CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Nursery: 3-36 Months
The nursery provides a nurturing, fun Christian environment for children
ages 3 months to 36 months.
Children follow a simple routine that provides stability, stimulation
and continuity to their experience at the church. It is located in the
Undercroft.
Childcare is provided during the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services and during the Christian Education that takes place between the two morning services. The nursery is also in operation for weekday activities when advance arrangements have been made to ensure a safe environment for all. A silent pager system is available to keep families in direct communication with the caregivers in the nursery.
Angelita Rodriguez supervises the nursery and its staff and coordinates with the Director of Children's Ministries.
(top)Sunday Christian Formation
Preschool 2 -3 years: 10:10 -10:50 a.m. (Meets in Undercroft)
Teachers of the two and three year-old class present a Bible story and enrichment activities and provide a light snack. The format is experiential and includes games, songs, and a simple art activity.
Preschool 4 -5 years: 10:10 -10:50 a.m. (Meets in Undercroft)
The preschool Godly Play program welcomes developmentally mature three years-old (if parents desire) through Kindergarten. The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action, to help participants become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in our lives.
Primary, First and Second Grades: 10:10-10:50 a.m.
This class meets on the second floor in Children’s Chapel. The Primary class uses the Godly Play method of Christian Formation. With Godly Play, we tell Bible stories to children to encourage them to enter into the stories and relate them to their personal experience.
Middle Elementary, Third and Fourth Grades: 10:10 -10:50 a.m.
This class meets in the second floor classroom next to Children’s Chapel. This advanced class will take explore deeper in the Godly Play method of Christian Formation. New this 2007 program year, participants will hear enrichment stories alongside the strong foundation of core lessons.
Intermediate, Fifth and Sixth Grades: 10:10-10:50 a.m.
Intermediates meet across Sixth Street in the Youth Building. Their Christian Formation program uses the Episcopal curriculum, Living the Good News. Instruction is derived from the appointed lectionary readings. Each session is designed to be age-appropriate and experiential with a wide range of visual arts, music and literature.
(top)Children's Chapel (9 a.m. & 11 a.m.)
School age children through third graders are encouraged to attend Children's Chapel each Sunday. Parents are also welcome. During both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services children are led by the crucifer before the Gospel lesson to the lovely Chapel worship space. This interactive, formational service includes music, an "age-appropriate story" and prayer. Some of the basic responses and prayers from the Book of Common Prayer are included and set to music. The conclusion of Chapel coincides with the exchanging of the Peace in the church service; the children process into the church to join their families for the Holy Eucharist.
(top)Wednesday Evening Program
March 26-May 14
The Gospel according to Dr. Seuss
The word "gospel" comes from a Greek word that means "good news." The Children's Wednesday Evening Programs in April will look for the good news in four of the stories of Dr. Seuss: The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, The Sneetches and The Butter Battle Book. After hearing from Dr. Seuss, we will find connections to the "good news" in Bible stories looking for what the two stories have in common. Young people can connect the two and hear God speaking in our own culture.
Annual Events
Advent Workshop
The church community, young and young at heart, gathers to create traditional Advent crafts. Advent wreaths, candles, crèches, and chains are ways for adults and children to prepare for the coming of Jesus and the celebration of Christmas.
Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant
An opportunity for the children of St. Paul's to have a role in reenacting the wonderful story of the birth and adoration of our Lord Jesus.
Palm Saturday
Children celebrate the events of Holy Week and Easter, the heart of our church year, with experiential activities. Multi-age groups rotate through an afternoon of stories, crafts, snacks and games.
Disciple Camp (Vacation Bible School)
Planned for the 25th through the 29th of June are two programs: one for preschool-age children, led by adults, and one for kindergartners through fifth grades, shepherded by teen counselors. Both groups explore a central Bible theme through fun activities and projects. Disciple Camp also strives to promote stewardship by participating in an outreach project. Please see our registration form.
To volunteer for the Rainforest Adventure Disciple Camp: click Rainforest Adventure VBS 2008 here.
For more information about our children's ministries, contact Lisa St.Romain, director, at 254-753-4501 or via e-mail at lisa@stpaulswaco.org.
(top)