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Children’s Ministries nurture your child’s relationship with God through programs and opportunities that introduce the child to the love and example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
New Baby Ministry
The birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family, and an occasion for celebration in the parish community. Good Shepherd offers a ministry that welcomes new babies to the parish family. Soon after the birth, one of the parish clergy and the parish nurse visit at home to offer prayers and thanksgivings for the birth or adoption of a child. Members of the parish prepare and deliver a meal to help as the family begins to adjust to the presence of a new child.
Sunday Mornings for Children
Each Sunday, during the final hymn of the 9:00 AM service, children are gathered for a prompt dismissal for Sunday School, which begins with formation in the respective classrooms, and concludes with refreshments in the small parish hall where parents can pick them up.
Ages 3-6 years: Meets in Room 102
Jesus the Good Shepherd is the subject of study and encounter for these children. His personal love and protective presence evokes a sense of awe, wonder, and enchantment in us. Children come to discover that the Good Shepherd is their Shepherd and loves and cares for each of them.
Grades 1-3: Meets in Room 301
Christ the True Vine is the emphasis for these children with a focus on the history of the Kingdom of God. Children begin to discover the vast cosmic history of God's plan of salvation and come to realize that we are participants in it. Moral awareness is fostered and grows with presentations of the teachings, parables, and examples of Jesus. During Lent children will prepare for and learn about Reconciliation and Solemn Communion.
Grades 4-5: Meets in Room 306
The Plan of God, as it is worked out in the Bible and human history, provides for rich lessons. Children are drawn deeper into bible study realizing that the wonderful sacred story is their story.
Glory Days
This year we will be celebrating the wonder of God's infinite love during something we call Glory Days. What are Glory Days? This is a time for the children to rejoice with singing and dancing. In addition we will have an engaging activity such as skits and puppet shows, arts & crafts, children's sermons, science experiments, decorating cookies, outreach activities, maybe even making ice cream sundaes or a hosting a game show. You'll just have to come and see what surprises we have in store for you. Mark your calendar for Glory Days in the parish hall during the Sunday School hour (10:00 - 11:00 AM) for children in preschool (three years old and potty trained) through fifth grade. Dates for this year are August 22, September 19, October 17, November 14, January 9, February 27, March 27, and May 1.
The Church Nursery
We are committed to providing child care in a nurturing and safe environment. Our nursery staff is required to complete extensive training that includes an interview process, child and infant CPR and first aid, background checks, and misconduct awareness training. The nursery is open every Sunday morning from 8:45 AM - 12:30 PM, and every Wednesday night from 6:15 - 7:30 PM for children ages 5 and under. Two rooms are available in the Episcopal Day School Village, the Gingerbread House and classroom 301.
In addition to wonderful facilities, and experienced and carefully screened nursery staff, we have a Nursery Committee which is comprised of parishioners who are committed to ensuring our youngest children are provided the healthiest environment possible. This group of parents and grandparents are dedicated and passionate about our nursery ministry.
Wednesday Nights: Following the Good Shepherd
Research shows that a child's faith is developed through interacting with adults of faith. Our Wednesday night program, 6:30 - 7:15 PM, is a relationship-building faith journey, developing:
- A child's personal connection to God as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ
- Friendships among children
- Bonds between parents, leaders, and children
Sessions are developed with a comprehensive three-year journey through the bible with story-based experiences. By learning key bible stories, children are better able to remember and understand the bible's message. Each week's lesson engages young hearts and minds with age-appropriate multi-sensory activities, crafts, stories, and games, all designed to give children an opportunity to know God through Jesus. Children do more than memorize bible verses -- they experience God's message each week through:
- Fellowship and community-building that develops meaningful relationships
- A compelling bible story that captures their attention
- The relevance of the bible story to their everyday lives
- Worship time designed to reach their heart and create a personal response to God
Special Events
Jammers
Jammers is a monthly fellowship offering for fourth & fifth graders. Activities include bowling, caroling, a pool party, trips to a local science center, miniature golf, ice skating and more. Details about upcoming events can be found in the weekly publication of The Shepherd’s Fold. 2010 - 2011 Jammers dates are as follows:
| September 19, 2010 |
January 9, 2011 |
May 1, 2011 |
| October 17, 2010 |
February 27, 2011 |
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| November 14, 2010 |
March 27, 2011 |
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Posada
Allow yourself to imagine what it must have been like to be Mary and Joseph, awaiting the arrival of a child to be named Emmanuel, on a journey of at least four days duration and over 80 miles from their home to a destination that held little or no prospect of an open door or even a warm reception. Posada is an old Mexican tradition where young people dressed as Mary and Joseph traveled from house to house asking for a room for the night and told about the imminent arrival of Jesus. Modern Posada utilizes nativity figures of Mary and Joseph who are delivered from one parish home to another where families create a celebration together by making room for Jesus in their lives. Share the Posada experience this Advent.
Advent Pageant
On the third Sunday of Advent at the 9:00 AM service, the children present an Advent Pageant. Shepherds, angels, animals, and the holy family all appear as we delight to hear again the story of Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem. Children in 4th & 5th grades audition for speaking parts and children in PK - 3rd grade have an opportunity to participate as angels and animals. Look for more information in The Shepherd’s Fold.
Vacation Bible School
Each summer children enjoy this fun, exciting week-long experience in June filled with new friends and old, energizing music, hands-on crafts, games, and dramatics, all tied to a daily bible lesson. Look for more information in The Shepherd’s Fold. Mark your calendars for June 6-10 for our 2011 Vacation Bible School.
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