CHILDREN'S MINISTRY PROGRAMS
Anna Smith, Director of Childrens Ministry
(919) 834-6259 x119; asmith@christchurchraleigh.org
Carrie Johnson, Assistant Director of Childrens Ministry
(919) 834-6259, x118; msccjohnson@earthlink.net
Christ Church offers Sunday School classes for children ages two (must be two by October 16, 2008) through 5th grade.
Location: Classrooms are located on the first and second floor of the Baker Wing. Nursery, two, three and four year
olds on the first floor, kindergarten through fifth grade on the second floor.
The Sunday School hour is 10:10am - 10:50am (between the 9:00 and the 11:00 services).
Teachers: We have teams of loving, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who teach our preschool and elementary students. All classes have at least 4 teachers.
Sunday School Curriculum:
2, 3 and 4-Year-Olds Our youngest members use a curriculum written for Christ Church by past parishioner Pam Dameron. Preschoolers are provided the opportunity to learn through play time, Bible story-telling from the Old andvNew Testaments, art, music, prayer and of course, snack! The goal of these lessons is to help the child perceive church as a pleasant and secure place, to understand the immeasurable greatness of God's love for His people, and to see himself as a child of God (and the apple of His eye).
Kindergarten This year the kindergartener class will experience Godly Play, a method of telling the stories of our Christian heritage using carefully chosen words and lesson pieces that capture the imagination of children. Children have the opportunity to respond to the stories through wondering questions and art work. Godly Play is also offered as the summer Sunday School program for 3-year-olds - kindergarteners during the 10:00 am summer worship service.
1st - 5th grades We use the Lectionary-based curriculum, Living the Good News, for our elementary-age children. The Lectionary is the selection of Bible readings used during the worship service on Sundays. Bible readings, storytelling, art, music, role play and games provide learning opportunities for this age group.
1st Grade Eucharist Instruction Our first grade also incorporates a study of the Eucharist along with Living the Good News culminating with First Grade Communion Celebration in the spring.'
Rally Sunday The kickoff for a new year of Sunday School Sept. 21, 2008
Halloween Supper and Carnival Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Heifer Project -Children's Advent and Christmas Offering Kickoff - Nov. 23, 2008
Prepare the Way! - Advent Event Intergenerational Celebration Nov. 30, 2008
An Evening with St. Lucia and St. Nicholas - dinner, carols and storytelling - Wednesday, Dec.10, 2008
Christmas Pageant - Dec. 21, 2008, 5:00pm service, reception following (see more below).
Epiphany - Feast of Lights Pageant - Jan. 6, 2009
Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Feb. 24, 2009
Teacher Appreciation Sunday - May 10, 2009 (Mother's Day)
Vacation Bible School - June 22-26, 2009
Children age 3 to 5th grade are invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant. This is a wonderful event in the life of the Sunday School and the church. Each child has a special role to play in presenting the greatest story ever told. 3 and 4-year-olds play the role of angels, kindergarteners are stable animals, 1st graders are Heavenly Hosts, 2nd and 3rd graders play the shepherds and the 4th and 5th graders serve as narrators and lead characters. This year's Pageant will be on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 5:00 with a reception following.
that they are known by God and by their church family.
that they are loved by God and by their church family.
that they belong to God's family and to the family of Christ Church.
One of the ways we celebrate the blessing of children is through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. At Christ Church there are eight or nine designated Sundays during the year when Baptisms are celebrated. In the Episcopal Church there is no specific age at which you should have your child baptized, however, we have found that three to nine months of age seems to work well. When you are ready to plan for your child's Baptism please call Lin Boyle at the Christ Church office (834-6259 x106). It is wise to call well in advance since it can sometimes take as long as 3 months to get on the calendar. Lin will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding Godparents, times of services, Saturday preparation, etc. Let us welcome the newly Baptized.
Nursery and childcare is available from 8:45 am to 12:30 pm. The nursery at Christ Church, located on the first floor of the Baker Wing, provides a loving, safe and clean environment for infants (8 weeks) through four year olds during the 9:00 service and through 2nd grade during the 11:00 service. The nursery is located on the first floor of the Baker Wing. The paid nursery staff is the primary caregiver for the children using the nursery. Parents who have nursery age children are asked to volunteer in the nursery on a rotating basis.
Infant Nursery: Infants 8 weeks and older until they are walking comfortably.
Toddler Nursery: Toddlers to 2-year-olds. Staffed by 1 nursery staff person and parent volunteers.
Two Year Olds: Classroom: Children who are 2 before October 16, 2008.
Four Year Olds: Classroom: 3- and 4-year-olds during the 9:00 service and 3-year-olds through 2nd graders during the 11:00 service.
- Fill out registration card for each child.
- Complete the sign-in/sign-out sheet.
- Label all of your childs belongings. When you arrive at the nursery, please give the nursery staff 1 labeled sipper cup or bottle and 1 labeled diaper. Leave the diaper bag in the hall.
- Purell hand sanitizer is outside of each nursery room. Please use this on your child's hands before entering the rooms.
- Pagers are available to be check out by parents during the worship services. Please be sure to return them when picking up your child.
- Please be willing to volunteer in the nursery.
- Please leave sick children at home.
- Make your goodbye with your child quick.
- Be positive with your child about the fun things they will do in the nursery.
- Once you have said goodbye don't come back to check on your child. Frequently children get upset when they see a parent before it is time to go home.
- Relax and know that if there is a problem we will page you!
