Children’s Programs
at St. Andrew’s
A PROGRESSIVE CULTIVATION OF THE
SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE CHILD
A JOURNEY OF JOY AND WONDER
- A progressive Christian perspective for a new generation
- Time to be touched by the holy and to know the unity of all creation
- People to love and be loved by
- A place beautifully prepared with children's materials that help us know and enjoy the God who loves all unconditionally
- An environment of safety, trust and acceptance
That we might explore our own uniqueness to find our life's meaning
That we might experience the difference of others in depth and in delight
That we might confront the great mysteries of life with curiosity and confidence
That we might connect with nature and deeply enjoy creation
That we might deeply desire to imitate the God who loves us all.
"Karen's Korner"
Cultivating the Spiritual Life of A Child in a Christian Tradition - A New Vision
"In this series of articles, I want to offer a vision for the cultivation of the spiritual lives of children which differs from what most of us experienced as children." - Rev. Karen Gaudet, Director of Children's Ministries
Stage 2 - The Elementary Child - Forgiving Love and Goodness
Stage 3 - The Adolescent - Heroic Love and Truth
Check out the website created for our StA kids!
GREEN CAMP 2011 was a great success!
Read about it, see photos!
Watch a video!
Activities for Children Each Sunday
Small Groups
Meeting 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., this is an opportunity to belong to a group of friends on a journey of joy and wonder.
St. Andrew's offers two groups for children.
Level 1 is for children three years through kindergarten and is in the back classroom closest to the playground.
Level 2 is for children first through fifth grade and is in the back classroom closest to the parking lot.
These small groups give children:
- A progressive Christian perspective.
- Time to be touched by the holy and to know the unity of creation.
- People to love and be loved by.
- A place prepared with beautiful children's materials that they may know and enjoy the God who loves all unconditionally.
- An environment of safety, trust and acceptance that we might explore our own uniqueness to find our life's meaning; a place to experience the difference of others in depth and in delight; ways to confront the great mysteries of life with curiosity and confidence; opportunities to connect with nature and deeply enjoy creation; time to develop a deep desire to imitate the God who loves us all.
Godly Play
Godly Play curriculum is what Jerome Berryman calls his interpretation of Montessori's approach to religious education. For the progressive cultivation of the spiritual lives of children we have found this indirect method useful as we seek new understandings of our faith and children's spirituality. Central to this way of teaching is the assumption that children do have encounters with the mystery of the presence of God. Godly Play helps them find language to communicate their experiences. It offers them Montessori-type materials for work and play. It equips them as lifelong seekers by encouraging wondering questions about the deepest mysteries of life and faith. Rather than give pat answers or teach doctrine, we support the child's own spiritual quest with this indirect teaching style.
Core to their experience in class are carefully selected, developmentally appropriate scriptures and stories.
"Children love to hear and tell stories, a natural medium of childhood communication. Stories are where all of us, children and adults, find our identity, our family. Stories are where we challenge the deadly messages of the powers-that-be (whether greed and overwork or poverty and powerlessness) that would rob our lives of relationships and meaning. Stories are where we integrate the experiences of our lives into powerful acts of recognition, celebration, and meaning as we make our way through time and space. Through story we invite one another to make meaning of our world and ultimately of our lives." (The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Vol. 1, p. 28)
Every Sunday two adults lead each small group. In addition to the story and wondering questions, time for 'prayer work' invites prayer, reflection and integration through art, play with story sets, and prayer aides. Children clean up and then share a feast (snack) before dismissal.
If you have any questions or would like to be involved with children's Spiritual Formation at St. Andrew’s, please contact the church office.
Children’s Church
Every Sunday, we offer Children's Church during the 10:45 a.m. service in order to make the 'sermon time' more child-friendly. This time is designed for children 4 to 10 years old who are able to sit and listen in a circle. This worship experience imitates the congregation's worship so the children will learn to participate and appreciate the congregation's liturgy and customs. It is a way of supporting inclusivity of all ages in the congregation's worship. Childcare is available for children younger than 4 years old.
Here's how it works: Children participate in the 10:45 a.m. worship service until after the lesson with the puppets. They then go to a classroom. During this time, the children continue worship by gathering in a circle, introducing themselves, listening to each other's thanksgivings and concerns (their 'prayers of the people'). The prayer time is followed by singing "Thy Word", scripture reading and a child friendly 'sermon.' Sometimes the scripture and sermon is related to the pastor's sermon. Other times there are topical series. The children return just before the offering so that they can continue their participation in congregational worship.
Other options which support families worshiping with their children include listening to the sermon in the foyer and/or a quiet room which is next to the sound booth. Children are always welcome in the worship service and many families elect to remain together in the sanctuary.
We welcome you to be a part of Children's Church, even if you're not a parent. We would be glad to have your help. The more volunteers we have, the more we can do. Want to help? Contact the church office.
Another Great Year for Peace Camp!
Love Can Change the World
Sunday, June 20 - Thursday, June 24, 2010
View our Powerpoint slide show as a PDF
(The slides are turned into pages you can click through)
If you'd like to, you can download the original presentation. To view, you must have Powerpoint installed on your computer, or download a free viewer from Microsoft.
Links to
Coming Events:
Church-Wide
Garage Sale
Sat., Feb. 4,
8am - 1pm
Souper Bowl Sunday
Lunch, February 5th
Open Ears Concert
The Flyin A's
opening:
Danny Britt
Friday, Feb. 10th
Doors 6:30pm
Show 7:30pm
$10 suggested
donation
Gumbo Cook-Off
February 18th
6-8:30pm
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For Children:
Spiritual Formation
Activities
For Youth