Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
"We realize that parents need support and assistance in their Christian Education efforts. Thus, the St. Michael’s Sunday school staff teaches a strong scripture-based curriculum for 3-year olds through high schoolers. If we don’t tell them the faith stories, how will they know?" Debbie Vickery, Children’s Education Minister
Sunday Morning Christian Education Programs
St. Michael’s Nursery
We offer a quality nursery for infants through 3 yr. olds from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Sunday. It is staffed by four experienced nannies who have been through the Episcopal Church's "Safeguarding God's Children" training. We have two rooms in our nursery, one for infants - 24 months and one for two year olds. The two year old room has a morning schedule that includes Wee Worship, a Bible story, outside play, indoor play, art time, snack time, end of the morning boxes and more! For the Wee Workshop, children choose the object from their bag that goes along with the simple bible songs they are singing with the nannies. They love this and really do learn the songs! When children turn three, they move into Sunday school class.
Sunday School for Children and Youth
at 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
2010 – 2011*
Overview
Children and youth attend class at the beginning of the services and join worship in progress (at the Peace). During their class, they hear lessons and respond to them on their developmental level while the adults are hearing the lessons of the day and a sermon (a response to the lessons). Then we all experience the liturgy of the table and Eucharist together. Children are welcome to attend the whole worship service if they prefer not to attend Sunday school.
*No Sunday School classes are provided Easter morning.
Curriculum Descriptions & Class Locations
3 - 4 year olds (Room #2)
Let the Children Come Children hear a story and participate with craft stick figures created for each story. Class begins with free play time, followed by The Lords Prayer which opens circle time; next the story is presented; and then craft time follows at the table.
Five Year Olds & Kindergarteners (Room #4)
Godly Play – Montessori-based curriculum with story boxes or trays containing visuals for each story, followed by "I Wonders" then playing with the art options to create something that connects with the story of the day. Class closes with lighting of the Christ candle and reading the story from the bible (so children see that the story they heard is from the bible).
First to Fifth Graders (everyone gathers in room #5 for singing and story of the day then break out by grades & go to that day’s rotation)
Workshop Rotation – Grass roots curriculum, ideas shared online (rotation.org). The story is told several weeks in a row, but in a different workshop for each grade level (ours include cooking something that ties with the story in Garden of Eatin, acting out the story or using the puppet theatre in Parable Productions and creating an art project in How Great Thou Art). [Multi-intelligence based and the most exciting curriculum we have seen in years.]
Sixth to Twelfth Grade: Living the Good News
Lectionary based curriculum written by the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado Christian Ed. Department. There is a weekly focus which reflects the theme of the scriptures for that Sunday. Class time will include opening activities, scripture readings, discussions and "going deeper" experiences. The teacher guide includes a bible study for teachers with wonderful background and comparisons. Great for lesson preparation.10:10 to 10:50 Sunday Morning Programs
During the adult classes at 10:10 a.m., these programs are offered for children of all ages:
Infants through 5 year olds (Nursery A & B): VIP (Very Important Pre-schoolers)
Free play and snack with nannies in our nurseries.
Kindergarten to Fifth Graders: Kid’s Intermission (Room #4)
Outreach projects, storytelling, games and more for elementary age children. A time to develop friendships and interact in a fun environment. Led by volunteers, coordinated by Debbie Vickery.
Sixth to Twelfth Graders: Breakfast Club
Come hang out with our youth minister, Mary Conkling, eat light snacks and socialize.
Summer Sunday School
June 6 – August 22, 2010
During the summer, we offer two classes: 3 y.o. – graduates of Kindergarten and graduates of 1st – 5th grade. The younger class experiences bible stories through a Big Book curriculum which includes free play, story time and craft time. The older class enjoys bible game each Sunday, rotating between Bible Bingo, Bible Jingo, Bible Charades and Scripture Scramble
Vacation Bible Camp 2011
Mark your calendar for VBC 2011: June 13 – 17: a week of fun and adventure for kindergarteners – 5th graders. Registration begins March 2011 ($25.00/child) Contact Debbie Vickery for more information.
Questions about any of our programs for children and youth? Contact Debbie Vickery, Children’s Christian Education Minister: childrenmin@st-michaels.org