Our opening time is pretty simple as well. However, we did find that all the kids congregating in the same room at the same time was a little overwhelming for our 1st graders and for visitors. This is what we do: Each grade gathers in a different workshop room and is greeted by their shepherd. The shepherd uses this time for relationship building. Once most of the kids have arrived, the shepherd bring their grade to the gathering room. The kids sing 2-3 songs, have a prayer and collect offering. Then they are dismissed by grade to their workshop. This has made things much smoother for us. Hope this helps!

Laura