Child Care and Education Options
Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the worship services here at St. Margaret's. The following child care options and educational opportunities are available:
Nursery care for children up to five years of age is available year-round on Sunday mornings during worship and the Sunday School hour.
During the school year, and on special occasions throughout the summer, children's Christian Education classes meet from 10:00-10:50 a.m.
The Sunday Paper, pertaining to the week's lessons, as well as paper and crayons and a basket of soft toys are available for the children as they enter the worship service. Please return the crayons and toys to their respective baskets following the service. Children are welcome to take home The Sunday Paper.
Our Children at Worship:
a Guide for Families and the Congregation
"Let the little children come to me; do not stop them;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs."
Mark 10:14b
Worshipping with the Children
Children of all ages are welcome to participate in worship services at St. Margaret's. As they are a vital part of our congregation, we have a responsibility to help children learn to worship. They may not always understand what is going on, but we can help them to know that this is a place where they are loved, needed and accepted.
Bringing children to worship may not always be easy, but it is an essential part of their growth toward Christ.We hope that the suggestions offered here will help us all appreciate the children who are present, for our children do belong in the worshipping community of St. Margaret's.
Review the order of service with your child to help him or her understand better what is happening in the service. Help your children find the hymns and follow along in the prayer book. Keep the hymnal, prayer book and service sheets at the child's eye level.
Encourage your child to participate in the offering by sharing his or her own financial resources.
Feel free to speak softly to your child as you help him or her to learn. It is hard for children to sit still for a long time; allow for some movement. This does not mean, however, that they should be allowed to roam freely in the church or make numerous trips in and out. Establish ground rules ahead of time. For example, no fighting with siblings, or making paper airplanes; soft toys, paper and crayons are fine to bring along, but noisy toys should be left at home.
The time we gather for Communion is a very important time in our worship and children can also sense that it is a special time. We encourage all baptized persons to receive Communion, no matter what their age, and for those not yet baptized to come forward to receive a blessing. Suggestions for the Congregation.
Remember the commitment we make to the children at baptism: "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?" BCP p. 303 Take time to greet the children before and after the service, as well as during the Peace. Express your gladness at having the children near you. Include them in your conversations, let them know they belont. Hand offering plates to children, not just over their heads.
Free yourself from worry about children's behavior.
Be open to receiving their ministry to you.
Children's Formation Classes
10:00 a.m. Sundays
Children whose third birthdays fall after September 15 are in the nurseries downstairs.
Infant/Toddler is in Room 108
Toddler/Preschool is in Room 109.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
is offered Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for children age three through third grade. This is
a Montessori-based approach to children’s formation which focuses on the fact
that the child already has a relationship with God. Trained leaders, called
Catechists, present stories and manipulatives that give the children language
to help express this relationship. Class time is child-led, and based on the
teaching of Holy Scripture and church tradition. Children gather in an
"atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet
beautiful materials that they use.
Different kinds of gifts are
needed in at least three areas of ministry: Trained catechists, assistants for
gate-keeping, and assistance for materials.
Who - Men and
women who are interested in helping in children’s formation.
When - The
program is held on Sunday mornings, September through May from 10:00-10:55 a.m.
Time involved - Catechists:
Becoming a trained catechist requires the highest level of commitment, as the
catechist takes on the responsibility of nurturing and guiding each child
throughout their time in the program. Requirement includes attendance at
weekend trainings once a month over a two year period and regular Sunday
worship and attendance.
Assistants for Gate-Keeping: Assisting the catechist and children is the primary
responsibility in this area of ministry. Requirement includes regular attendance
on Sunday mornings and a willingness to learn and support the work of the
children and the Catechist.
Assistants for Materials: Woodworking, art and painting, handwriting, cutting,
pasting, copying and organizing materials, sewing, or just making specified
materials for the children’s work. Requires time and willingness to give of
your skills and gifts. Specific directions and supplies are provided for the
materials.
Contact – Kimber
Fendley at 217-8148 or kimberf@comcast.net
If you have interest in being a part of this ministry please fill out the Inquiry Form and in the comments box type the name of this ministry.
Ages for the atrium levels and their catechists:
Level I
Children who are age three by September
15. Room 110 downstairs.
Catechists are Dan Blair,
Marolyn Ogden, Bill & Adele Simmons.
Level II
Children
in first through third grades. Room 106 downstairs.
Catechists are Kimber Findley and Laura Woford.
Living the Good News
Children in
fourth through sixth grades. Room 101 downstairs.
Catechists are
Pete Alexander, Nancy Daniels and Rhonda Oline.
If you have interest in being a part of this ministry please fill out the Inquiry Form and in the comments box type the name of this ministry.
Nursery
Children whose third birthdays fall
before September 15
are in the nurseries downstairs.
Infant/Toddler is in Room
108.
Toddler Preschool is in Room
109.
Episcopal Kids Community (EKC)
The Episcopal Kids Community (EKC) is a chance for 3-5 graders to meet for music, program, and fun activities within a program led by the older youth from the EYC program. Children come together and enjoy a snack, sing songs, enjoy program and activities for two hours once a month.
If you have interest in being a part of this ministry please fill out the Inquiry Form and in the comments box type the name of this ministry.
