Children

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​St. Christopher's seeks to nurture children's curiosity, share the values and story of our faith, and be a place of belonging, service, and support for them and their families.  

Infants and toddlers
A play space is set-up in the library adjacent to the sanctuary for young children, age three and under.  Parents may stay in the library while still listening to the service or return to the sanctuary and leave their child with one of our high school nursery assistants (both are vaccinated and will be wearing masks in line with Carmel Clay school policy).  When more small children return to church, we will re-open the formal nursery.   

Pre-K to 2nd Grade
During the 10:00 am service, the children process together from the sanctuary to the upstairs chapel space where the Children's Ministry Coordinator, Cathy Scott, supported by a rotation of consistent adults and clergy, lead a chapel program that mimics the order of what is happening in the sanctuary, with key prayers/songs learned through repetition and Godly-Play storytelling. Read/download the list of key dates and themes. 

3rd - 5th Grade

• Children in this age group tend to "outgrow" Children's Chapel/Sunday School but are not quite ready to absorb the full worship experience on it own. The 3rd - 5th graders attend church with their families. Children's bulletins, pew activities, and books, all resources to assist their engagement, are available just outside the sanctuary doors. Empty worship bags are nearby for children to fill with themed worship activities, which include coloring, puzzles, and other related activities for the month. 
• This age group may begin serving as leaders of worship as acolytes, ushers, and readers. 
•  3rd - 5th Grader Monthly Group: Once a month, typically the second Sunday of the month at 11:00 am, this group gathers with clergy to explore themes in the lectionary and worship to help connect what are experiencing in the service with their lives. Read/download the list of key dates and themes. ​

Childcare for After-Church Programming
On Sundays when after-church programming, such a Parenting for Faith, is offered, childcare will be available for younger children and siblings in the Nursery space.  Building toys and selected themed and age appropriate activities will be provided.

Volunteering! Children love to help and are welcome to work in our vegetable garden to help grow food for area food banks.  Learn about the vegetable garden.  Several times during the year, we have parish projects that help make a difference in our community and we welcome families and children to participate. These are a great way to help children learn about compassion and caring.

Parenting for Faith 
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers meet (typically the second Sunday of the month) for 45 minutes for fellowship and formation. We explore simple tools and practices to talk confidently with children of any age about God in the everyday moments of our lives. The format includes a short video and group discussion. Supervised childcare is provided for younger children/siblings in the Nursery.  Read/download the list of topics.

2021 - 2022 Intergenerational Gatherings 
We supplement the above offerings so that all ages participate in learning and life together. Offerings during the fall include:

• Fall Festival, September 18, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
• Pet Blessing, October 3, 10:00 am
• Bible Basics, November 7 (TBA)
• Advent Event, December 5, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
• Communion Worship, January 22 (for 2nd - 5th graders and their parents and godparents) with Communion Recognition January 23 (similar to First Communion rite of passage)
• Spiritual Gifts, March 12 (Finding our gifts and identity in God)
• Holy Week in a Day, April 16 (Explore the events of Holy Week)

New to St. Christopher's?
If you are new to St. Christopher's and are not yet on the Children's Programming list, please contact our Children's Ministry Coordinator. 

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