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Raising our Children
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It takes a Church to raise a child! Many studies have shown that regular participation in the life of a Church benefits children in all sorts of ways. In addition to learning about God, children are more likely to succeed in school, avoid unhealthy behaviors, and describe themselves as happy. At Saint David's we do our best to offer our children a range of ways to stay involved.
Soon after the end of the program year for Sunday School, June, 2024, we hope to have a conversation about the future of our Children’s Ministry. We are interested in learning more from our families about what would best suit their needs. Be on the lookout for an invitation to that conversation. And in the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts with Deacon Terry.
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Children's Christmas Pageant 2022
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Children's Christmas Pageant 2024
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CREATION CARE KIDS’ CORNER: Maple Syrup
by Mary Moore
The beginning of February is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In December, we get the shortest day of the year (in terms of the amount of daylight hours). On the equinoxes in the spring and the fall, the day and night are about equal lengths, or about 12 hours each. You may notice that it doesn’t get dark as early now as it did around Christmastime.
With the increased amount of sunlight, temperatures are starting to go up a bit too. Towards the end of the month, look for sugar maple trees that have been tapped to collect the sap needed to make maple syrup.
The best conditions for getting a lot of sap are a warm day followed by a cold night. After the sap is collected, it is boiled down so a lot of the water can evaporate, leaving behind maple syrup. Once we get a little bit into March and continuing into April, some of the local sugar houses will be open for pancake breakfast with real maple syrup. Some of these sugarhouses even let you watch how the syrup is made. Maple sugaring season in Massachusetts lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Enjoy
by Mary Moore
The beginning of February is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In December, we get the shortest day of the year (in terms of the amount of daylight hours). On the equinoxes in the spring and the fall, the day and night are about equal lengths, or about 12 hours each. You may notice that it doesn’t get dark as early now as it did around Christmastime.
With the increased amount of sunlight, temperatures are starting to go up a bit too. Towards the end of the month, look for sugar maple trees that have been tapped to collect the sap needed to make maple syrup.
The best conditions for getting a lot of sap are a warm day followed by a cold night. After the sap is collected, it is boiled down so a lot of the water can evaporate, leaving behind maple syrup. Once we get a little bit into March and continuing into April, some of the local sugar houses will be open for pancake breakfast with real maple syrup. Some of these sugarhouses even let you watch how the syrup is made. Maple sugaring season in Massachusetts lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Enjoy
Sunday school teachers at St. David’s are “Safe Church” trained and offer class each Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. service from September to June. Children ages 3 to preteen are invited to participate in the Sunday school classes. We do have a nursery for parents to bring their younger children during the service. During the opening hymn, the teacher of the day leads the children to the classroom. Teachers follow the “Deep Blue” curriculum which includes opportunity for children to give an offering, learn a bible lesson, watch a DVD, play games, do crafts and have a snack. Children return to the church service after the sign of peace and sit with their grown-up.
Some youth events include:
Some youth events include:
- · September – Kick Off Day for Sunday School (usually the Sunday after Labor Day)
- · October – Bowling and Trunk or Treat
- · November – After church activity (for example: a story and painting of bird houses)
- · December – Breakfast with Santa
- · January – Game Day with Pizza after church
- · February – Slime Day
- · March – Bowling
- · April – Good Friday Children’s Stations of the Cross/Egg Hunt
- · May – Mother’s Day Brunch after church
- · June – Father’s Day Ice Cream Sundaes at coffee hour
Children's Events Through the Years
Christian Education
We offer Sunday School during the 10:00 service every week. A dedicated crew of teachers base the lessons on a carefully chosen curriculum. Children as young as two can participate, depending on the child. (We have a nursery for younger children.) Our normal age range is about five to ten.
Children's Choir All interested children ages 4 and up are welcome to participate. They practice every week at 11:15 - 11:30 on Sunday mornings beginning March 1, 2020 in preparation for their performance at the Easter Sunday Service. Confirmation and First Communion We offer First Communion and Confirmation classes for older children as needed. |
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Seasonal Events
We have a regular cycle of special events for our children as well as children in the community. All events are free.
Beginning at the start of the Christian year (Advent, which happens in December), they are: Breakfast with Santa: Children play games, have a snack, receive a present, and meet the big man. Children’s Stations of the Cross and Easter Egg Hunt: It is a strange combination that works. We begin by talking about the meaning of the crucifixion. We end with an Easter Egg Hunt. In between are lots of fun and educational events. Halloween Party: We invite children to come in costume for an evening of games, ending with trick-or-treating around the Church. It’s a fun way to get lots of candy fast! |
