Children's ministries 2009 - 2010
By the Rev. Elaine H. Breckenridge
This year’s faith formation program for children (Sunday School) is held during the first part of the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist service. Children begin at 10:00 in the pew with their parents and then follow the small cross out in procession to their class during the entrance hymn. They return to the service at the time of the Peace and remain in church for the rest of the service. Then immediately following the service, everyone is free to gather downstairs for coffee hour.
Come Join the Circle
Come Join the Circle is the name of our curriculum for primary age students which calls forth the gifts and interests of adults in our congregation. Children study one Bible story in depth for several weeks by rotating through a series of eight “centers” or modules. Food and People, Fun and Games, Community Service Projects, Drama, Music, Science Experiments and Building, Dancing and Movement are just some of the ways children learn. We also celebrate what the children learn by bringing some of their activities into special liturgies throughout the year.
Other ministries for children include:
Godly Play
We can continue to offer this program for our preschoolers when there are enough children for a class. At this point, we do not have enough children enrolled for this program but we can certainly reinstate the class, should there be enough participants. In the meantime, preschool are children are invited to Come Join the Circle.
Child Care
Infants and toddlers are cared for in Noah’s Nursery beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays so that their parents may attend the adult class. Child care is offered during the entire 10:00 a.m. Eucharist service. Parents are welcome and encouraged to bring their children into the Eucharist for communion or a blessing. Our regular nursery staff includes Becky Hoffart and Kelli Weinbender, both Whitworth University students; and Sierra Dodd, daughter of our music director.
Acolytes
Acolytes continue to be a way children can be involved in the liturgical ministry of St. David’s. Children eight years old and older are invited to be trained. If you are interested, contact William Breckenridge at 458-4347 or by email.
Intergenerational Worship
First Sunday Festivals incorporate children in the Eucharist and offer the whole church family an opportunity to worship together. On these first Sundays of the month, children sit with their Come Join the Circle peers and offer their special gifts in the worship.
Fellowship
Coffee hour, the time for refreshments and fellowship after the 10:00 a.m. service, is a wonderful opportunity for community building. It is also a way for families to do a project together. We hope that more families will volunteer to offer a coffee hour and involve their children in the preparation and clean-up.
Confirmation Classes
We are using the "Confirm not Conform" curriculum this year for youth who are ready to make their own commitment to the faith. Classes are taught by Elaine Breckenridge and Steve Joyce. If your child is ready for confirmation, please contact Elaine.
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Many of our children and families also enjoy attending summer sessions at the diocese's Camp Cross on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene.
