Children
Overview:
During the school year children can attend the "Worship for Young People" from 10:00-10:45 and join their families for Communion. In the Summer, children will attend Church service with their families, recess for for Children's Chapel before the Sermon and return to Church during the "peace."
Nursery:
Ages Newborn - 2: The Nursery is open each Sunday morning from 8:50-11:30 with age appropriate toys and loving caregivers. The youngest members of our church family are welcomed into the church with loving arms and hearts.
Ages 3 - 4: All Things New is a preschool Sunday School curriculum used during the 10am service in the Preschool Room. A Bible lesson, craft, songs, and snacks are shared during this time. If they wish parents are invited to pick up their children to be included in Holy Communion.
Worshipping With The Children:
Children of all ages are welcome to participate in our worship services. As they are a vital part of our parish family, we have a responsibility to help children learn to worship. They may not always understand what is going on, but we can help them to know that this is a place where they are loved and needed and accepted. We hope that the suggestions offered here will help us all appreciate the children who are present, for our children do belong in the worshipping community of St. John's.
Suggestions for Parents:
- Review the order of service with your child to help him or her better understand what is happening in the service. Help your child find the hymns and follow along in the service bulletin.
- Encourage your child to participate in the offering by sharing his or her own financial resources.
- Feel free to speak softly to your child as you help him or her learn.
- It is hard for children to sit still for a long time. Allow for some movement. This does not mean, however, that they should be allowed to roam freely in the church or make numerous trips in and out.
- Establish ground rules ahead of time. For example, no fighting with siblings or making paper airplanes; soft toys and crayons and paper are fine to bring along, but noisy toys should be left at home.
- The time we gather for Communion is a very important time in our worship. Children also sense that it is a special time. Therefore, we encourage all baptized persons to receive Communion, no matter what their age, and for those not yet baptized to come forward for a special blessing.
Suggestions for the Congregation:
- Remember the commitment we make to the children at their baptisms: "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?" (BCP, p. 303) The answer is a loud resounding "We will!"
- Take time to greet children before and after the service, as well as during the Peace.
- Hand offering plates to children, not just over their heads.
Ways to Get Involved:
If you have an interest in children and their spiritual development, you are welcome to join in our programs. Teaching Sunday School, Children's Church or Godly Play is a valuable way to share your gifts with children. We also have opportunities for the parish to help with events like our Vacation Bible School, after school programs, field trips, or our Fourth of July children's games.
Jackson Hole Kid Games
4th of July, after the parade, join us for old fashioned field games on the lawn of St. John’s Church. Relay races, egg toss, watermelon eating contest and pie throwing are a few of the events. A donation of $10.00 includes a t-shirt, picnic lunch and lots of games and laughter.
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