Children's MINISTRIES

Children are very welcome at St. Chrysostom’s church! We are guided by Jesus’ invitation to children “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14-15)

Adults have much to learn about God from children. Little ones often express an openness to God and a sense of wonder that adults struggle to regain. So not only do we hope to serve children, but we need them to teach us adults. There are many ways we bring children into the life of our parish. Some events are yearlong like joining a Sunday School class, and others are seasonal events, special formation programs, or just the chance to play together in our great gym. We hope you find a place for your family.

Please contact the Rev. Chana Tetzlaff, Associate for Children, Youth, and Families, to talk more about what programs might be right for you.

LENT & HOLY WEEK FAMILY PROGRAMMING

We invite all ages to join us in “Weaving God’s Promises” through the season of Lent as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Lent is an intentional time of praying, fasting, reading scripture, and sharing loving actions with others.

1st Sunday of Lent, March 9: “Burying the Alleluia” – Join Rev. Chana at 9:45 in the Harding Room to say goodbye to the Alleluia for the season of Lent. The children will bury special paper in our Lent Garden and look forward to the Alleluia coming back on Easter Sunday. “Scratch-Off Lent” calendars to count down the 40 days of Lent will also be available for children to pick up.

2nd Sunday of Lent, March 16: Starting this day and through the rest of the Lenten season, stop into the Harding Room before church or during coffee hour to help our community “weave” our prayers together. Yarn and ribbon will be available along with instructions as you help create a community art project that will show up in a special way at Easter.

3rd Sunday of Lent, March 23: Join Rev. Chana at coffee hour following the 8:00 or 10:15 services to weave “God’s Eyes” as we contemplate stories of God’s protection. As we craft our project, we’ll pray for people throughout the world that we want to ask God to protect and provide for. You can take your project to give to someone you are praying for or leave it to be added to the community art project we’re creating.

4th Sunday of Lent, March 30: God promises new creation. Join Rev. Chana to learn why butterflies are a symbol of the journey from Lent to Easter and prepare a yarn butterfly to decorate our community art project.

5th Sunday of Lent, April 6: God promises to hear us when we pray. Learn to make Anglican prayer beads that you can keep for personal use or give to someone to share God’s love with them. We’ll finish with prayers of hope for the future as we wait for Easter to arrive!

Saturday, April 12, Time TBD: Learn to make palm crosses and take a Holy Hike to collect moss for our Easter Garden crafting on Palm Sunday.

Sunday, April 13, “Holy Week In A Day” from 3:30-6:30p: Help us craft our Easter Garden, bake communion bread, and learn about the different days that make up this Holy Week we celebrate each year. After a short communion service, we’ll share a simple meal together! Registration required here: https://onrealm.org/SaintC/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=YTU3MjZhZTMtMzE1Ni00NjAxLTgwMGItYjI4YTAxMTg2YzNj

NURSERY

Housed in the beautiful and fun-filled treehouse chapel, a staffed nursery is available on Sunday mornings from 8:30-11:30 on our second floor for children ages 0-3, September – May.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We proudly use the Montessori-based Godly Play curriculum in two classrooms, for children ages 4-6 and 1st-3rd Grade. These classes encourage getting ourselves ready, wondering about our sacred stories, and exploring them through art and play. The Connect class for 4th – 6th graders refines bible study skills and prepares them for greater participation in the work of the parish on Sundays.

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

Beach Sundays, Family Retreat, Mardi Gras, Advent Wreaths, and Carols with the Carillon are just a few of the great fellowship traditions particularly suited to kids and families. Check out the Announcements Page for current events.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Meets weekly throughout the school year and regularly brings joy to our worship service. Please contact Tom Colao for more information and to join this wonderful community!

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION

Solemn Communion Class is available each spring for any children of reading age who are ready to explore this sacred mystery. All children of any age are invited to Holy Communion but this class encourages them to consider this sacrament more deeply.

Confirmation Class will be offered in September for children grade 7 and up who are ready for this milestone sacrament.

“Tell Me the Truth About Racism” is a class pioneered by St. Chrys families that is now being used around the country. Offered in the penitential season of Lent, this montessori based program invites children as young as 4 years old, as well as adults, into the problem and legacy of racism as framed by our faith. The goal is to discover ourselves and our neighbors more deeply as children of God.