Saint Mary's Episcopal Church
Children's and Youth Programming 2020-2021
Dear All:

Sunday School Options for Families: 
This year, Sunday School is all about options because we know that one option isn't right for everyone. I have put together three different education options for kids Pre-K through 6th grade. We reserve the right to shift plans as needs arise.

Option #1 Sundays from 9:00-9:45am starting September 20th, 2020

  • Start Date: September 20, 2020
  • Teaching Lead: MiaLisa Millares
  • Teaching Team: Carmen, Trevor, Rose, Claire (occasional substitute)
  • Sunday School Registration
  • Zoom Sunday School Link
  • Meeting ID: 825 9725 6213
  • Passcode: SundayFun
  • Kids:
  • For Kids PreK through 6th grade
  • Schedule:
  • All kids meet together with teaching team and Mia
  • PreK and K kids must be with a parent
  • 9:00-9:15 Session will start with songs, story and prayers (Spark Story Bible)
  • After general group session ends Pre-K and K can leave (so theirs is 15 minutes)
  • 9:15-9:45-Break out Rooms
  • Digital Sparkhouse Curriculum Whirl Lectionary
  • 9:15-9:45 the kids break into 2 groups (1,2,3 goes with Carmen and Rose into a breakout room )
  • 9:15-9:45 (4-6 goes into a breakout room with Mia and Trevor)

Option #2 YouTube "Kid Church"

  • Start Date: September 20, 2020
  • Teaching Team: MiaLisa Millares and Katherine
  • Katherine Welsh and I are creating some YouTube videos for families who want to do "Kid Church" on their own. Some of these videos will be stand alone stories and others will be stories with a mini church service and craft.
  • Admittedly, this will be for the younger viewer.
  • A link will be sent with the Parent Led Sunday School email so the options are delivered together.
  • This option is for the parent who is tired of zoom calls and just wants a fully-prepared option for their child to watch and know they are getting some religious education/ interaction and prayer. If timing is a concern, or zoom is a concern-- this might be the answer for you. Parents can choose to have kids watch these on their own time.

Option #3 Parent Led

  • Start Date: September 20, 2020
  • Curricula Team: MiaLisa Millares (a mix of Digital Sparkhouse and Faithathome)
  • I will send out a simple email to parents (simpler than the one in spring).
  • This option is for the parent who is just tired of screen time in general and wants to engage in church in a different way. It will give you the resources to make sure that your child has what he or she needs for Sunday School. The tools are in your hands to do with your child.


Tweeners

In the past we have done Tweeners on Sunday afternoon, but because we are operating online-- we have Sunday School followed by Church-- it seems like too much to have Tweeners right after church...that would be 3 hours of zoom for kids...so here is the plan

  • Start Date: September 16, 2020 6:00-6:45pm
  • Tween Leaders: MiaLisa Millares and Emily Topinka
  • Register by Clicking Here
  • Click Here to Join Tweeners Zoom Meeting
  • Meeting ID: 853 2218 9666
  • Passcode: Tweeners
  • Tweeners will be from 6-7pm on a weekday evening. I am leaning toward Wednesday but want to check with Vonda and make sure that I am not overlapping with and kid singing options.
  • Tweeners will have a weekly check in-- this is literally a time to connect with one another and talk. It will be a facilitated conversation and we may have a few fun activities thrown in there too. But overall it will be about connection with other tween kids.
  • Parents please make certain that your tween is participating in your presence (ie not locked in a room). We may have tweens break into breakout rooms in groups of three and will not have an adult for each section. According to Safe Church, this is okay so long as youth are in a space where they are all alone and a parent can overhear.
  • View the calendar for tentative schedules. Tweens will be creating their own schedule.

Youth Group

  • Start Date: September 16, 2020 7:00-8:00pm
  • Youth Leaders: MiaLisa and I am looking for a volunteer!
  • Register by Clicking Here
  • Click Here to Join Youth Group
  • Meeting ID: 871 5781 9411
  • Passcode: YouthGroup
  • I will wait to admit teens until 3 youth are present.
  • Parents please make certain that your youth is participating in your presence (ie not locked in a room). We may have youth break into breakout rooms in groups of three and will not have an adult for each section. According to Safe Church, this is okay so long as youth are in a space where they are all alone.
  • Youth group will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm. This is a shift in timing.  
  • We will alternate doing check ins, games, activities and online service projects.
  • View the calendar for tentative schedules. Youth will be creating their own schedule.

Parish-Wide Events and Happenings

Covid Connections
  • I would like to start a list of people who are interested in being paired up for connections. I am hoping that we get to make some intergenerational connections where kids and connect with some of our older members.  
  • The idea would be kids (who might be lonely with distant learning) with parent's help will be paired with those who might be lonely or those unable to see family members. It will promote the intergenerational exchange that usually happens during church! Parties will agree to exchange letters, pictures or phone calls (again parents must be involved) 2 times per month for September, October and November.
  • I will not be micromanaging this but will make the connections and send reminder emails to the group!
  • Sign up here to be connected.

Digital Saint Mary's Talent Show
  • Date: November 19, 2020 7:00-8:30pm
  • Link in follow up email
  • Do you have a talent you would like to share with the Parish? We are going to create our very own Saint Mary's Has Talent Show.
  • Contact MiaLisa Millares or Vonda Humberg to let them know your interest. Your talent may be live or recorded
  • Julie Phillips will be helping with Zoom and live streaming


Beginnings Expanding to Parents of All Children and Youth
  • I would like to do a monthly meeting with Beginnings that will vary.  
  • September 23, 2020 8:30-9:30 pm
  • Wine and Check In-- Any parents want to check in about the crazy beginning of this year with a glass of wine after the kids are asleep? Anyone? Join me for a glass of wine and a check in to see how the start of the school year is going for you and your partner.
  • Join Zoom Meeting
  • Meeting ID: 244 275 5100
  • Passcode: Beginnings
  • October 28, 2020 8:30-9:30pm
  • Parents book discussion on book determined on September 23.
  • Click Here for Zoom Link
  • Meeting ID: 244 275 5100
  • Passcode: Beginnings
  • December 16, 8:30-9:30pm
  • Parent meet up Topic TBD
  • Click Here for Zoom Link
  • Meeting ID: 244 275 5100
  • Passcode: Beginnings

Blessings
MiaLisa McFarland Millares
Children's and Youth Director
Saint Mary's Episcopal Church