Children's Ministry

Jesus lifts up children as our mentors in the life of faith. Children have deep and significant experiences of God and have much to teach us with their prophetic voices. In our ministry to and with children, the adults of St. John’s try to embrace this truth. We listen to our children so that we might learn from them and support their deepening life with God.

Children and youth are invited into the very heart of the community to exercise their ministry and give their gifts. Adults are invited to be ministered to by our children and to receive their gifts. St. John’s nurtures children’s gifts and encourages their experience of God and community through common worship, Faith Formation (Sunday School and Christian Formation), Children’s Choir and other offerings. If you have questions about Children’s Ministry at St. John’s, please contact Michele Morgan.

Sunday School

Sunday School Registration Form

Sunday School Schedule - September thru December 2008

So what is really going on downstairs while the adults are in Forum or drinking coffee? A group of very generous and dedicated adults are experiencing a different kind of adult formation – they are finding God with the children of St. John’s. Sunday school classes at 10:00 are offered in the following groupings:

Godly Play (2-3 year olds & 4 year olds and pre-K)
Godly Play, used at St. John’s for a number of years, is based on the Montessori method and uses a careful telling of scripture stories, engaging story figures and activities to encourage children to seek and find answers to their faith questions.

Seasons of the Spirit (K-1st grade « Room 3 | 2nd & 3rd grade « Room 5)
Seasons of the Spirit is a new curriculum offering this year for our elementary children. This international lectionary-based resource invites children to imaginatively engage scripture through activities, discussion, current events and the arts, and sends them into the contemporary world as an arena to test, share and live out their faith.

Jesus and His Kingdom of Equals (4th and 5th graders « Room 1)
Jesus and His Kingdom of Equals is another new curriculum offering this year written for 4th-7th graders to introduce them to an interpretation of the historical Jesus based on contemporary biblical research, principally from the Jesus Seminar. Drama, simulations, crafts and social service initiatives reinforce values concerning such teachings as respect for all, sharing worldly goods, conflict resolution friendship and forgiveness.

Sunday school is on break during the summer months resuming the third week of September.

Children's Chapel
At our 9 and 11 o'clock services, we offer a children's chapel service in the Parish hall for little ones.  The age range is about 4 through 10, but some younger and older kids are able to participate well.  The service is a child's version of the Liturgy of The Word, including songs, prayers, a collection of money to help with peace and justice causes, and continuing story (the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation in about three years).  The worship leaders include John Bellaimey and Michele Morgan, as well as other trained parent-volunteers.  We are always happy to have parents accompany children to this service.