Happy New Year! Check out the following important news to learn how to get connected this month in Sherwood Kids:

• Sherwood Kids! Sunday Morning Gatherings include a large-group time and a small-group time during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Kids can participate in their small group in person or virtually. To join a small group virtually, register for the "Hangout" at socc.org/kids.
• Power Up with Prayer. Each week this ministry year, your kids can participate in Sherwood Oak's "Year of Prayer." Simply pick up a "Power Up with Prayer" poster for each of your kids. (They are available for pick-up at the East campus on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.) Then, follow the weekly prayer prompts at socc.org/kids and on Instagram and Facebook.  
• Prayer Week begins on Sunday, January 3. Prayer is one of the most important things we can do as followers of Jesus. We want to talk with Jesus first in every situation, good or bad. So, during the 9:30 and 11:00 services in every SK! area on January 3, the kids and volunteers will spend the entire service hour learning about and practicing the spiritual discipline of prayer. Then, throughout the week, we will provide activities to encourage and equip families to pray together at home. You will be able to access these activities via our webpage (socc.org/kids), Instagram (sherwoodkids_east), and Facebook (Sherwood Kids!). If you have any questions, please email us at .
• The Sherwood Kids Cyber Ethics, Security, and Safety Workshop is on January 24 from 11:00am-12:30pm. If you have kids in grades 3-5, please join us on January 24 as we explore ways to be wise Jesus-followers in the cyber world. To learn more and to register, visit socc.org/kids.
• Sherwood Kids! Bible Reading Week begins on Sunday, January 31. Reading the Bible is an important part of growing in our relationship with God. During the 9:30 and 11:00 services in every SK! area on January 31, the kids and volunteers will spend the entire service hour learning about and practicing the spiritual discipline of reading God's Word. Then, throughout the week, we will provide activities to encourage and equip families to read the Bible together at home. You will be able to access these activities via our webpage (socc.org/kids), Instagram (sherwoodkids_east), and Facebook (Sherwood Kids!). If you have any questions, please email us at .
• Joining God's Family class will begin on Sunday, February 7, during the 11:00 service. This four-week class will take place in Room 204. Visit www.socc.org/kids to learn more and to register.
• SAVE THE DATE! Sherwood Kids will host a Parents Night Out -OR- Family Night In on Friday, February 12. Check socc.org/kids in the next couple of weeks for more information and to register.
• Check out SK! Online Resources on Facebook, on Instagram, and at socc.org/kids! Show-N-Tell videos, Ask & Seek videos, Story Time videos, Conversations along the Road videos, and Faith Tools are all resources designed to help families to grow in their relationship with Jesus and stay connected with our faith community.
• Since Monroe County is still in an orange status, the Sherwood Kids team has decided to postpone resuming AWANA and Kids Choir until August of 2021. We, however, would be delighted to provide the AWANA handbooks to any of you who would like to use them to have a Bible study at home during the spring semester. If you're interested, simply email us at to let us know.

If you would like more information about the goings-on in Sherwood Kids!, please feel free to visit out webpage (socc.org/kids), follow us on Instagram (@sherwoodkids_east), and join our Facebook page (Sherwood Kids!). As always, please don't hesitate to contact us at if you have any questions or concerns.

Merry Christmas! Check out the following important news to learn about some family-friendly events:

• Sherwood Kids! Sunday Morning Gatherings include a large-group time and a small-group time during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Kids can participate in their small group in person or virtually. To join a small group virtually, register for the "Hangout" at socc.org/kids.
• Power Up with Prayer. Each week this ministry year, your kids can participate in Sherwood Oak's "Year of Prayer." Simply pick up a "Power Up with Prayer" poster for each of your kids. (They are available for pick-up at the East campus on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.) Then, follow the weekly prayer prompts at socc.org/kids and on social media.  
• Sherwood Kids! Christmas Family Sunday is in the gym this Sunday, December 6, during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Family Sunday is a bi-annual opportunity for families to learn about and worship God together through interactive Bible teaching and high-energy praise music. So, bring some friends, invite your neighbors, and join us this Family Sunday as we celebrate Jesus' birth! Please note that to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we will require families to wear masks, space family units 6' apart, and sanitize between services. Also, all preschoolers through 5^th graders will attend the Family Sunday service in the gym. (There will be regular programming for kids ages birth through three years old only.) If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at
• Instead of a Parents Night Out, we're having a Family Night In on Friday, December 11. Arrive any time from 6:00pm-7:00pm to play a round of putt-putt in the church and/or receive a Family Night In kit to have a movie night at home. Visit www.socc.org/kids for more information and to register.
• Join us for the Sherwood Kids Christmas Musical in the Worship Center (and online) on December 13 during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. (There will be regular programming for kids ages birth through three years old only.)
• Check out SK! Online Resources on Facebook, on Instagram, and at socc.org/kids! Show-N-Tell videos, Ask & Seek videos, Story Time videos, Conversations along the Road videos, and Faith Tools are all resources designed to help families to grow in their relationship with Jesus and stay connected with our faith community.
• AWANA and Kids Choir begins on January 6. This program will meet every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:30pm. During this time the kids will participate in a dynamic, gospel-centered program and prepare for several choir performances. There is no registration fee for the Spring 2021 semester. (Please note that our goal is to resume the Wednesday-evening AWANA/Choir program on January 6. However, if Monroe County is in an "orange" or "red" status on December 31, then our plan is to postpone offering this program until August of 2021.) To learn more, to register a child and/or to volunteer, visit socc.org/kids.

If you would like more information about the goings-on in Sherwood Kids!, please feel free to visit out webpage (socc.org/kids), follow us on Instagram (@sherwoodkids_east), and join our Facebook page (Sherwood Kids!). As always, please don't hesitate to contact us at if you have any questions or concerns.

The holiday season is around the corner, and we're looking forward to sharing it with you all! So, check out the following important news to learn about upcoming family-friendly events and programs:

• Sherwood Kids! Sunday Morning Gatherings include a large-group time and a small-group time during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Kids can participate in their small group in person or virtually. To join a small group virtually, register for the "Hangout" at socc.org/kids.
• Power Up with Prayer. Each week this ministry year, your kids can participate in Sherwood Oak's "Year of Prayer." Simply pick up a "Power Up with Prayer" poster for each of your kids. (They are available for pick-up at the East campus on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.) Then, follow the weekly prayer prompts at socc.org/kids and on social media.  
• Sherwood Kids! Christmas Family Sunday is in the gym on December 6 during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Family Sunday is a bi-annual opportunity for families to learn about and worship God together through interactive Bible teaching and high-energy praise music. So, bring some friends, invite your neighbors, and join us this Family Sunday as we celebrate Jesus' birth! Please note that all preschoolers through 5^th graders will attend the Family Sunday service in the gym. (There will be regular programming for kids ages birth through three years old only.) Also, as always, please print security tags for your family so that we can ensure kids leave with the right people. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at
• Instead of a Parents Night Out, we're having a Family Night In on Friday, December 11. Arrive any time from 6:00pm-7:00pm to play a round of putt-putt in the church and receive a Family Night In kit to have a movie night at home. Visit www.socc.org/kids for more information and to register.
• The 5th and 6th graders from the Sherwood Kids Choir will perform a musical in the Worship Center on December 13 during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. (There will be regular programming for kids ages birth through three years old only.)
• Check out SK! Online Resources at socc.org/kids! Show-N-Tell videos, Ask & Seek videos, Story Time videos, Conversations along the Road videos, and Faith Tools are all resources designed to help families to grow in their relationship with Jesus and stay connected with our faith community.
• WANTED! Every SK! area is in great need of more volunteers who will spend one hour every week or every other week for the fall semester (August-December) building relationships with a small group of kids and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Please contact Stephen Figert ( ) to learn more about joining the SK! volunteer team.

If you would like more information about the goings-on in Sherwood Kids!, please feel free to visit out webpage (socc.org/kids), follow us on Instagram (@sherwoodkids_east), and join our Facebook page (Sherwood Kids!). As always, please don't hesitate to contact us at if you have any questions or concerns.

Check out the following important news to learn how to stay connected:

• Sherwood Kids! Sunday Morning Gatherings include a large-group time and a small-group time during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Kids can participate in their small group in person or virtually. To join a small group virtually, register for the "Hangout" at socc.org/kids.
• Power Up with Prayer. Each week this ministry year, your kids can participate in Sherwood Oak's "Year of Prayer." Simply pick up a "Power Up with Prayer" poster for each of your kids. (They are available for pick-up at the East campus on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.) Then, follow the weekly prayer prompts at socc.org/kids and on social media.  
• Family Commitment Sunday at Bloomington East has been cancelled this year. If you have any questions or would like for us contact you about the next Family Commitment Sunday, email us at
• The Upward Basketball and Cheerleading 2021 season has been cancelled. We're definitely going to miss you and hope to open registration for Upward Soccer in the summer of 2021.
• The Trunk or Treat Drive Through will be throughout the parking lot at Bloomington East on Friday, October 30, from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Trunk set-up will begin at 5:45pm. For more information and to register, visit www.socc.org/kids.
• Pajama Day will be on Sunday, November 1. To participate, set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night and let your kids wear their favorite pajamas to church the next morning.
• Register for a SK! Core Group. These groups are designed to provide a safe space for kids to connect with other kids and study God's Word. Register at socc.org/kids.
• Conversations along the Road videos are posted at socc.org/kids and on Instagram (sherwoodkids_east) and Facebook (Sherwood Kids!) every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Join Adrienne Garrison--a parent in our church family--on her journey to learn more about having challenging conversations with kids. The next video will be posted this Friday, October 2.
• Participate in SK! Online Resources at socc.org/kids! Show-N-Tell videos, Ask & Seek videos, Story Time videos, and Faith Tools are all resources designed to help families to grow in their relationship with Jesus and stay connected with our faith community.
• SK! Porch Visits. The SK! staff and volunteers have missed seeing your kiddos and would love to schedule a time to stop by your home to say Hi and deliver a little goodie bag. (We would stay outside and follow the health department's guidelines for masks and social distancing.) If you would like to schedule a porch visit, please fill out the form at socc.org/kids.
• Join a Life Group. This is a great way for your family to continue to participate in our faith community through small-group gatherings. For more information, email Allen Burris ( ) or Nancy Barrow ( ).
• The Sherwood Kids! staff has a new member! Anna Dunn has accepted the position as the Sherwood Kids Nursery Coordinator. We are thrilled to have such an organized, intentional, and caring leader in this role. When you see her in the halls, give her a big welcome.
• WANTED! Every SK! area is in great need of more volunteers who will spend one hour every week or every other week for the fall semester (August-December) building relationships with a small group of kids and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Please contact Stephen Figert ( ) to learn more about joining the SK! volunteer team.

If you would like more information about the goings-on in Sherwood Kids!, feel free to visit our webpage (socc.org/kids), follow us on Instagram (sherwoodkids_east), and join our Facebook page (Sherwood Kids!). As always, please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Fall programming is in full swing! Check out the following news to learn what's going on and how to stay connected:

• The Joining God's Family class begins this Sunday, September 6, during the 11:00 service. This four-week class will take place in room 204 and via Zoom. To register, visit www.socc.org/kids.
• Sherwood Kids! In-Person Sunday Morning Gatherings will include a large-group time and a small-group time beginning on September 6. For more information about our COVID-19 mitigation plan for in-person gatherings, contact Stephen Figert at .
• Beginning this Sunday, September 6, your kids can participate in their Sunday-morning elementary or early-childhood small group in person or virtually. To join a small group virtually, register for the "Hangout" at socc.org/kids.
• Power Up with Prayer. Each week from September through June, your kids can participate in Sherwood Oak's "Year of Prayer." Simply pick up a "Power Up with Prayer" poster for each of your kids. (They'll be available for pick-up at the East campus on Sunday mornings and throughout the week beginning on September 6.) Then, follow the weekly prayer prompts at socc.org/kids and on social media.  
• Register for a SK! Core Group. These groups are designed to provide a safe space for kids to connect with other kids. Register at socc.org/kids, and we'll place your child in a group that suits his/her interests and availability.
• Conversations along the Road videos are posted at socc.org/kids and on Instagram (sherwoodkids_east) and Facebook (Sherwood Kids!) every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Join Adrienne Garrison--a parent in our church family--on her journey to learn more about having challenging conversations with kids. The next video will be posted this Friday, September 4.
• SK! Show-N-Tell videos. Kids have so much to teach each other (how to make a craft, how to mix colors to make a new color, how to play an instrument, how to catch a bug, how to make food,..., the possibilities are endless!). The SK! Show-N-Tell videos provide an opportunity for your kids to do just that--teach their peers. So, if your child would like to record and share a 5 minute instructional video, let us know by signing him/her up at socc.org/kids.
• SK! Ask & Seek videos. Kids have so many questions about God, the Bible, the church: who wrote the Bible, why do we sing at church, is God a person, what are angel wings made out of, did Jesus eat pork, etc. etc., etc. In the spirit of what Jesus says in Matthew 7:7, the Ask & Seek videos create a space for your kids to ask questions and find answers. So, ask your child if he/she has any questions, then use the form at socc.org/kids to submit the questions to us. We'll make and post a SK! Ask & Seek video that answers your child's question.
• Check out other SK! Online Resources at socc.org/kids! Teachable Moments, Faith Tools, and Story Time are all resources designed to help families to grow in their relationship with Jesus and stay connected with our faith community.
• SK! Porch Visits. The SK! staff and volunteers have missed seeing your kiddos and would love to schedule a time to stop by your home to say Hi and deliver a little goodie bag. (We would stay outside and follow the health department's guidelines for masks and social distancing.) If you would like to schedule a porch visit, please fill out the form at socc.org/kids.
• Join a Life Group. This is a great way for your family to continue to participate in our faith community through small-group gatherings. For more information, email Allen Burris ( ) or Nancy Barrow ( ).
• WANTED! Every SK! area is in great need of more volunteers who will spend one hour every week or every other week for the fall semester (August-December) building relationships with a small group of kids and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Please contact Stephen Figert ( ) to learn more about joining the SK! volunteer team.
• Desiree Chenault is resigning as the Sherwood Kids Nursery Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. While the Sherwood Kids staff is very sad to lose such a caring leader and talented teammate, we are extremely thankful that Desiree has spent the past 4 years sharing her organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and her how-can-I-help-you attitude with the children's ministry. What a gift! We are also excited to see God's plans for Desiree to continue to unfold for her and her family. Please keep Desiree and Sherwood Kids in your prayers as we go through this season of change.
• Sherwood Kids is currently looking for a part-time Nursery Coordinator who would oversee the Nursery program. If you know someone who would like to apply, please tell them to send a cover letter and resume to Stephen Figert at by Friday, September 11.

If you would like more information about the goings-on in Sherwood Kids!, feel free to visit our webpage (socc.org/kids), follow us on Instagram (sherwoodkids_east), and join our Facebook page (Sherwood Kids!). You can also let your child see SK! posts by giving him/her access to our webpage and/or showing him/her the posts through your social media accounts. As always, please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.