The WorkS.H.O.P: A New Home For Our Children’s Sunday School

By Barbara Wheeler, Director of Children’s Ministry 

Note to the Parents

Did you know that beginning May 15, building will continue in the lower level of our new sanctuary? But Sundt Construction Company won’t be doing it; Jesus, the Good Shepherd will! Each Sunday, Jesus will make and mold the hearts and minds of our children into His image in our beautiful new Children’s Christian Education Center, which we’ve named The WorkS.H.O.P.

The WorkS.H.O.P. stands for the Shepherd’s House of Praise, because it is  home to a set of stunning stained glass windows depicting the 23rd Psalm. The WorkS.H.O.P. also houses 11 spacious classrooms, an assembly room, an office, a kitchen, and two large restrooms. Each room is furnished with a wall of attractive cabinets for storage, colorful chairs and tables, bulletin boards and white boards, toy cabinets with toys, and bright area rugs. To add sparkle, the classrooms have color themes that match accent walls with tables, chairs, and area rugs.              

Thanks to St. Andrew’s artist LeAnne Hartin and many volunteers, the WorkS.H.O.P. will be beautifully decorated to God’s glory. The halls are adorned with long bright-colored rainbows reminding us of God’s wonderful promises. LeAnne has also designed a colorful mural for each classroom based on a letter in the alphabet and a corresponding Bible theme. 

Room A:  Little Angels

Room B:  Bible Town

Room C:  Christmas/Jesus is Born

Room D:  Daniel in the Lion’s Den

Room E:  Easter/Jesus is Risen

Room F:  Fruit of the Spirit

Room G:  Genesis/God made our World

Room H:  Bible Hero Hall of Fame

Room I:  The “I Ams”

Room J:  Jesus and the Children

Room K:  Kangaroos, Koalas, and Friends in the Ark

Room L:  Little Lambs

Though it will take several months for all the murals to be completed, the entrance mural as well as the “Fruit of the Spirit” mural in Room F will be ready on opening day. 

Another attractive feature was completed by artist/calligrapher Jane Pitts. In each room, she has painted a memorable Bible verse to accompany each theme. The colors are lovely and the letters eye-catching.  

In addition to Sunday School classes, our children’s choirs, Vacation Bible School, and special events will use the WorkS.H.O.P. In the fall, we hope to hold mid-week ministries for children there also. Many of the classrooms are adult-friendly for committee meetings and events, too. 

It’s exciting to imagine all the children who will come to know and love Jesus in “The WorkS.H.O.P.” Thanks be to God for this outstanding facility!