Fall, 2010: Christian Education Open House, September 12.
Christian Ed. classes begin, September 19.
Children’s Christian Education
Jesus Loves the Little Children….and so do we…at Christ Church, our children experience a warm, loving, and happy environment where they can safely explore their world and enjoy themselves. Throughout the year we offer Nursery Care, Children’s Chapel, Sunday School, Canterbury Choir and other seasonal activities for the entire family. We have a loving and dedicated staff whose mission it is to ensure that all children sense God’s love and comfort when they spend time at Christ Church. For more information on any of the programs listed, please contact Jenni Boyden or Mary Alice Mathison at 432-5115 or chedchildren@christ-church.net.
Nursery Care
Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers (ages 6 weeks – 3 years) for all church services and many church-wide events and activities. Nurseries open at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the service or activity and remain open for 15 minutes following the event. For the protection of our children, all paid workers undergo extensive background checks and receive training in First Aid, CPR and abuse recognition and prevention.There are three nursery rooms located in the Music and Education building which is located behind the church on the corner of Belmont & Palafox Streets.
Room 1 – Infant Nursery for Creepers & Crawlers – for infants beginning at six weeks until they are at least one year old and confidently walking.
Room 2 – Infant Nursery for Walkers & Talkers – when babies begin walking, they move to room 2 and remain there until they are 3 years old and potty trained.
Room 3 – Toddler Nursery – children move to this room when they are 3 years old and potty trained. They remain here until the August following their fourth birthday when they begin attending Children’s Chapel.
Sunday School
Sunday School runs in concurrence with the Adult Christian Formation classes at 9:30 on Sunday mornings from mid-September through the end of May.
Age 3 — Buzz What’s the Buzz all about? Buzz is the new curriculum that we are launching this September for our 3 year old class. Buzz Sunday School includes simple and fun Bible stories where children pick and choose activities. Buzz has a strong biblical framework and an age appropriate understanding of who God is. Visit the Buzz website at HYPERLINK “http://www.group.com/buzz”. The 3 year old Sunday School takes place in Nursery Room 3. Children should be three years old by September 1st to attend.
K4 – K5 —Godly Play is a method of Christian education based on Montessori methods which engages children’s physical senses while they learn about God. The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language, parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence around them and in their lives. Children share their own experiences and make practical connections to God and the Bible. During the Sunday School hour, children will have a Bible lesson, spend time in prayer and work on mission projects. Children should be four years old prior to September 1st to attend.
1st and 2nd Grades — Discipleship Junction
3rd through 5th Grades — Sunday School Specials (by Group)
Classrooms are located on the second floor of the Christian Education and Music building.
Children's Chapel
Children’s Chapel takes place during the 10:30 service in St. Mary’s Chapel for children in grades K4 through 5th grade. During Children’s Chapel, children enjoy a Bible story, singing, prayers and other activities. The curriculum used for Children’s Chapel is based on the weekly gospel reading. Celebrate the Good News offers children the opportunity to be full participants of the liturgy. Children attend the beginning of the service in the Sanctuary with their parents and follow the Children’s Cross to the Chapel at the time noted on the service bulletin. Children will return to the Sanctuary at the Peace and remain with their families to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. All children who attend are eligible to serve as acolytes and parents are always welcome to visit or assist with music, storytelling and activities.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible school runs from 9:00 – 11:30 for a week during the summer for children in grades K4
– 5th grade. VBS is wonderful opportunity for children to spend time learning about God’s love for them and his role in their lives. Each day children are immersed in powerful stories of Jesus’ teachings and how they apply to our daily lives. This year’s theme is Group’s “High Seas Adventure — Exploring the Mighty Love of God!” The children will take part daily in Bible adventures, fun games, tasty treats, skits, crafts and wonderful sing-a-long music that follow the theme of God’s love in their lives. These experiences make God’s word come alive with new meaning. This important week relies heavily on the work of volunteers – parents, grandparents, teenagers and adults come together to serve the children of our church during this very special time. Please contact Jenni Boyden or Kerry Hual at chedchildren@christ-church.net for more information.
H.O.P. (Helping Other People)
Helping Other People (H.O.P.) is a series of events throughout the year designed to help children better understand the ministry of helping others in need. Activities are designed to allow children to experience service in many different ways. Children will gain experience in ministering to the sick, the poor, the homeless, the elderly, children in need and providing service within the church.
The H.O.P. Program is open to children beginning in Kindergarten through High School and children are not required to be members of Christ Church to participate. H.O.P. volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities that are safe and supervised by qualified adults. Parents of participants are requested to serve as volunteers for at least one activity during the year. HOP activities will take place after school on the third Tuesday of each month beginning in September and ending in May. For more information, contact Kerry Hual at 432-5115 or chedchildren@christ-church.net.