|
Dear friends,
We are excited about our new Children's Ministries program year, which starts on Sunday, September 24! You may have heard that the amazing Brynn Pacitti has stepped down as Director of Children's Ministries and I'll be doing my best to fill her shoes as the interim director over the next months. We are deeply indebted to Brynn, a gifted teacher who laid the foundation for our engaging, age-appropriate programs that meet all children where they are on their spiritual journeys. Throughout our programs we nurture the experience that God loves, knows, and is always with us; that we are uniquely created and gifted to meet the world’s needs; that we are called to love, help, listen to, and respect ourselves and others, and that we trust God and as we wonder together and come to know Jesus.
I am passionate about our work and the fundamental reality that our children are not just the future of our parish and our community but are valuable and beloved members of our church who support and enrich our shared ministry and fellowship right now, right where they are—with their unique energy, perspectives, gifts, and talents. We need to make sure our kids know they have a church family that values them just as they are, notwithstanding the competition and stresses they may face in our competitive northern Virginia culture.
To do so, we need more volunteers to teach, mentor, and support our children ages four through 6th grade during our Sunday School and related programs. We have needs at all levels, and have opportunities no matter how much time you have (and, of course, no teaching experience is needed). We work with your schedule and provide lesson plans, supplies, and support. And it is rewarding (and fun!) to work with our young people—it has definitely enriched my own faith journey.
Please reach out to me if you can help with any of the following. I would love to chat with you if you can lend a hand in any way!
-
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Pre-K/Kindergarten): This beautiful Montessori-based program focuses on the three truths about Jesus - Jesus knows you, loves you and is always with you. We begin to learn about the seasons and celebrations of the church year through stories, lessons, and crafts.
-
Godly Play (1st through 4th grades): Godly Play is centered around imaginative telling of sacred stories, with follow-up interaction and activities allowing the kids to respond and learn from them. Our first grade curriculum also includes a seven-week Study of the Holy Eucharist program, led by parish ministry volunteers.
-
Faith in Action (5th/6th grades): Our pre-teens are empowered to serve and learn together in active and engaging ways, including packing food for FACETS; work with guest mentors to explore prayer, wellness, service to others, care for God's creation and more; and review of core faith stories and their relationship to our lives. At the end of the year we create micro-businesses and hold a Market Day to raise funds for our parish ministry partner Five Talents.
-
Children’s Chapel: During the program year we gather with our younger parishioners for part of the 9:30 am service to read a book together and worship using simple prayers and songs.
-
Faithful Futures Council: I welcome parishioners of all ages to join this new team to support our current programming and advise the Vestry and church leadership on the best ways to nurture our children's spirituality and grow our ministries for children and families in sustainable ways.
Please contact me at smcguire@holycomforter.com if you can help with any of these programs, or check out more information on our website below. You can register your child for Sunday School HERE.
| 
