"We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children.
So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with not only the
gospel of God, but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us."
- 1st Thessalonians 2:7-8
Children are loved and valued at Bethesda, and we strive to provide fertile ground for our children to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. Every Sunday from September through May, Bethesda's Sunday School offers a variety of regular classes and activities for children (pre-school through 5th grade). Our dedicated staff and volunteers work together to lead our children through age-appropriate lessons, crafts, and interactive discussions as we follow Living the Good News, a lectionary-based curriculum. As children and their parents have heard the same Readings and Gospel on each Sunday, it affords some discussion in the home. The best Church School program is successful when it is supported by involved and dedicated parents and enthusiastic adults of the parish. Once a month we have a presentation given for the children by a Godly Play trained storyteller. Godly Play is an imaginative method for presenting scripture stories to children with manipulative resources.
Children's Sunday School Classes and Curriculum
10:10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Pre-School through 5th Grade meet Upstairs
Children's Sunday School Program
The Little Chapel Upstairs (ages 3 and 4), Sundays, 8:45 a.m. You may bring your 3 and 4 year olds upstairs, where they will have their own service and then be brought to the Narthex where they will come into the church at the Offertory. This is designed this way so that our whole church family is together as we prepare to celebrate the Eucharist, the most sacred part of the service. It is good to explain to your little ones why we do the things we do in church (kneel at certain times, stand to sing hymns, whisper when they have a question they want to ask, etc.) Children learn by doing, and you are their greatest model and teacher. Please don't worry if your little ones are a bit fidgety, they are watching and learning. There are busy bags in the Narthex for children up to 4 years. Our ushers are wonderful about directing you to them. Just ask!
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children ages 3 to 3rd grade will begin with their families in the church. Children who would like to attend the children's worship service, follow the crucifer from the Church to the Guild Room for an engaging worship service. A Puppet Ministry is implemented at certain times of the month and the children learn Bible stories through an age appropriate and interactive puppet show. The children are taught the prayers, service music, and hymns that we use in church during this time as well. Children rejoin their parents at the Offertory allowing families to celebrate the Eucharist together.
Children's Ministry 2011-2012 Registration
New families are always welcome to register their children on any Sunday throughout the season. A registration form must be completed each year for every child.
Click here to download a 2011-2012 Registration Form.
Vacation Bible School
Amazing Wonders Aviation
June 18 - 22, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to noon
$35.00
includes t-shirt
Click here to download and print a Registration Form.
Come and fly away with us as we embark on an amazing trip around the world learning about God's awesome power! Every day will begin in our transformed Parish Hall into a Worship Rally Hangar. We will have our worship team of musicians, singers, and actors prepare us for the day's events as we go around the world doing crafts, music, Bible study, recreational activities, and having yummy nutritious snacks. Registration tables will be in the Cloister (westside walkway) beginning in mid-April. If you would like to register by telephone, please call Shirley at 655-4555, ext. 15.
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Nursery
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Children's Sunday School Classes and Curriculum
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
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Children's Ministry Registration
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Vacation Bible School
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