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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.
Children's Christmas Pageant 2022
CREATION CARE KIDS’ CORNER: Summer Scavenger Hunt
by Mary Moore
Once October comes around, a lot of animals get really busy preparing for the cold weather that lies ahead. We can watch for some of that increased activity this month. Some mammals such as woodchucks go into a winter-long deep sleep where their body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and other body activities slow down considerably. This is true hibernation. Other mammals such as bears and raccoons also lower their body temperature, etc., but to a lesser degree. These animals also sleep night and day in the winter but can wake up and become active if we get a warm spell.
These two groups of mammals have one thing in common: the animals try to put on extra weight/fat before winter sets in. So, look for these animals to be eating as much as they can once autumn comes around. They will need the extra weight/fat in order to survive the winter. Binge eating isn’t the only way animals get ready for winter.
Some mammals and birds that are active all winter long spend a lot of their time in September and October stashing away food for the winter. They don’t want stuff that will spoil, so they rely on acorns, black walnuts, hickory & other kinds of nuts and seeds. These get buried or hidden away so the animal can eat them later on.
Squirrels and blue jays especially love acorns, so see if you can spot them with an acorn in their mouth. Later on in winter, squirrels will use their keen sense of smell to sniff out buried acorns.
Small birds such as the chickadee will hide seeds all over the place in their territory. Did you know that the chickadee’s brain actually gets bigger in the fall and winter, so it can remember all those different hiding places?
See if you can spot what other birds and mammals might be doing to get ready for winter.
by Mary Moore
Once October comes around, a lot of animals get really busy preparing for the cold weather that lies ahead. We can watch for some of that increased activity this month. Some mammals such as woodchucks go into a winter-long deep sleep where their body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and other body activities slow down considerably. This is true hibernation. Other mammals such as bears and raccoons also lower their body temperature, etc., but to a lesser degree. These animals also sleep night and day in the winter but can wake up and become active if we get a warm spell.
These two groups of mammals have one thing in common: the animals try to put on extra weight/fat before winter sets in. So, look for these animals to be eating as much as they can once autumn comes around. They will need the extra weight/fat in order to survive the winter. Binge eating isn’t the only way animals get ready for winter.
Some mammals and birds that are active all winter long spend a lot of their time in September and October stashing away food for the winter. They don’t want stuff that will spoil, so they rely on acorns, black walnuts, hickory & other kinds of nuts and seeds. These get buried or hidden away so the animal can eat them later on.
Squirrels and blue jays especially love acorns, so see if you can spot them with an acorn in their mouth. Later on in winter, squirrels will use their keen sense of smell to sniff out buried acorns.
Small birds such as the chickadee will hide seeds all over the place in their territory. Did you know that the chickadee’s brain actually gets bigger in the fall and winter, so it can remember all those different hiding places?
See if you can spot what other birds and mammals might be doing to get ready for winter.
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! |
