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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.
Children's Christmas Pageant 2022
CREATION CARE, KIDS’ CORNER: Springtime by Mary Moore
Spring begins this month. All of nature seems to be waking up. Some animals such as black bears are coming out of hibernation; robins and other birds are coming back while some birds that have been here all winter start to change color; flowers such as skunk cabbage are beginning to bloom.
Black bears - They may be pretty hungry after sleeping away part of the winter, and a snack they can’t pass up is suet or the other foods found in bird feeders. If you have bird feeders in your yard and they are in easy reach for bears, you may want to take the feeders down until next winter. Bears have been known to tear down and break the feeders in order to get to the good stuff inside.
Birds - You should be seeing more robins than you did a month ago. In addition to other birds that are coming back into the area, red-winged blackbirds for example, some birds that have been here through the cold weather are beginning to change color in order to attract a mate. Male goldfinches wear drab colors during the winter, but have started to replace some of those feathers with bright yellow ones. They will stay yellow throughout the summer and a little bit into the fall.
Skunk cabbage -This is one of the first flowers to bloom, usually in late winter or early spring. You might be able to see some popping up through the snow if you take a walk in the woods, especially in wet areas like near a stream. These plants produce a lot of heat, and so some insects like to go into the flower blossom to get warm. Skunk cabbage gets its name from the skunk-like smell it gives off if its leaves are crushed or bruised.
Activity: Make a list of any birds, mammals, or other animals that you haven’t seen all winter, but see now. Do the same for any flowers that may be appearing.
Spring begins this month. All of nature seems to be waking up. Some animals such as black bears are coming out of hibernation; robins and other birds are coming back while some birds that have been here all winter start to change color; flowers such as skunk cabbage are beginning to bloom.
Black bears - They may be pretty hungry after sleeping away part of the winter, and a snack they can’t pass up is suet or the other foods found in bird feeders. If you have bird feeders in your yard and they are in easy reach for bears, you may want to take the feeders down until next winter. Bears have been known to tear down and break the feeders in order to get to the good stuff inside.
Birds - You should be seeing more robins than you did a month ago. In addition to other birds that are coming back into the area, red-winged blackbirds for example, some birds that have been here through the cold weather are beginning to change color in order to attract a mate. Male goldfinches wear drab colors during the winter, but have started to replace some of those feathers with bright yellow ones. They will stay yellow throughout the summer and a little bit into the fall.
Skunk cabbage -This is one of the first flowers to bloom, usually in late winter or early spring. You might be able to see some popping up through the snow if you take a walk in the woods, especially in wet areas like near a stream. These plants produce a lot of heat, and so some insects like to go into the flower blossom to get warm. Skunk cabbage gets its name from the skunk-like smell it gives off if its leaves are crushed or bruised.
Activity: Make a list of any birds, mammals, or other animals that you haven’t seen all winter, but see now. Do the same for any flowers that may be appearing.
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! |
