Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." -- Matthew 19:14
We learn as much from children at Christ Church as we teach them - we invite them to learn in playful ways, and they in turn teach us to play as we pray. Here are some of our offerings for our younger members:
Church School
Our formal Church School begins with registration on September 10th, and first classes on September 17th. We offer three creative, story-based programs for church school. (Summer Church School is offered at 9 and 5 each Sunday from July - Labor Day weekend.)
Godly Play respects respects the spirituality of children and invites them to enter "sacred space" at their own pace; to hear a Bible story told and wondered about; to respond to the story with "work" that they choose - art, writing, drama, or playing through the story on their own. Godly Play is offered to children in grades Jr. K - 3 during the 10 o'clock hour (children are asked to arrive at 9:50).
River Walking is also a story-based approach which invites children to get inside Bible stories with "workshops" that cater to different learning styles. It meets children where they learn best. A typical four-week cycle on a story, may include a drama workshop getting to know the characters; or a cooking workshop, or artwork, or a week preparing a TV News feature on the story. The imagination knows no limits. This program is being offered to children in grades 4-6 during the Sunday morning session, and for all children during the 5 o'clock service.
Bible people and stories to be explored in River Walking this year include:
Special Events
We hold special workshops and events for children at different times of the church year:
A Holy Communion Workshop in the fall helps children to understand the meaning of the Christian Eucharist, as well as the "how-tos" of receiving bread and wine. Great for parents who want to know more too.
The Christmas Pageant involves the children in the re-telling of our great Christmas story. There is a part for every child who wants to participate, no matter how young or old. The pageant is performed at our Christmas Eve Family Service.
Walk to the Cross for Kids invites children to gather on Good Friday and take a guided tour through the events of Holy Week and Easter, sitting as the disciples at the Last Supper, getting their feet washed, going into the Garden and enduring the trials of Jesus, contemplating the crucifixion and burial, and experiencing the surprise of the empty tomb. These events are narrated in different locations, as the children offer their own profound reflections.
Youth Group
We are offering a variety of activities for teenagers in grades 7-12, under the leadership of Pastor Kate and Linda Loyd, our seminarian. Events range from "Pizza Talk", overnights, service projects, attending worship in different settings, rock-climbing, movie nights...and they do things just for fun. Call 393-3399 or e-mail youthgroupdirector@christchurchbethany.org, if you're interested in knowing more.
