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Church's Program Will Help Children Prepare For School

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By DIANE LOEBEL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 29, 2007

ZEPHYRHILLS - Zephyr Christian Church's new pastor wants to help children get ready to start school.

The Rev. Pat Matheney, who joined the congregation in March, brought the Thursday School program from churches he led in Ohio.

'The idea is to give preschoolers a chance to learn what school is all about and help them learn socialization skills,' said Matheney, a 12-year veteran of the ministry, who led four Ohio churches before coming to Zephyrhills.

Matheney, his wife, Kathleen, and 10 volunteers will run the program, designed for 3- and 4-year-olds.

The free, 26-week program can accommodate 16 children, who will meet one day a week for two hours, giving moms and grandparents a break. Children must be potty-trained to enroll.

The theme of Thursday School this year is 'Down on the Farm.' Children will investigate all aspects of farming, animals and discover how they relate to God, and the alphabet, numbers and shapes will be introduced. The program will include stories, crafts, snacks and prayer.

Matheney will be the storyteller. He plans to take the children into the sanctuary for the stories to let them get a feel of being in church.

Thursday School will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 11. The church will hold an orientation and open house from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

To Matheney, the program fits in perfectly with the character of his new church.

'This is a very loving and caring congregation,' he said. 'I believe that to instill positive thinking you must lead by love, not shove.'

To suggest a Faith in Focus feature, call Diane Loebel, (727) 815-1081; write her at The Tampa Tribune, 6214 U.S. 19, New Port Richey FL 34652 or dloebel@tampatrib.com.

ZEPHYR CHRISTIAN CHURCH

WHERE: 5940 Dogwood St., Zephyrhills
SERVICES: 10:15 a.m. worship and junior church and 6 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. Sunday school; 6:30 p.m. Bible study Wednesday.

CALL: (813) 782-8893

SPECIAL EVENT: Thursday School orientation and open house, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday

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