What’s in a Workshop?
We talk a lot in Faith Village about the different Workshops that kids get to experience as they study Bible stories, but what exactly is a Workshop? In Faith Village we have 7 main Workshops. Below you can find a brief description of each one. And if one of these workshops seems to be in your area of passion, click here to find out how you can help!
HOW GREAT THOU ART
This workshop moves beyond crafts to art appreciation and the use of art as a learning tool. We have a fantastic dedicated art studio, crammed with art supplies, a sink and counter, tables, stools, and easels for young artists. We display both classical artwork and the art which our children produce. Smocks are provided to protect the kids’ clothes as they get creative!
CHAPEL HILL MOUSEPAD
We know kids love computers, and in this workshop we give them the chance to play AND learn! Through several different software choices, the kids are given the opportunities to be creative in designing computer artwork, to dig up new facts and through software and trivia games, to have fun with games that enhance their grasp on the Bible story.
SOLID ROCK CAFE
Located in our downstairs kitchen, our Cafe is always a hit with the kids. We’ve created a space perfect for them, with stools to make the counters accessible, with aprons to protect their clothes, and baking projects that allow the kids to be the chef! Sometimes children prepare food which directly relates to the Bible story. For example, while studying Abraham and Sarah they were able to make and taste cheese curd and homemade butter, foods that were eaten by the stars of our story. Other times, they may prepare food as part of a mission project, like the Christmas cookies they bake to deliver to shut-ins during Advent. The kids always get to sample their work, for quality control purposes, of course!
GOSPEL GAMES
In this workshop, fun is the name of the game! Children play a wide variety of learning games, ranging from lively large motor skill games to quiet interactive games. We give them plenty of room to spread out, but also make sure to always bring them back together for reflection and focus on the objectives of the session. Whether they’re racing to set up a tent like Abraham and Sarah or thinking of ways to knit back together the web of creation, the kids walk away with a sense of fun and faith.
TEMPLE TALES & TUNES
In the “Tales” mode, this station gives children the opportunity not only to hear the Bible story told in a variety of ways, but also to retell it themselves. Activities may include acting in skits, writing poetry, using puppets, mime, and American Sign Language. In the “Tunes” mode, this station includes such activities as singing, dance, movement, and making and using instruments. The music includes familiar hymns, contemporary, folk, and classical music. Children can experience how music makes the heart dance and movement is the soul at play.
CHRIST’S CHEMISTS
Depending on the unit, this station may include research, experiments, geography, or physical sciences. Through exploration of God’s world, the mystery and awesomeness of God can be revealed. This station is stocked with lab coats for all our Village Scientists, as well as whatever they need to explore the story they are studying. You can expect the children will have a thing of two to teach their parents after this workshop!
CHAPEL HILL CINEMA
Video is a powerful medium which quickly commands the attention of children. While viewing videos is a passive activity, this station has been carefully designed so children have opportunities to interact with the story. the videos may be Bible stories, or may be secular films which deal with the theme of the unit. Have you ever thought about how the Grinch’s complete change of heart was like Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus? This workshop will help kids look at movies a whole new way!