Partners (Volunteers) Information   Each person who joins the Acorns to Oaks team is called a Partner. We believe that we all partner together in ministry as well as partner with parents in the spiritual training of LOCC kids.   ACORNS TO OAKS IS ALSO FOR     A ADVENTURE each child is unique D DISCOVERY of new and old truths U UNDERSTANDING their needs L LOVE to be given and received T TURNING POINT in your own walk with Jesus S SERVING as Jesus did   You will find there are many opportunities for ministry with children. Our ministry is based on relationships. We want children to grow in their relationship with God and His Word. In addition we believe that children learn in relationship with other children and adults. The children you work with will look to you as a role model. You will have many opportunities to share examples from your own walk with God.   We consider all those working with children “partners” in ministry with children. We recognize that you and those partners who serve with you are the foundation of a successful ministry with children. That is why we are diligent in our recruiting, interviewing and placement process. No matter what your role is within our ministry you are an integral part of the body as we work together to effectively minister to the children that God entrusts to our care.   Listed below are just some of the many opportunities available in working either directly or indirectly with Acorns to Oaks click here for more information   Lead in Classroom Registration Helper in Classroom Greeter Nursery Lead Small Group Leader Nursery Helper Supply Organizer Toddler Lead Shopper Toddler Helper Game Leader Praise & Worship Prize Store Helper Musical Instrument Bulletin Board Children’s Choir Food / Snack Service Choreography Floater (on call for anything) Storytelling Childcare (volunteer) Drama Team Childcare (paid) Puppet Team VBS Object Lessons Summer Substitute Special Events Set design/dressing Craft Preparation Costumes Office Skills (Data Entry) Audio Office Skills (Mailings) Video Office Skills (Phones) Media Graphic Artist Sewing Set-up Carpentry Tear-down Electrical Sports Painting Clowns Prayer Partner Décor Special Needs Kids Artist Kids in crisis Bus / Van Driver Recruiting, Training Camp Counselor Other: __________   CHILDREN'S MINISTRY PARTNER STANDARDS   1. Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.   2. Be supportive and loyal to the pastor and leaders of LOCC.   3. Must be in agreement with the Vision, Mission, Purposes & Core Values of LOCC.   4. Complete CONNECT Class.   5. Live a spiritually surrendered life, keeping your home life in order.   6. Be faithful to attend regular church services.   7. Regularly attend a Bible study and/or have a quiet time with the Lord.   8. Make a minimum commitment in relationship with the ministry of Acorns to Oaks.   9. Complete the Acorns to Oaks Partner Information Form.   10. Complete the orientation for Acorns to Oaks and actively support all policies and procedures.   11. Be faithful to your assigned position.   12. Attend all partner meetings, trainings and workshops as able.   13. Give at least one (1) weeks notice if you know you will be absent.   14. Be at your designated post at least fifteen (15) minutes before starting time.   15. Give at least thirty (30) days notice when stepping down.   BENEFITS   1. You will grow in spiritual wisdom and strength as you prepare weekly for your ministry.   2. You will feel the personal satisfaction of knowing you have done your best to share the love of Christ with another person.   3. You will experience the joy of seeing children come to faith in Jesus Christ.   4. You will make an eternal investment by helping your students assimilate biblical truth into their lives and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.   5. You will grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, your partner team and your students.   6. You’ll get lots of hugs and smiles!   OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU   1. To seek out those individuals who are committed to serving Christ by ministering with children.   2. To provide our partners with adequate training equipping them in their role as teachers.   3. To provide adequate facilities, materials and curriculum and to keep these items in good order.   4. To support each partner in prayer and by providing adequate supervision and assistance.   5. To provide each partner with a clear statement of our philosophy of ministry and position description for their partnering role.     Below is our four step process to becoming an Acorns to Oaks Partner.   1 – Application: Click here download a printable version of the A2O Partner Information Form.   If you would like us to mail you an application you can contact the Children's Ministry office at 805 376-1800 ext. 104.   You can also pick up an application from the Children’s Welcome Center on the weekends.   Once your background check is completed you will be invited to attend a Partner Orientation.   2 – Partner Orientation: Partner Orientation is the training class for children's ministry. It is a two hour class designed to provide you with a ministry overview including policies, procedures, and the necessary information needed to make even your first weekend successful. You will be given a complete Children’s Ministries Resource Book at this orientation and have your picture taken for your photo ID nametag.   3 - Observation/Training: After you complete the orientation, we will schedule an opportunity for you to sit and observe a class of your choice. Our desire is to match you with the service, and an age group that you love the most. After the first week of observation only, you will work hand-in-hand with both the age appropriate coordinator and current lead teacher of the class that you have chosen.   4 - Releasing/Certified Volunteer: After each step above has been completed, you will be released to participate in this incredible ministry that happens each week with our kids. You will be asked to commit to the current school year calendar. We ask our volunteers to commit to participating in only one service per weekend, attending church service the other hour of Sunday mornings.   Partner Enrichment: Each quarter we schedule a time of training, encouragement and fellowship for all partners. In addition, we offer opportunities to attend trainings sponsored by other churches, publishers and/or professional organizations.   If you would like more information on how you can get involved, please call 376-1800 and ask for Susan Harris.