Church expands to reach kids

A new childrens wing could more than double First Assembly of Gods outreach to kids, church leaders say.

Construction on the 21,050-square-foot addition, called M1A Kids, began in May and could be finished by the new year, said Steve Rose, First Assembly lead pastor. He said the childrens wing cost about $3 million.

Rose said the inspiration for the new wing came from reading negative news and statistics about Muskogee and Oklahoma kids.

We wanted to know, isnt there a better way to reach them, Rose said, adding that the church has a potential target population of 11,000 elementary-age kids in the Muskogee-Wainwright area.

First Assembly Childrens Pastor Bethany Crow said about 175 to 200 children come to the church each week.

We can grow twice as big and reach more children in the new facilitys capacity, Crow said.

Rose said the addition will have space for 450 children.

This will enhance the outreach of our Smart School, he said, referring to the churchs summer education program. Smart School offers classes in math, reading, character and dance to about 300 children each summer, Rose said, adding that the new wing will house the program.

Plans call for the wing to feature 12 classrooms, two indoor play areas and an outdoor play area. There also will be two theaters, each with stages and seating capacity for 175.

In the lobby, well have a full carousel, the same size as at Woodland Hills Mall, Rose said. The church is getting the carousel from Carousels USA in San Antonio.

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Church expands to reach kids