Fear Thee Not: A Few Thoughts About the Transition Into G2 & GC
By Pastor Damon | Posted June 9, 2009
Every year in June, half of G2 disappears. Not literally ... I hope. No, this time each year, our beloved 6th graders graduate into Generation Church. The same is true in City Kids as the 4th graders move up to G2. As great a season as this is, it is hard for some parents to watch their babies leave the comfort and security they've known in 1st-4th grade and G2. So let's head anxiety off at the pass and take some of the "unknown" out of your child's transition this summer.
Generation Church -- "Big made Small"
At first glance, GC could appear to the concerned eye of a parent whose 6th grader is moving into 7th grade to be a massive sea of college students with gigantism sporting facial hair and Masters Degrees. It is true: GC is big in number. But this is also true: God wants it to get bigger. While GC is big, it is structured in such a way that favors your Jr. Higher and pastors them on a personal level. How do they do that? Your soon to be 7th grader will be a part of a tight knit small group called a Cadre which will be filled with their friends and a world-class cadre leader your child will idolize and love. The Jr. High class meets together Sunday mornings at each campus. During this service, your 7th grader will enjoy worship, games, poignant teaching and most importantly, time to meet with their cadre. The Wednesday night GC services at Kirkland and Alderwood bring together Jr. High through College in a dynamic prophetic atmosphere in which your 7th grader will experience the presence of God on a new level. "But who will my child sit with on Wednesday nights?" you may ask. Every Wednesday night your 7th grader will sit front and center with their entire cadre in a section reserved exclusively for them. In GC, the Jr. Highers get the best! Even though GC is big in number the preference given to the Jr. Highers, your 7th grader's tight knit cadre, and strong friendships enable it to meet the needs of each child on a individual level. Big made small. Your child blossomed in G2 and they will flourish in GC! If you have any specific questions about your child moving up to Jr. High, please send them to Spencer Kraker, the GC Jr. High Director at spencer.kraker@thecity.org. He will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
G2: "OWN IT. LIVE IT."
Dads and Moms, if you have a 4th grader taking the step into G2 this summer I want to say, "AWESOME!" As the G2 Pastor I can't wait for your amazing son or daughter to join our family. As leaders in G2 we take great care to create and guard a safe atmosphere. When a child feels safe emotionally, their soul opens up and their spirit is able to receive from God. In G2 our mission statement reflects our desire for your new 5th grader to taste God's goodness for themselves. "G2 is a generation of 5th and 6th graders OWNING and LIVING life's two great commandments: love God and love people." Our motto in G2 is: OWN IT. (Love God) & LIVE IT. (Love people). I am convinced the ages between 10 to 12 years is a unique season unlike any other during a person's life. During this time your child's identity will begin to solidify, their independence will begin to grow and they will choose what we believe. How incredible is it to have a place to go during this monumental season that is safe, fun, and full of God's presence? The G2 leaders are hand-picked and world-class. I am so excited for your incredible 5th grader to join the G2 family! If you have any questions about your child's movie into G2 please email me at damon.strom@thecity.org or call me directly at 425.739.1225.
If your child is nervous about the transition the most powerful way to bring God's perspective is to tell them how incredible it will be. Even if you are a wee-bit nervous yourself, the way you speak about it will either feed fear or build faith. The Bible promises that God only takes us from glory to glory and the same is true for your family in this new season of life!
Key Transition Dates:
6th Graders & Their Parents:
BBQ for Upcoming 7th Graders
Info: Come with your 6th grader to the Jr. High Move Up BBQ and meet your child's new Jr. High Cadre leader, the Jr. High Directors, GC Pastor Elijah Waters! There will be great food, games and the G2 leaders will there as well!
Date: Saturday, June 20th
Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm
Location: Pastor Rick & Jennifer's House
Address: 9106 133rd CT. NE, Redmond, WA 98052-6435
Transition Sunday for the Upcoming 7th Graders
Info: This will be your child's first service in GC!
Date: Sunday, June 21st
Location: Every Campus
4th Graders & Their Parents:
Info: Come join us and watch your 4th grader become a G2er! On Wednesday night, June 17th your 4th grader will take the "Walk of Fame" in City Kids and then be welcomed into G2 for the first time!
4th Grade Walk of Fame & Graduation into G2
Date: Wednesday, June 17th
Time: At the end of the service
Location: Kirkland Campus