"Jesus said, O Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for
it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
Matthew 19:14
Passing on our faith to children is important to all Christians. At Ascension we have made it a priority in many ways. Our Director of Children's Ministries oversees staff and volunteers in the nursery, classrooms, KIDS Worship, and events and activities throughout the year.
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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THE CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION OFFERS THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD CURRICULUM FOR OUR SUNDAY MORNING OFFERING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori based curriculum developed by Sofia Cavalletti. Children are given lessons in small groups with hands-on materials on the liturgy, parables and events of Jesus' life. This is a religious formation experience for children ages 3-12 and is based on the belief that young children can and do experience God.
An attendance covenant is required for this level since space is limited.
Level 1: ages 3-5; Level 2: ages 6-9; Level 3: ages 9-12
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Kids Worship program is offered throughout the year during the 10:30 a.m. service.
This program caters for children ages 3-6 who are too old for Nursery but not quite ready to stay in church for a complete service. Children go into church with their parents for the beginning of the service and leave before the readings and then return in time to join their parents for Holy Eucharist.
The KIDS Worship is led by a team of two adults and the children participate in scripture reading, a short story based on the Gospel of the day, prayers, and if time permits social activity.
Other special events throughout the year are Vacation Bible School, Christmas Pageant, and Palm Sunday presentation of the Holy Gospel.
Communion Instruction is offered twice each year, before Christmas and Easter. The requirement is that children must be baptized and 6 years or older. This program is led by the Rector and the Director of Children's Ministries.
The Children's Library provides an opportunity for toddlers and children to learn more about their faith as they grow up in the church. Video and audio tapes for children are also available in the main library.
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 - 12:30 PM
Mid May - Labor Day
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Nursery Staff (youth, parents and interested adults) volunteer once every four
or five weeks on a rotating basis on Sunday mornings.
Mothers of Young Children
program
meets each
Thursday from September through June, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This gives mothers
an opportunity to meet and have fellowship while their young children are well
Weekday Nursery is scheduled for specific activities/events by advance reservation.
When
you leave your child in the nursery please remember to:
• Sign-in.
• Pick up "SAFE CARD."*
• Leave any necessary instructions.
• Tell the staff exactly where you will be (i.e.
Traditional service-nave, or Contemporary Service-Parish Hall, or Adult
Class or 3rd grade classroom, etc.).
• Put a nametag on your child and belongings
• Include in diaper bag - extra diapers, bottles, pacifiers
& change of clothes
(PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING TO INSURE
THAT IT WILL BE RETURNED).
* 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)
THE HEALTH OF YOUR CHILD AND ALL THE NURSERY IS IMPORTANT.
If your child is sick, please keep he/she at home. IF YOUR CHILD EXHIBITS SYMPTON 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 issue. VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
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.
Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.
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 Jennifer Dunn, Director of Children's Ministries, 588-0589, ext. 211. You are welcome in this ministry whether or not you have children.
