastic job!
Ms. Cate has a gentle and quiet spirit, and she is so very loving.  It is not uncommon to find a child in her lap or giving her a hug.  She loves the young girls in her group, and they adore her!  Cate's loving spirit is contagious.
Ms. Bea is our newest coach, and already she feels like family to our team.  She stepped up at a time we needed her most, and is very committed to impacting the girls in her group for Christ.  Although I don't know her all that well yet, I can already tell that Bea wears her relationship with Christ like a badge of honor - the way we all should.  We should all strive to be more like Bea.
Ms. Dulcie - what can I say about her that you can't tell by looking at her?  She brings an amazing energy to Bible Trek.  She is always smiling, and is always ecstatic to be working with the kids!  She always (yes, always) has a child in her lap and she prays like she means it.  Dulcie is a fantastic example of what you want your little girl to aspire to be.
Ms. Lynn could do anything she set her mind to.  Lucky for us, she set her mind and hear on this ministry.  Each day she impacts lives for Christ.  One of the things I personally appreciate most about Lynn is that she always tells me what she thinks.  If there is something we can be doing better, she lets me know - - and helps me come up with a solution.  Lynn is an asset to this ministry.
Ms. Courtney "fires" me every week, and I still love her dearly.  If that doesn't give you a clear picture of who she is, I don't know what will.  This year in particular Courtney has stepped up and joined our Leadership Team to help plan outreach events for the kids in Bible Trek to invite their friends to.  She is also one of our leading coaches in memorizing verses along with the kids.  She has set a fantastic example for your Kindergarten boys.  Courtney makes every hesitant young boy feel so comfortable in her group.
Mr. Todd is new to our ministry this year, and I don't know what we ever did without him!  He coaches our first grade boys during the 11:00 service, and does a fantastic job.  The joy of Jesus shines through him, and his love for Jesus extends to your kids.  Where would we be without Mr. Todd?  I don't want to know.  He's great!
Mr. Paul has been with us for two years now, and he has become one of my favorite coaches (not that I play favorites).  He shares so many stories with me about the kids in his group, and how Bible Trek and his ministry in the program impacts them.  It is so encouraging for me to hear Mr. Paul's stories.  Hopefully he'll share stories on our blog sometime, because he makes such an impact on your kids!
Mr. Rob is such a wonderful coach that I turn to him when we have a new coach to train.  He is an excellent leader for us coaches as well as for the kids in Bible Trek.  He brings a wealth of biblical knowledge to his group, which is certainly not something we can say for all of our coaches (myself included).  Rob astounds me each week.
Mr. Bob is a newbie this year, and he's doing a fantastic job!  The way he described his job to me several weeks ago was that he is there to love the kids.  That is exactly what he does each week in Bible Trek.  The boys in his group love him, because he loves them!
Mr. Barry is very committed to the 4th grade boys.  He makes deals with them to help them memorize their verses, and he sets an excellent example for them by memorizing verses along with them.  Barry does a great job of connecting with the boys on a personal level as well as checking their understanding of the lessons.  Barry makes Bible Trek a more warm and welcoming place!
Mr. Charles just joined us a few weeks ago, and he is already an integral part of the Bible Trek ministry.  He helps out with Mr. Barry's group, and does a wonderful job.  We are so excited to welcome him to our team!
Pastor Gloria is extremely invested in Bible Trek.  Not only does she co-author our curriculum, but she makes sure that Bible Trek is running smoothly when I am not there, and she supports our ministry as an important part of the church.  We are so grateful for Pastor Gloria!
Ms. Donna blew me away last year when she volunteered to take care of our snacks each week.  Not only does she lovingly provide snacks for the kids, but she faithfully prepares many of the snacks by herself, either splitting them up into little baggies or sometimes making snacks from scratch!  Donna's ministry is a behind-the-scenes one, so she doesn't get much recognition.  But she doesn't do it for the recognition - she does it for your children.  Her ministry has been a huge blessing to this church.
Ms. Vicki is another behind-the-scenes servant of Bible Trek.  She creates our weekly take-home notes in a way that makes them stand out and help you connect with your children on a spiritual level.  Vicki's service to Bible Trek is one that I personally appreciate very much.  If she weren't making the take-home notes, I would have to do it - - and they would not be nearly as professional-looking or well-made.  Vicki does a great job!

If you would like to do something to give back to these leaders who have given so much of their time and effort to your children, stay tuned!  We'll be having a [semi-surprise] coach appreciation brunch soon.

 

 

Reminder for Coaches

Hey, Bible Trek coaches!  This is just a reminder that we have our Training Day this Sunday!  Please come to the service you usually volunteer in for the full hour to receive relevant training, as well as some surprises!

Parents, just a reminder that we have no Bible Trek this Sunday, December 30, 2012.  You get to enjoy the service as a family.  We will be back to Bible Trek next Sunday, January 6, 2013.  Happy New Year!

Thanks, all!