Christian Education for Grade 4 - Grade 5

Zone 45 is the gap between Shepherd’s Kids and Confirmation. It truly is its own zone! Although, this program incorporates familiar styles and activities found in both Shepherd’s Kids and Confirmation, it is tailored specifically for this age group, and is highly adaptable based on student, parent and leader feedback!

In Zone 45, we believe in fostering strong relationships and building community through exciting activities and sincere communication. We operate on a dynamic model that combines both large and small group interactions, allowing children to connect with peers and dedicated volunteers, whom we fondly call ‘Crew Leaders.’

Contact Us

To ensure a vibrant and impactful program, we prioritize several key practices:

  • Open communication: frequent, consistent and clear communication is key in Zone 45. Always feel free to send an email to Christa.Devries@sotv.org.
  • Active Training: 2 – leader training sessions per year with weekly check-ins and review communication between the Leaders and Program Lead.
  • All adult volunteers undergo thorough background checks to ensure the safety and security of our participants.
  • We incorporate a variety of activities, including music, crafts, prayer, games, yoga and meditation, and service projects, to reinforce biblical teachings and make learning enjoyable and relatable.
  • Each child receives an age-appropriate Bible to support their spiritual growth.

Welcoming People of All Abilities

We hope you will join us! We charge $60 per student for the school year, but don’t want money to be an obstacle. We provide grants to support your children’s faith formation. Complete the registration form, listing the grant amount needed in the space provided.

Shepherd of the Valley is committed to welcoming people of all abilities and working to understand and meet the needs of our congregation. If your child needs an accommodation, modification, or assistance to fully participate in this event, please indicate this in the “Health Concern Explanation” field of your registration, and your program leader will follow up if there are questions. We may not be able to meet all requests at this time.

We intend to take photos and/or video during Zone 45, which may appear in worship, social media, website, or congregational communication without names listed. If you have a concern about this, please email Kelsey Young.

email Kelsey Young

Register Now

Register for 2024-25 Program Year

Because our groups are led by amazing volunteers, we limit the number of students per group and groups per hour for the safety and enjoyment of all in our programs. Occasionally, a program hour may reach capacity and additional spaces cannot be opened. In this event, we will contact any families remaining on the waitlist for that hour to move them to an additional program time.

Register for 2024-25 Program Year

Volunteer Registration for 2024-25 Program Year

Volunteers of all ages and abilities make it possible to host HUNDREDS of students throughout the school year at SOTV! We’d love to have you join this amazing team and experience the joy of working together, sharing your faith, or giving a gift of your time, skills, or talents.

Volunteer Registration for 2024-25 Program Year

Children's

Any children interested in music groups, please consider registering for a Children’s Choir or a Children’s Handbell Choir. For more information, and to register follow the links below.

Learn More

Children in grades 4-5 begin gaining a more personal understanding and relationship with the Bible while experiencing how they are part of God’s amazing story. In fourth grade, students are gifted the Deep Blue Bible and learn the tools they need to use and understand the Bible better. Zone 45 students engage in their faith together in the following ways…

Daily Large Group Time
  • Open ended whiteboard questions
  • Music and musical guests
  • Games
  • Fun skits and Bible story presentations called “Drama Zones”
  • Creative, unique, playful prayer
  • Meaningful statements of faith
  • Build skills to navigate the Bible
  • Videos – Zone 45 Shorts

Small Group Time
  • Building relationships
  • Bible reading and reflection
  • Caring conversations
  • Crafts
  • Candle Time
  • Learn new skills to help them throughout life

Grades 4 – 5 Zone 45 Hours: Wednesdays at 4:30 pm, 5:45 pm, or 7:00 pm.

A significant lesson we learn in Zone 45 is what are our God given talents and gifts, and how can we use them to share in God’s love. A key part of this lesson is applying it in real life through service! We encourage families to volunteer in worship at least once per year: usher, greet, musician, lector, or hospitality.

Questions? Contact Christa De Vries, Children’s Ministry Director

SOTV Children, Youth, & Family staff are producing videos to give children a way to learn, worship, and have fun from home! Check out our YouTube playlists to enjoy interactive learning:

Preschool and Kindergarten videosGrades 1 – 3 videosGrades 4 – 5 videos