How are Children Involved?

Inclusion

St. John's is just beginning to step on a path that may lead us on a journey toward the total and complete inclusion of children in all aspects of parish life. As we learn to embrace children in new ways, we often reap unexpected rewards and occasionally face challenges that demand creative solutions. We are slowly giving children more space to worship God with us, in their own way. We hope our service and discipleship will become a richer, more meaningful experience for everyone.

Church School

You and your child may have to spend much of your time apart from one another because of the many demands placed on your time. It is very important to the Christian Educators at St. John's that families be given the opportunity to share worship time. In the past, church school has taken place either before or after the worship time. However; until we have a new Christian Educator and Nursery Caregiver for Sunday mornings, we are unable to schedule Church School. Our new Church School program is expected to begin in early February 2008 so please check back for exact times.

Children's Chat

What do Mr. Potato Head and the Church Body have in common? How about hiking trails and temptation or hard candy and God's grace? You can find out during a children's sermon offered at least once a month, sometimes twice when we're really good! When asked one Sunday what we have to be thankful for, one very small child replied, "I'm thankful for families that love us and God's world that we live in." We are so busy teaching our children that sometimes we forget to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to teach us through them. A Children's Chat brings it together in a wonderful, spontaneous, compassionate way that gently nurtures the child in all.

Children's Bell Choir

You can ring! Every so often throughout the year children of all ages are invited to join the bell choir. The bells are color coded and even toddlers with a little help can enjoy this activity. We learn songs for special occasions and sometimes just for the joy of praising the Lord.