Programs for Children

Nursery

Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Our professional caregiver, assisted by volunteers welcomes and cares for children from infancy through age 4 on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the 10:15 a.m. service. Nursery care is also available during some of our educational events and special programs.

Godly Play

Pre-K to K & Grades 1-4

Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

"Engaging the whole child: heart, mind, hands, senses, intuition." Godly Play is a Montessori-related approach to learning which enables children to experience the presence of a loving God and discover how to “speak the language” of their biblical faith.

The Godly Play curriculum is focused on both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. It is a discovery method of learning which enables young children to encounter God by using both of their critical gates of knowledge: play and language. Its intent is not so much to tell about God as it is to invite children to experience God’s presence as real and gracious. Godly Play is offered at St. John’s Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for children ages 3 through grade 4, in two rooms designed for Godly Play. The children then join their families in church for communion.

Godly Play also happens at other times --at an adult Bible Study or at Baptism Preparation, and occasionally as the Sunday morning sermon! Godly Play is a powerful, proven way for people of faith both to share their spiritual tradition and to bring people - adults as well as children - into God’s graceful presence.

For additional resources and information please visit: www.godlyplay.org and www.godlyplay.com.

Godly Time for Grades 5 & 6

Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Godly Time is Godly Play for Older Children, following closely the principles of Godly Play. After the presentation of the story, the older children may discuss the story more deeply, or work with the story by studying the history of the time, making maps or murals, or creating a drama or journal. Godly Timers are also introduced to the Bible itself, what it consists of, how to find their way around it, and how to read and study the Scriptures for themselves.

Journey to Adulthood

Rite 13 for Grades 7-8

J2A for Grades 9-10

Sundays at 10:00 am

This six year program, Journey to Adulthood, is structured in three phases. RITE 13, is a two-year program for grades 7-8. It's goals are building community, establishing relationships which honor each individual’s gifts and talents as necessary for the life of the group, and unfolding a basic understanding of the call of God on all of us to live in accordance with God’s Word.

J2A is a two-year program for grades 9-10 and in addition to continuing on a more mature level the goals of Rite 13 includes preparation for Confirmation and a spiritual Pilgimage. In the fall of 2007 we will begin YOUNG ADULTS IN CHURCH (YAC) for grades 11-12 where the young people are encouraged to become more engaged in worship and the activities of the church, and to be responsible for planning and carrying out their own program with the assistance of advisors.

Summer Sundays

Godly Play for All Ages at 10:00 a.m.
During the summer, Godly Play continues with one class for all ages, enabling families to continue worshipping during the summer months. Our structure is a little more relaxed, yet the need for volunteers increases as teachers may be on vacation. This is a good time to come volunteer as a storyteller or doorperson (we’ll help you!) The summer church service is shorter, more casual, and the church is cooled by silent ceiling fans.

Events For Families With Children

In addition to our Sunday Morning Children's Programs families with children enjoy participating in a number of parish events: the Homecoming Brunch in September, Blessing of the Animals in October, decorating and filling Thanksgiving Food Boxes for needy families in November. December Advent Wreath Making and The Christmas Show lead to Christmas Eve at 5:00 p.m. when children participate in a festive Christmas procession bringing their stuffed animals to be blessed at the manger, and lighting their candles during Silent Night. The Great Vigil of Easter, on Easter Eve, finds the children dramatizing the scripture readings of Creation or The Exodus. Throughout the year, families gather gifts to make Easter baskets for cancer patients, or send presents to parents in prison to give to their children at Christmastime. And everyone loves The Pentecost Picnic!