SUNDAY OFFERINGS
NURSERY: ages Infant to 3 (open from 9:30am - 11:30am)
We have three very capable high school seniors who work in the nursery. Feel free to use the nursery whenever you need. We have a pager system or you can leave your cell phone number for emergency contact information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE:
Sunday School will run from 9:30 - 10:30am
Please drop off your child at the appropriate location listed by age group below. We will gather together at 10:15am in Thaxter Hall for a group lectionary lesson, complete an exercise on forgiveness and pray together.
We will then enter the church from the back and join our families during the Passing of the Peace and celebrate the Eucharist together as a community of faith.
CHERUBS: ages 3 - K Location: Pre-School room on ground floor of Parish Hall.
Geared for pre-school children to Kindergarten (5 or 6). The framework of this program is to create an environment for creative, spiritual learning. In using the ECC* curriculum the children will read stories, sing, dance, make craft creations while they learn about love and God with their hearts, hands and head.
The structured program meets during the Sunday School hour (from 9:30- 10:30am). If your child would like to stay in the nursery during the remainder of the service please let us know.
EXPLORERS GROUP: grades 1st - 5th Location: Thaxter Hall
This is an interactive workshop based program for children in grades 1st - 5th. The Explorers Group meets at 9:30am in Thaxter Hall for an introduction to the theme* or lesson. We will teach through drama, games, crafts, yoga and other outside of the box activities.
4th and 5th graders are "youth leaders" and are partnered with younger children for help in reading and activities, thus learning the value of leadership during the beginning of the hour. During some weeks they will also separate into a class of 4th & 5th graders for an age appropriate lesson while the younger children (grades 1-3) stay in Thaxter Hall for an activity.
Intergenerational Guest Speakers regularly appear to share their many talents, experiences, passions, knowledge and history. Connecting generations is very powerful both emotionally and intellectually. At St. john’s this connection is highly valued and encouraged.
Please let Amy Dutton know if you are interested in being a “Guest Speaker” (and be honored if you are asked to appear). It is our goal to integrate the children in the life of the Parish.
ECC (Episcopal Children’s Curriculum) is a “thematic” curriculum and focus on scope & sequence and progresses within a series of themes. The learning is comprehensive with age-appropriate activities for the Cherubs. http://www.vts.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=122314
The Explorers (grades 1-5) will use a combination of both “thematic” and lectionary based of curriculum in order to fit the needs of the children. Through crafts, writing, reading, yoga, interactive games and music we will select lessons and activities that are age appropriate and developmentally sound. The Sunday lessons that are “lectionary based” come from the Book of Common Prayer. Since children will learn in Sunday School the same scripture they and their parents hear in worship, this method puts all people in the congregation “on the same page,” and it is our hope to promote family conversations after church. www.sermons4kids.com