Children's Ministry
"Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
Children at St. John's
Children are invited to worship with adults in what we affectionately call “Big Church." If they would like a worship time designed just for them, they are welcome to come downstairs for Children's Church. offer compassionate care & thoughtful instruction to children during the service
When? Children's Church takes place on Sundays at 11 am at the same time as our regular Sunday Service. Children may join at any time during the service and are welcome to rejoin adult caretakers if they wish. Children can be dropped off as early as 10:45 am.
Who?
All ages are welcome. Older children are often invited to support younger children, and we all learn together. We share an activity and snacks (please email our office if your child has dietary restrictions). Newcomers are invited to share their names and preferred pronouns, and our ministers will take care to maintain an environment of respect for all expressions of identity. Adults are invited to share any special needs a child may have with our Children's ministers, so they can be mindful of ways to ensure that all can participate in church activities.
Where?
Children's Church takes place in the Sunday School Room on the first floor (below the Sanctuary). It can be reached from the parking lot (behind Triple Threat) by entering through single door at the bottom of the outside staircase. Alternately, from the front doors of the church, take the stairs or lift on your left to the first floor. Walk down the hallway and straight across the Fellowship Hall. Go through the doorway at the far side of the Fellowship Hall and the Sunday School Room is on your left.
What do we do?
The lesson usually involves a fun activity, game, or craft, teaching, and a snack. Unless otherwise requested, Children's Church joins the congregation upstairs for Holy Communion (every week) and then returns to the Sunday School Room.
What is taught?
At St. John's, our children's ministry emphasizes values and the core teachings of Christianity. Among other things, kids at St. John's learn:
- that we are to called to take care of the world, to love each other as God loves us, and to love neighbors as ourselves
- that God loves us just as we are and that the diversity and difference we witness throughout creation is good and beautiful
- that nothing is beyond the reach of God's compassion and love, and the we are to love our enemies and pray for all people
- that God cares about justice for all people and creation
- that God loves us so much as to come into the world as one of us in Jesus, showing us the way of love and offering us new life
Who teaches?
Beth Jones (Lay Children's Minister): Beth has worked with children for many years in both school and church settings. She is a mother and grandmother, and her husband, Mike, is a retired Episcopal priest. Beth is beloved among St. John's children for her kindness, gentleness, and humor.
Toby Lawrence (Children's Ministry Assistant): Toby has worked with children for several years through teaching, dance, and community theater. Toby is currently a student at Western Carolina University. He became a member of St. John's just last year, and has quickly become part of our family. Toby is especially beloved by toddlers, and brings a calm and gentle spirit to Children's Church.
All volunteers and staff working with children are required to complete Safeguarding God's Children, a training course for safe church practices.
