|
| |
Children's Ministries is called to lead St. Martin's in nurturing and fostering the spiritual growth and Christian Formation of children, to honor and celebrate the gifts of children, and to recognize that children are members and full participants of the Church.
Through our Sunday School, The Liturgy of the Word or Godly Play, children 3 - 5th grade tell the "stories," hear the Gospel and learn our heritage.
Through the Books of the Bible Club and Vacation Bible week they experience what it means to be people of Christ, and our special events allow us to celebrate the traditions of the Church that have been passed down for generations.
|
Newborn to Age 3 |
 When babies are born into St. Martin’s parish, they are visited by a member of the parish and given a welcome gift. At this time parents are given information about infant baptism preparation and any questions and concerns they might have are discussed.
Parents who wish to have their children baptized by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church, are provided with pre-baptism preparation to give them a sense of responsibility and sincere commitment needed to raise their children as children of God.
St. Martin ’s offers nursery services to infants and children through age 3 during Sunday school, 10:30 am worship, and special parish events. Tia Rawlinson, our Nursery Supervisor, has an assistant and receives additional help from parish volunteers in order to provide the very best care for our young children. |
Age 3 to 5th Grade |
 Sunday school at St. Martin’s begins in September each year and ends in May. The Episcopal Children’s Curriculum is used and each class has at least two teachers every week. Sunday school classes are held in the Christian Education building and begin each Sunday at 9:15.
During the 10:30 AM service, children age 3 through 4th grades are invited to participate in their own study of the Word of God. They receive a special prayer from the rector and then are escorted to the parish hall by an acolyte.
Preschoolers hear stories from the Godly Play program. First through fourth graders study lessons from the day’s lectionary and learn about the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist . All children then return at the "Peace" to be with their families for Holy Eucharist. BOB’s Club is a special 10-week summer program for children ages 4-11. At BOB’s Club children learn about the whole story of God from the Bible and practice Bible study skills. Children hear stories, sing songs, play games, and do art activities that help them gain knowledge of God.
Vacation Bible School is offered for one week during the summer with new and exciting themes each year.
|
Events of Special Interest to Children and their Families
|
 Starting in the fall we gather together for a St. Francis Day Celebration and a special Blessing of the Animals. -
As Advent approaches we gather to make Advent wreaths and enjoy a chili cook-off with friends and family. St. Nicholas Day Celebration comes on or about his feast day of December 6th. On this day we gather to hear the story by Nicholas himself, make crafts, remember others, and enjoy a small feast of goodies. Christmas Eve, we offer a Family Service and enjoy a pageant put on by all ages. Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of Lent and we have our one last splurge (and the ridding of all leaven) with a pancake supper. All are invited to participate in the Mardi Gras activities. Children's Lenten Retreat allow children to experience Lent in their own way. Holy Week begins in preparation with an intergenerational program marking the final days of our Lord. On Good Friday we walk the "Way of the Cross for Families and Children," then on Easter Sunday we rejoice in the Resurrection as we join in the flowering of the Cross and an Easter egg hunt. We round out the year with the celebration of Pentecost and the birth of the Church.
|
|
|
|
