News

Big Changes in Children’s Ministries... September, 2004

There are some major changes to the way we envision and carry out our programming for children here at St. John’s this Fall. Two meetings were held recently at which we looked at the history of Children’s programming at St. John’s, and our current practices. We also talked about some of the realities we face today that then led us into further reflection.

One of the key difficulties we face is to do with leadership. It is not that we lack gifted leaders. Rather, it is that we lack people with the time and commitment necessary to fulfill a role like "Sunday School Coordinator." The important place of children in our Sunday morning worship was also discussed. In addition, we plotted both our current practices as well as the proposed Fall programme into a framework that helped us judge the effectiveness of our overall programme. The end result is, I believe, a fully rounded and exciting programme that will enrich not only our children’s spiritual lives, but the adults of the congregation as well.

What follows is a description of what is planned for our 5-12 year-olds:

	1. Web based curriculum: Making use of our parish web site, there will be a page which will include a focus on one or more of the readings for the following Sunday, with questions for consideration, prayers, and a craft or other activity to be done at home. The Children’s Talk each week will incorporate some of this material. In addition to being simply a children’s programme, there will also be a component for adults. It is hoped that this will be something that families can do together. Hard copies will also be available for those who don’t have Internet access.
	2. St. John’s Children’s Choir: This exciting programme will continue in the Fall under the directorship of Tracy Stuchbery. They will meet at 4:00 pm on Saturday afternoons. The combination of music and spirituality is a potent force. Not only do the children gain musical skills and self-confidence, they also learn a lot about their faith, worship, teamwork and commitment. An end-of-year retreat is planned once again as a time of fun, music and spiritual growth. There are also plans a couple of parties which will involve not just the children, but their families as well.
	3. Nursery: This part of the programme is actually for the under-fives. Parents need to be able to worship without the constant demands of pre-schoolers. It is not good enough simply to tell parents that they can go to the nursery with their children if they need to. Our nursery will be staffed by volunteers from 9:45 am until it is time to receive communion. Volunteers will be on a rotation, so that no adults will find they have to constantly miss the service.
	4. Monthly Family Service: Much like the family services we have been holding from time to time, these will now happen once per month (generally the first Sunday of the month). There will be a regular set form for the liturgy with music led by the Children’s Choir and/or Spiritsong. Children will play an integral role, being greeters, readers, intercessors etc… Our most recent family service was held September 12th (2nd Sunday).
	5. Christmas Party/Pageant: This will be a major parish social event, much like the ones we have had in the past couple of years. It will be coordinated by the Youth Group, who will also produce the pageant, casting and directing the under 13’s.
	6. Secret Prayer Partners: Children will be matched with a "secret" adult member of the congregation. They will write to one another over the Fall, leaving their notes, cards, and letters in a special mailbox. These intergenerational relationships will vary, but it is hoped that they will include prayer and sharing a little bit about who we all are. Identities will be revealed at the Christmas Party.
	7. Sunday Mornings: Children will be present for the whole service except for the sermon. During that time, a volunteer will be with them in the hall where they will have arts and craft supplies and games to play. This will not be instructional time, but free play time under supervision. The pew leaflet will be more child-friendly and will include a weekly children’s page. It is hoped that we can add some children to the regular roster of Sunday morning ministries.

In summary, that is our children’s programme for the Fall. In order for it to function, we will need adult leadership in various areas. These particular roles are outlined here. They are all fairly well described, and none of them requires the kind of time commitment of a Sunday School Coordinator.