Church offers a lot for kids to do in Bloomfield

To the Editor:

In recent Bloomfield Town Council candidate discussions, it has been mentioned several times there is nothing in Bloomfield for the kids to do. In fact, Bloomfield First Baptist Church offers a variety of activities for children and youth in Bloomfield and the surrounding communities. One does not have to attend Bloomfield First Baptist or, in fact, any church, in order to participate.

Children in grades Kâ€"6 are invited to First Fridays, 6:30â€"8:40 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Registration is preferred to ensure there are enough supplies and volunteers. The children participate in craft and play activities, sing, hear stories, and of course eat snacks. There is no cost for First Fridays.

Youth in junior and senior high school are invited to Sunday Evening FLAMES in a youth group setting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Sunday evenings include discussion and snacks. Wednesday Night FLAMES provides a more unstructured venue for games, discussion, and hang out time. Wednesday evenings also begin at 5:30 p.m.

Once BHS basketball season begins, all junior and senior high youth are invited to attend 5th Quarter at the church. This is held after every home varsity boys basketball game, and lasts until about 10:30 p.m. It is an informal time for teens to hang out, play ping pong, air hockey or foosball, listen to music, talk, and of course eat. Cost for 5th Quarter is 5 quarters.

The other youth activities are free.

Bloomfield First Baptist Church Bright Beginnings Ministry offers, in addition to the preschool and day care, a before and after school program for children in kindergarten through age 11. Included are snacks, homework time, organized activities and hang out time. There are currently 38 children in this program alone. There is a fee for this program.

Bloomfield First Baptist is privileged to offer a safe, healthy environment for your children and teens. Remember, children, youth and/or their families do not have to attend our or any other church in order to participate. There is adult supervision at all activities.

For more information about the before/after school program, please call Tammy Kirkman or Angie Speer (384-0400). For information about the other programs, please call the church (384-8459).

We invite you to check us out!

Nancy Cummings

Christian Education Chairman

Bloomfield