CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Sunday Morning Christian Eucation

(September - May)

9:15 - 10:05 AM

THE GOALS OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM ARE:

• To lay a spiritual foundation by telling the story of God's action throughout history with His people.

• To build relationships with God through Jesus Christ.

• To nurture a healthy Christian community between adults and children.

• To encourage participation and understanding of communal worship, prayer, and praise.

• To provide opportunities for adults to share their gifts and talents while passing our faith to our children.

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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The aim of this program is to create an environment which supports children's spiritual development and understanding of our traditions of worship and faith.

The Gospel is proclaimed through age-appropriate parable lessons, stories of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, prayers, music, sacred art, and liturgical events. Children are given lessons in small groups with hands-on materials that help the children and adults to reflect on the great mysteries of our faith.

Level 1: Ages 3 & potty trained through 5 years old, Room 202

Level 2: Grades 1 - 3, Room 204

Level 3: Grades 4 - 6, Room 213

6th Graders may choose to attend either Catechesis or the middle school youth class.

STAY INFORMED! RECEIVE REMINDERS OF CHILDREN'S EVENTS! E-mail your name and children's grade levels to Jacqueline Soltys: jacqueline@knoxvilleascension.org

Youth Formation: 6th - 12th grades

Our Sunday School curriculum is designed to provide our youth with the opportunity to explore and develop a faith relevant to their daily lives.

MIDDLE SCHOOLERS concentrate on the stories of the Old Testament using drama, discussion, and commentary to develop a larger sense of God's story and convenantal message through time. Exploration of Jewish tradition and practice provides a rich context for re-reading the Gospel.

HIGH SCHOOLERS. Topical discussions, film clips, and guest speakers give High Schoolers a chance to delve into the values of their faith and to relect on their own experiences and those of others who share the Christian faith. This year the High School class will have the opportunity to produce a video statement describing what it means to them to be persons of faith in today's world.

Service projects give ALL YOUTH the chance to act on their beliefs and to serve others.

Middle School/6th-8th grades: Room 104

High School/9th-12th grades: Room 106

STAY INFORMED! RECEIVE REMINDERS OF CHILDREN'S EVENTS! E-mail your name and children's grade levels to Jacqueline Soltys: jacqueline@knoxvilleascension.org

Kids Worship program is offered every Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. service.

This is a program for children ages three and up. Children enter church with their parents, then follow the Children’s Cross to the KIDS’ Worship room where they hear a Bible story, participate in children’s liturgy and respond to the story through a craft or activity. The children return to the service in time for the Eucharist. Special lessons are periodically offered at KIDS’ Worship, including instruction in the Eucharist and an introduction to acolyting. Youth are encouraged to show leadership at KIDS’ Worship by playing music and producing Bible story skits.

The Ascenders is a service club for kids in 3rd through 5th grades. We meet once a month after the Sunday 10:30 a.m. service for fun and fellowship (lunch provided). Also during this time we discuss and plan outreach service activities for our group to do together.

Other special events throughout the year are Vacation Bible School, Christmas Pageant, and Palm Sunday presentation of the Holy Gospel.

The Nursery is another important part of this Ministry and WE WELCOME CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO THREE YEARS OLD. It is important that a child's first experience of church life is positive. The following information is provided to help you understand the procedures and policies and to help you and your child feel at home here. We have a clean and safe environment for your child with a caring and loving Staff.

Sunday Nursery Hours:
September - Mid May
8:30 AM - NOON

Mid May - Labor Day
10:15 AM - NOON

Weekday Nursery is scheduled for specific activities/events by advance reservation.

NURSERY GUIDELINES:

When you have your child stay in the Nursery there are some steps we need parents to follow.

We use a security system in our nursery called SAFE CARE. The system uses a simple plan intended to insure that your child is released only to you or another authorized adult (Nursery personnel will explain the system in detail). During the week nursery is scheduled for specific activities/events by advance reservation.

When you leave your child in the nursery please remember to:
    • Sign-in your child.
    • Register the specific locations where you will be in the church of the sign-in form. Leave any necessary instructions on this form.
    • Pick up your *SAFE CARD and NURSERY PAGER.
    • Place a nametag on your child's diaper bag and on your child's belongings - especially sippy cups.
    • Include in diaper bag - extra diapers, bottles, pacifiers & change of clothes
      (PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING TO INSURE THAT IT WILL BE RETURNED).

THE HEALTH OF CHILD:

THE HEALTH OF YOUR CHILD AND ALL THE NURSERY IN IMPORTANT.

If your child is sick, please keep he/she at home.

If your child exhibits syptoms of illness (fever, vomiting, congestion) HE/SHE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAY in the Nursery that day, but will be welcome to return when the symptoms are gone. We appreciate your co-operation in this matter.

OUR AMBITION AS CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS IS:

• To nurture the child.

• To treasure each child as a gift from God.

• To recognize and foster children's spiritual and unique gifts.

• To appreciate children's abilities and readiness to represent Christ and His Church.

If you have any questions, or are interested in any aspect of this Ministry or would like to offer to teach or assist in any way please contact the Parish Office, 588-0589. You are welcome in this ministry whether or not you have children.