children

J.A.M.

The J.A.M. (Jesus And Me) Ministry is for 3rd through 5th grade students. Our goal is to help all JAM students grow in their love of the Lord and to strengthen their personal walk with Jesus Christ. Currently, we are working through "The Story" curriculum with the rest of our church body at Woodmont Hills.

Ministry Contacts

Children's and Family Minister: Claire Davidson Frederick-- (615) 513-5237

Shepherd in charge of JAM: Ricky King-- (615) 367-9341

Locations

3rd Grade: Classrooms 130 (drop-off) and 129 (pick-up), WEST HALL Downstairs

4th Grade: Main Classroom 128, WEST HALL Downstairs

(4th Grade Girls meet for shepherding time at 9:00 am in Room 127, WEST HALL Downstairs)

(4th Grade Boys meet for shepherding time at 9:00 am in Room 213, WEST HALL Upstairs)

5th Grade Girls: Classroom 214, WEST HALL Upstairs

5th Grade Boys: Classroom 215, WEST HALL Upstairs

What should my child bring to JAM?

We would like for your child to bring his or her Bible to class. If you do not have a Bible for your child, it will be our pleasure to provide one, and we do have extra Bibles in our classrooms. We are committed to teaching our JAM students how to locate passages in the Bible.

What should my child NOT bring to JAM?

Please, keep ALL electronic devices at home [this includes iPads, iPods, game players, cell phones, etc.] If your child does need to have his or her cell phone, we would ask that the cell phone be turned OFF during class time. Also, out of respect for people’s privacy and security, we ask that students NOT take pictures with their cameras or cell phones while in JAM; thank you.

Where do I meet my child after JAM?

Children in 3rd-5th grades are dismissed independently. Many of our parents and children have chosen to meet up with one another in the Great Hall lobby after class or near the entrance doors to the West Hall. However, if you would like us to keep your child in the classroom until you can personally pick them up, we would be happy to oblige. Just let your child's teacher or shepherd know of your preference.

JAM Films

JAM Films is under the guidance of Ricky King. About once per calendar year, we make another movie featuring a different biblical story. We are currently in the process of filming "NOAH." Parent release forms must be signed, and a commitment to the filming schedule on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights is required if your child is interested in participating as a cast member.

Name Tags

Your child will have a name tag to wear while they are in JAM. All of the JAM volunteers will also have a name tag to identify that they are working in JAM. [If your child has any special allergies or medical issues, please let Shirley Banning know so that this information can be entered on the tag.]

Shepherding Groups

JAM shepherding groups are a special time for our JAM students to get to know one another and the adult shepherd(s) who lead them throughout the school year. This usually takes place each Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m.-9:20 a.m.

Our Curriculum

Today's students have a lot on their minds and are being challenged daily by many situations and events. We have an amazing opportunity to join with God in ministering to our JAM students by leading them to the Bible for spiritual inspiration, wisdom, and guidance. This year's Sunday morning curriculum, entitled "The Story for Kids," encourages students to "Step into the Story of God" and discover ways in which their own smaller life story intersects with and can be absorbed into the much greater biblical story of what God through Christ is doing in the world to "make all things new."

Our Goals

We aim to contribute to the spiritual formation of our JAM students in order to prepare them to work and live as citizens of God's Kingdom. Our goal is to equip each child with a knowledge of the Word of God; to encourage a personal relationship with Jesus; and to facilitate opportunities for fellowship, growth, and service among their peer group, the Woodmont Hills family, and the larger community.

How will I know when our JAM activities will be?

Sometimes JAM students will bring home fliers prior to a JAM activity or event that is taking place. Activities and events are also published weekly in our worship bulletin ("Life Together") and can also be located underneath the "Calendar of Events" section of the Children's Ministry web-page (see above). Additionally, we will do our best to send parents frequent information via email. If you are interested in receiving parent emails, please contact Claire Frederick.

As a parent, how can I plug into the JAM Ministry?

We utilize many of our parents as teachers, shepherds, and volunteers throughout the school year and the summer months. Parents can volunteer as camp counselors, Biblical Travel Room facilitators, or VBS helpers and teachers. Each week, we try our best to send out PARENT PAGES that connect parents and families to lessons we are covering in our "STORY" curriculum currently. We also encourage families to read with and to their children each week from "The Story for Kids" or from the associated biblical texts.

To volunteer in J.A.M., please contact our Children's Ministry Coordinator, Shirley Banning, sbanning@woodmont.org or call (615) 300-6378.