By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — Crosspoint Church on Highland Boulevard will host a kick-off party for its Crosspoint Kids ministry today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church parking lot, and they are inviting any and everyone from the community to attend.

The free event will include an inflatable jumper, dunking booth, face painting, food, music and other activities.

Director of youth ministry Kelley Gay said the event is a way to invite the community to come see what is going on at the church and find out more about the new program elementary-aged kids are learning.

“We began a new curriculum with the elementary students earlier this year,” Gay said. “It is an exciting program based on the three basic truths found in Luke 2:52.”

Gay said the curriculum, 252Basics, uses a new approach to reach today’s youth through various forms of media, and engages children with ways to apply what they are learning to their everyday life.

“Each lesson in the program revolves around one of about 150 Bible stories in a three year period that are considered to be the most relevant for elementary aged kids,” Gay said. “The content is organized into a different biblical life application each month teaching the kids what it looks like to reflect God’s image and follow Jesus.”

Becky Blair, director of sports ministry, said the program has generated a positive response from parents of children who have been coming to the Sunday and Wednesday classes.

“(The program says) that the church and home are two of the most influential places in a child’s life,” Gay said. “So, we teach a lesson on Sunday and we send cues to the parents, via text, on a Tuesday so they can reinforce what they have learned.”

The truths the program focuses on are: I need to make the wise choice (wisdom); I can trust God no matter what (faith); and I should treat others the way I want to be treated (friendship).

Lead pastor, Andy Blair said they did a lot of research to find the best program to engage the youth.

“We are investing in the next generation,” Pastor Blair said. “That is what we are about here.”

Gay said the company that produces the material believes in family participation and they have developed tools to reach today’s youth.

“They have use videos and the kids are actually enjoying learning the lesson,” Gay said. “The company is big about changing the delivery, not the message.”

The program is popular with the youth.

“We have been using the program for months, but since school is starting back up we want to do something to get the message out to more youth in the area,” Pastor Blair said. “We hope they come and see what we have to offer and join us if they are interested.”

Crosspoint has also begun another ministry for the youth called the sports ministry. They currently offer classes for gymnastics and karate.

“We hope to grow this ministry to include more sporting activities,” Becky Blair said. “This is an area of outreach and it is all God centered.”

Anyone seeking more information about programs or services offered at Crosspoint can visit the church website at crosspointnatchez.com and fill out the request information form or call the church at 601-807-5826.