Children's Education

Welcome to St. James’s Christian Education. We want the church to be a welcoming place for all children where they can learn of God’s love and grace and learn to be a part of a church family. If you need additional information on any of our children’s programs, please call Kent Duffey, Director of Children’s Ministries at 355-1779, ext. 14, or e-mail her at kentduffey@doers.org.

Children's Sunday School 2008-2009

The link below will take you to the on-line registration form for Sunday School registration. Hard copies of the registration form are also available at the church. In August, registrants will receive a letter confirming their class registration, teachers, and classroom location.

God’s Big Backyard – VBS 2008!
		This year’s Vacation Bible School was an outdoor adventure that started at St. James’s and reached into our own neighborhoods and communities. For five days in mid-July, about 50 children learned all about service – to our family, friends, neighbors, community and Jesus. Through Backyard Bible Study, Clothesline crafts, Community corner and other fun activities, kids discovered and practiced living the Greatest Commandments.
See how much fun everyone had in this Vacation Bible School video created by Chris Moore.

Children's Christian Formation

Sunday School classes are offered for all children, ages two through fifth grade, during the Christian Education hour from 10:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Pre-school children, along with the kindergarten class use the popular “Hands On” Bible Curriculum from Group Publishing. This curriculum explores simple Christian themes such as God’s Creations and Jesus Loves Us using familiar Bible stories.The 1 st through 5 th grade students use the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum, which is biblically based and liturgically oriented. It allows children to explore the Bible through multi-dimensional methods of learning, including art, drama and music.All curriculums are supplemented by teaching age appropriate Bible verses, songs and hymns.

Important Dates to Remember 2008-2009 (pdf)
Preschool Curriculum Schedule (pdf)
Elementary Curriculum Schedule (pdf)

Nursery Care

Childcare is available during both services, as well as the Christian Education hour. The infants and toddler nursery is located across from the Children’s Chapel and the Preschool nursery is located on the 2 nd floor in the Children’s Library. This ministry is made possible with parent volunteers and experienced caregivers who provide a comforting morning of play and fellowship for our youngest members.
Nursery Volunteer Schedule 2008 (pdf)

Children's Ministries Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways that parishioners can become involved in the Christian Formation of our youngest parishioners. If you are interested in helping in any of the following areas please contact Kent Duffey at 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Sunday School
Volunteers for this ministry guide the Christian formation of the children of St. James’s. Teachers and classroom volunteers work together to teach Christian values and enduring Biblical lessons. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Nursery
Parent volunteers assist with our youngest parishioners in the infant/toddler and preschool nurseries during the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services. Each parent who uses the nursery is called to this ministry. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Advent Fair
Volunteers select, organize and help children and their families create crafts to usher in this season in the church. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Christmas Pageant
All ages are needed to staff this large effort – from adults who serve as pageant and music directors to the youth that fill the cast of the story. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Vacation Bible School
This summertime experience is a complete volunteer effort. Volunteers select the curriculum, plan the week and recruit staff. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Baptismal Banners
Volunteers create this special keepsake banner for each child’s Baptismal Sunday. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 14 or kentduffey@doers.org

Liturgy of the Word
During the 11:15 a.m. service, volunteers lead elementary school-aged children in an age-appropriate study of the Gospel for the day and child-directed prayers. Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779 or kentduffey@doers.org

Baptismal Covenant Ministry
This ministry meets three to four times a year to send special notes to children who have been baptized at St. James’s. Mailings are sent during Lent, Advent and on the anniversary of their Baptism. Contact: Debbie Krey, 340-3436 or dkrey@aol.com