Children are a big part of our congregational life at St. John’s Grace, and we see ourselves as a multi-generational “family” church. Yet family means many things: adoptive families, foster families, single parent families, two parent families, families with same sex parents, families caring for elders and elders caring for families. You will find all kinds of families here at St. John’s Grace UCC.
Here’s just a bit of info about how children are included in our community.
Worship
Worship always includes a Children’s message and prayer. Kids stay in worship through the opening hymn, Litany of Praise, Morning Prayer, passing of the peace, and prayers of confession and assurance. It’s so great to see children of all ages passing the peace of Christ in worship each Sunday.
Church School
Every Sunday at 9:00, St. John’s Grace conducts Church School for all ages (including adults!)
The 2019-2020 school year began with Rally Day on September 8. Children are divided by age groups and are participating in this year’s program is DEEP BLUE.
Fun activities include crafts, songs and stories. Last year the children grew their own potato creatures, fed the birds around the church, set up a rain barrel and even made their own recycled paper. Lots of similarly fun activities are planned for this year!
The children participate in a time of worship, reflection and music, and then rejoin the rest of the congregation at the offertory. We feel this will better prepare children for “grown-up” worship later on, as well as teaching them that what they offer right now is valued and celebrated by God and the rest of the congregation. Their activity time will follow immediately after worship during “Coffee Hour” and will allow more volunteers to help, or allow busy families to move on if needed.
We definitely hope your child (or grandchild) will be involved. Talk to Greg and Amy Bell to find out more about teaching, new schedules and more!
Nursery Care
We love babies, and St. John’s has LOTS of them! Babies and children are always welcome to remain in worship with their parents. We also provide Nursery Care in our nursery each Sunday for children 4 & under. Care is provided by volunteers from the congregation. All children are logged in and out of the nursery, and silent pagers are available for parents to take with them into worship. Safety is important to us!
Vacation Bible School
Last summer’s Vacation Bible School was To Mars and Beyond!
This year’s Vacation Bible School is : Building with God – a Lego Extravaganza!
VBS will be August 3-7, 2020! Dinner is served at 5:15 PM, and the Program itself runs from 6-8 PM. Dinner is $5 per person for the week with a max of $20 per family. More details are coming!
