CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Nursery: 3-36 Months
During our 9 and 11 o’clock services and during Sunday School we have loving caregivers in our nursery. The nursery is the first room on the left. Silent pagers are available for parents to take with them to worship and Sunday School.
(top)Sunday Christian Formation - 10:05-10:50
Christian Formation registration click here.
Summer Program - All God's Children Have a Story
Throughout the warm days of summer the children of St. Paul's will "curl up with a good book." After enjoying a picture book, the group will be led in a discussion, followed with a related activity. Join us as we read the following:
- Sunday, July 18th - Agatha's Feather Bed, Carmen Agra Deedy
With Disciple Camp behind us and a week of environmental stewardship experiences, the children will explore the book's point, "Everything comes from something, Nothing comes from nothing..." and create circle graphs to understand how everyday items begin in nature and make it to their tables.
- Sunday, July 25th– The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, Judith Viorst
This book about a cat, Barney, who dies, and how his family had a funeral to remember him. Since dying is as usual as living, the children will participate in a meaningful discussion and try our hand at writing a prayer.
- Sunday, August 1st – God Bless the Gargoyles, Dav Pilkey
Gargoyles were created to protect churches, however over the years people forgot to pass down their stories and people began to fear them. Budding sculptors will carve gargoyles from florist “oasis” and learn about the “cornerstone that was rejected.”
Fall Program
Preschool 2 -3 years
Teachers of the two and three year-old classes 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. With parental permission, two and three year olds will participate in this Sunday School class wile under Nursery supervision.
Godly Play
The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action. And to help participants become more fully aware of the mystsery of God's presence in our lives. Each Sunday, children are invited to enter into our sacred stories then respond with art materials or "play." And finally, a "feast" is shared followed by a blessing and dismissal much like in the Holy Eucharist.
Preschool Godly Play - Prekindergarten and Kindergarten
Primary Godly Play - First and Second Grades
Middler Godly Play - Third and Fourth Grades
SOWhAT - (Story, Outreach, Wonder, Art and Theology) Fifth and Sixth Grades
Building on the years of experience gained from participating in Godly Play Christian Formation, thse upper-elementary learners will engage deeper in the familiar sacred Bible stories to discover what is new. Lessons will begin with the story of Creation and will include art and outreach components.
(top)Children's Chapel (9 a.m.
& 11 a.m.)
Children’s Chapel consists of singing songs, sharing a story of God and prayer. Children ages 4-years and older are invited to follow the Crucifer to chapel which meets in the Fellowship Room. Children’s Chapel services are led by the Director of Children’s Ministries who is assisted by the various clergy. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Stories are the centerpiece of our chapel program. Children’s Chapel follows the Sunday Lectionary, providing young members an opportunity to hear and respond to the lessons in a child-friendly experiential way. Sharing Bible stories allows the adult leaders to be responsive to the children, their concerns and prayers.
Participants of Children’s Chapel join the congregation at the Peace.
Wednesday Evening Program
(Wednesday Programs will resume in the Fall)
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. This effortless "walk-on" pageant features sixth grade narrators and a host of prophets, angels, shepherds, manger animals, magi and of course the Holy Family.
Communion Instruction
Communion Instruction is designed for children in preschool through early primary grades and their parents. It is held on a Sunday afternoon and is facilitated by clergy and the children's minister to enrich their understanding of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist through scripture, a tour of the sacristy, study of the Holy Eucharist worship service and through practice.
Palm Saturday (or Children's Stations of the Cross)
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)
To Register Click Here! Planned for late June, with two programs: one for preschool-age children, led by adults, and one for kindergarteners 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. Dates: July 12-16, 2010.
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.
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