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Children

Childrens Ministry

We believe that sharing the adventure of worship is a wonderful way for children to discover faith. At Saint John's we encourage parents to bring their children into the worship service. Children are an important part of our community, and their presence in our sanctuary is a gift. Please know that we are a child-friendly congregation. We hope that they feel enfolded in the love of God as they participate in the joyful work of worship.

Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adult Safety Policy 

Click here to learn more about our COVID-19 Protocols

For the safety of all the children and adults please see the Childcare Room Safety Guidelines below:

  • Masks will be worn by children(over age 2) and employees/volunteers while in Childcare and Children's Sunday school when we are in COVID stages "High" and "Medium"
  • Parents will check-in on the touchscreen computer or contactless check-in on mobile device
  • No food or drinks will be provided unless instructed and provided by parents
  • To keep proper distancing, parents will stay at the door for drop-off and pick-up and will only be allowed in the room in extreme emergency and at the invitation of a worker.
  • We ask that if any child/parent is feeling ill with any COVID-19 symptoms that they please stay home, and notify the church if contact was made with anyone at a church sponsored event.
  • If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach to Laura Schwarcz.

Children's Sunday school (Preschool- 5th grades) will take place from 10:00 –10:45 am in room 103. Check your Children and Family Ministry email for more details and guidelines, or contact Laura Schwarcz.

Baptism at Saint John's

Read more below about Children's worship opportunities, Sunday school, and 4th grade AGAPE class.

In Worship

Worshipping with Children- Worship Bags and Bethlehem Room

We believe that sharing the adventure of worship is a wonderful way for children to discover faith. At Saint John's we encourage parents to bring their children into the worship service. Children are an important part of our community, and their presence in our sanctuary is a gift. Please know that we are a child-friendly congregation. We hope that they feel enfolded in the love of God as they participate in the joyful work of worship

 Worship Bags
As you come to in-person worship at Saint John’s we want to make sure that you and your family feel supported and equipped for your worship experience. Worship bags will look a little different than in the past. On your first Sunday back your child will receive a bag filled with pipe cleaners, coloring pages, and other surprises. We ask that you bring your worship bag to and from home each week to worship.
Suggestions of what to add to your bag:

  • Paper/Coloring Book

  • Children's Bible

  • Colored pencils or pencils (please refrain from crayons or markers)

  • Stickers

  • Pipe Cleaners

  • Book for independent reading

  • Pencil Mazes

  • Finger Labyrinths

  • Water Bottle

 What to leave at home to preserve our sanctuary space:

 

  • Electronics

  • Food

  • Play-dough, slime, anything sticky

We will have some “extra” bags to borrow if your child forgets theirs. Please leave borrowed bags in the container labeled “worship bags” at the back of the church on your way out the door.

 Bethlehem Room
Our "Bethlehem Room," located adjacent to the sanctuary, offers a place for parents to worship while attending to infants in a quiet, sound-proof room. We ask that you help us maintain a worshipful environment in this space.

Sunday School

Logistics and Safety Guidelines for Children's Sunday School

To help prepare for Sunday school we kindly ask that you make sure your child's profile is up-to-date in your MySaintsJohns account. If you don't have an account or need assistance please contact Jennifer Heath, our interim business administrator.

Preschool through 3rd Grade Sunday school:

10:00 am- 10:45 in Room 103 You can read more about the Sunday school curriculum for this age below.

4th and 5th Grade Sunday school:

10:00 am- 10:45 in Room 119 Our 4th and 5th graders will be in their own Sunday school classroom, learning how to use their Bible (provided in class).

Check-In/ Out Procedures:


Check-in computers will be located at the following areas:

  • Outside the Childcare Room
  • The Children's Check-in Area located in the main foyer

Please have your child wear the name tag printed.

Children's check in desk with computer

Our Children's Ministry offers Sunday School classes, mission projects, special parenting classes and preschool education. In Children's Sunday school for Preschool- 5th grade we offer two different type of spiritual Christian education:

Preschoolers use the " Seasons of the Spirit" curriculum. This curriculum is lectionary based, so what parents are hearing in worship their preschooler is learning about as well through puppet storytelling, hands on activities, movements, and song.

Children Kinder - 5th grade use Godly Play® materials to hear biblical stories. Godly Play® helps children learn to be in a Christian community, as well as nurtures personal growth in faith. Adults supporting children in Godly Play® seek to allow for wonder and creative expression in children that will help them be open to this awareness of God. The Godly Play curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into —and pursuing us in the midst of— Scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play® practice teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our live

Children with Ms. Laura in a Godly Play lesson

All of our Sunday school teachers have completed the Safe Gathering requirements by the Rio Texas Conference. This includes a background check and training in the safe sanctuary. Your child's safety while in Sunday school is very important to us.

Health and Safety Procedures:
Masks will be required for all volunteers and all children ages 2 and up during COVID stages "High" and "Medium" and hand sanitizer will be given upon arrival.

Agape

Agape Fellowship – 4th and 5th Grade Small Group

Agape ( AH- GA- PEH) – Love and Serve One Another
This is a 4th and 5th Grade small group that gathers together for fun and fellowship.

Agape will meet from 4:30-6:00 pm on the Grace Garden playground on the following dates:
September 11, 2022
October 2, 2022
November 6, 2022
December 11, 2022: Caroling with the Church meet at 12:00 pm
January 8, 2023
February 5, 2023
March 5, 2023
April 2, 2023
May 7, 2023

If you have questions contact Laura Schwarcz.

Upcoming Children and Family Events