The Children’s Formation Commission is the group that oversees all St. John’s ministries for children, including education (what we call Christian Formation, but better known as Sunday School) as well as the Nursery, Vacation Bible School, and Special Events for children from birth through 5th grade. The Commission focuses on children’s spirituality and involves children in all facets of worship and education. Many talented volunteers support children’s ministry, including a team of fifty teachers, five Sunday School Table Coordinators and many special event coordinators. In addition, three staff members work with children’s ministry:
Clergy leader, the Reverend Jenni Ovenstone Smith, 410-461-7793
Director of Children’s Faith Formation, Nancy Narrett, 410-461-7793, ext. 429
Commission Chair: Colleen Citrano, 410-461-7793 x 121
The Nursery
Parents may prefer that their infants and young children meet other little people in the nursery with adult supervision and plenty of toys during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. Our nursery is open from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. every Sunday (with the exception of Easter). It is located on the first floor of the Center for Ministry and Education (CME). Parents using the nursery are asked to volunteer regularly to supplement the paid staff. Our nursery manager, Sandy Thompson is ready to welcome your child every week. Children must be registered and sign-in weekly to utilize nursery services.
Nancy Narrett, 410-461-7793 x429
Sunday School
Our Sunday School offers classes for children 3 years of age through fifth grade. Our classes meet during the Education hour, from 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Preschool classes and grades 1-4 use Seasons of the Spirit, a curriculum in which lessons are based on the Bible readings used in worship each Sunday.
Kindergarteners participate in Godly Play, a powerful, imaginative method for presenting scripture stories to children and allowing them to wonder and respond.
Fifth grade experiences a specially designed interactive program that combines the knowledge of key Bible stories and church history with thematic games and activities.
Music for Children
Our children are enriched with the experience of music. Our curriculum, “Seasons of the Spirit”, is enhanced with an accompanying CD of curriculum related songs. Additionally, our music teachers provide lively and inspirational songs for our “Music Sundays”, which occur the second Sunday of the month in All Saints Hall.
Sunday School Registration
Sunday School begins after Labor Day and ends in June. Registration is always open!
Come to the Sunday School Table (first floor CME) on any Sunday when classes are in session. You may also download the registration form to bring with you for your child’s class assignment. Children who are currently enrolled in the program are automatically promoted at the end of the year and are not required to re-register. Contact Nancy Narrett, 410-461-7793 x429.
Special Programs:
Throughout the year, Sunday School children and their families participate in events and special worship services that celebrate the many beautiful traditions of our Episcopal faith.
Advent Wreath Making, an intergenerational event, takes place on the first Sunday of the Advent season. Children, youth, and adults come together in this time-honored tradition to learn about and create personalized advent wreaths for their homes.
The Children’s Crèche Service takes place the Sunday before Christmas Eve at the 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service. Our three, four and five year olds decorate the manger scene for our church family. They process to the Crèche with the holy family and animal figurines during the reading of the Christmas story and singing of beloved carols.
The Christmas Pageant with lessons and carols occurs prior to Christmas. Our children and youth from first through twelfth grades, re-create the beautiful story of the Nativity in the Historic Church replete with organ music and beloved hymns. There is a rehearsal for all who wish to participate in the portrayal of the story of the birth of Jesus.
Wednesday Night Lenten Programs bring parishioners of all ages together to share a meal and fellowship followed by educational classes for all ages in preparation for Easter.
The Stations of the Cross program for children and families is presented on Good Friday. We travel the path to the cross together with music and exercises intended to foster a deeper understanding of Christ’s passion.
The Spring Sunday School Program concludes the Sunday School year and celebrates the achievements of our children. Each class presents its outreach accomplishments, showcases their educational rite of passage, and performs a sampling of the songs they have learned. The event also recognizes the dedication and outstanding efforts of our teachers.
Vacation Bible School is offered in June for a week of fun, faith and fellowship. The program is for 3 year olds through 5th grade and combines chapel, games, music, arts and crafts for a traditional Bible School experience. Because this program is wholly supported by volunteers, parent support is required. For more information, contact Joan Stralka on 410.480.3799.
