Christian Formation: Children

Vacation Bible School

Click here to view pictures from our incredible week!
 

Questions? Call Lei Offerle, Director of Children’s Ministries, at 271-8773, ext. 138.

Sunday Morning Childcare for June - August

Childcare is provided for infants - K5 during the 10:00 and 11:15 worship services. Please check your child in at the desk located near the nursery entrance on the first floor of the Parish House.

Sunday Mornings starting September 19

Preschool and Kindergarten/Primer

Children’s Church, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m., is an age appropriate worship service geared toward children in K5 – 2nd grade and is held as part of the 9:00 a.m. service in the church. The children join one of our clergy and our children’s choir director downstairs in the undercroft for a Bible lesson and music. They return to the main church in time for Eucharist with their family.  

FaithSteps, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m., offers a worship alternative for children in K3 – K5/Primer during the 9:00 service. Teams of parents lead a chapel service, crafts, games, and serve a light snack. This program is located on the first floor of the Parish House in room 127.      

Sunday School, 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. Catch the “Buzz” with our brand new program for preschoolers. Our new Buzz curriculum involves R.E.A.L. learning. Each lesson is intentionally Relational, Experiential, Applicable, and Learner-based. Classes meet on the first floor of the Parish House and room locations are as follows: K3 - Room 101, K4 - Room 120, and K5 - Room 122.    

                       
Elementary School (Grades 1-5)

Children’s Church, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. (See description above)

Sunday School, 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. Our rotation format is back for a second year! Our theme this year is
“Faith – Living by God’s Promises.” Biblical stories and concepts taught through art, music, science, cooking, games, computer activities and more. Our units for the fall include Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Esau and Jesus’ birth. All elementary Sunday School classes are located on the second floor of the Parish House. Look for the rotation sign to check your weekly room assignment!

Wednesday Nights starting September 15 (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

Preschoolers (K3 – K5) will use a curriculum called “Humongous Bible Stories for Preschoolers.” Humongous learning will take place as our children actually become a part of each Old Testament lesson through lively storytelling, dance, songs, cheers, crafts and prayers. This class will meet in room 127 on the first floor of the Parish House.

Elementary School (Grades 1-5) will enjoy “Hooray! Let’s Pray!” as they learn that prayer is more than bowing their heads, closing their eyes and folding their hands! Classes will involve active prayers, quiet prayers, singing prayers, and prayers for special occasions. Children in 1st and 2nd grades will meet in room 215. Children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades will meet in room 217.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart for Parents
Want parenting help that is clear, biblically framed and, of course, helpful? Join your parish friends for a 10 week class based on Dr. Tedd Tripp’s Shepherding a Child’s Heart. This series is about how to speak to the heart of your child. The things your child does and says flow from the heart. Luke 6:45 puts it this way: "...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life.

This class will be facilitated by parents just like you! We will use a combination video presentation and class discussion. The book and parent’s handbook are available by contacting Jennifer Hedden at 271-8773 ext. 128.

Special Events

Blessing of the Animals. Have your pet blessed as we celebrate the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi on Monday, October 4. We will gather in the parish courtyard near the round fountain at 5:45 p.m. for a brief liturgy and the blessing of each individual pet.

Safari Through the Bible is back! What do you get when you combine a beautiful fall day, lots of young families, single adults of all ages, friends from YouthBASE, a cookout in the park, and our fabulous Greenville Zoo? You get a roaring good time of fun and fellowship! Join your parish friends at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 7 at Cleveland Park Shelter 29 for this great event.

The Parish Christmas Gathering and St. Nicholas Celebration will be held on Sunday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the All Saints Center. Enjoy dinner, seasonal singing and the story of St. Nicholas.

The Jesse Tree Liturgy will be held during the 9:00 worship service on Sunday, December 12. Children and youth will help lead this annual telling of the spiritual lineage of Jesus.

Looking Ahead

First Communion classes for 2nd – 5th graders begins Wednesday, January 12.

Vacation Bible School for children in rising K4 through rising 6th grade will be held the week of June 20-24, 2011.

Faith Begins at Home!

Discover easy and powerful ways to influence your child’s faith.
We acknowledge that our time with your kids is limited at church. By equipping the entire family, we maximize opportunities throughout the week to help children develop a thriving friendship with Jesus.

Get Connected: email Lei Offerle, Director of Children's Ministries, or Nancy Kennedy 

Christ Church Episcopal Preschool offers full and half day programs year round, serving children from birth to kindergarten. We are pleased to be in a newly renovated, beautiful space in the Christ Church parish house, offering our parishioners and community an inviting school environment filled with light, love and learning. www.christchurchpreschool.org.