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Redeemer Home > Children & Youth
The Children's Ministries Committee develops and guides the activities for the church school and related family and community events. Its mission is to provide a loving and nurturing Christian environment in which each child can:
- Become aware of, and feel a part of, the heritage of scripture, tradition, and worship.
- Develop a sense of being loved and accepted as a unique child of God, and a member of a community of the people of God.
- Respond in love to God, community and creation.
The committee meets monthly to oversee the church school program's content and continually evaluates it to keep materials and methods fresh and meaningful.
SUNDAY MORNING CHURCH SCHOOL:
The committee reviews curriculum on a regular basis. Preschoolers enjoy Godly Play storytelling and experience a Bible story each week. For grades K through 6 this year, we are using the Episcopal Children's Curriculum, a Bible story-based program that also teaches about the Episcopal Church. (Learn more at www.morehouseeducation.org.) Our 7th grade class is using "Making it Real and Relevant," a lectionary-based program that uses current music and movie clips to find connections between 7th grade life and the Bible stories. (For more information, go to www.seespiritgrow.com.)
In addition to the curriculum, the committee designs two Workshop Rotations series each year - providing an opportunity for children in grades K through 5 to move out of their classrooms, break routine, and spend a few weeks concentrating on one topic in a variety of ways. During Workshop weeks, teachers become "shepherds," and go along to enjoy drama, cooking, and scavenger hunts with the children, while other volunteers lead the workshops.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES:
The Children's Ministries Committee strives to be aware of ways our children can reach out to others and be helpful in the community. In Advent, church school classes decorate ornaments for a "Giving Tree," encouraging parishioners to contribute gifts for children from Paul's Place. They also hosted baby showers in 2007 and 2008 to benefit children in Atima, the village served by our Honduras Mission Team. In 2008, the church school participated in a diocesan Lenten project to raise money for food in a village in South Africa.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:
While a separate committee actually plans the day to day theme and activities for our annual week of Vacation Bible School (July 19-23, 2010), the Children's Ministries Committee offers input and ideas for that program. The theme for VBS 2010 is Egypt: Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace.
VOLUNTEERS:
Children's programs would not happen without the help of adults and teens who offer their support as teachers, youth workers, and nursery care givers.
For more information, contact:
The Rev. Sandra Etemad, staff liaison, ext. 228, setemad@redeemeronline.com
Maggie Kallmyer, committee chairwoman
For more information follow the links below:
Parish Day School
Redeemer Youth Group
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