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We are a multigenerational church and welcome children as full participants in our community. Adults are practicing hospitality by welcoming the noise and wiggles of our youngest worshipers; children are practicing reverence by using whispers and quiet movements. We’re all practicing becoming like little children in God’s kingdom! Read this letter from our rector to learn more about why we include children in the service. Children of all ages are always welcome in the sanctuary, and we also offer the following programs:
MUSTARD SEED ATRIUM (AGES 0-3)
Nursery care for our youngest children is available at 10am in the courtyard. The nursery moves indoors to Room 142 in extreme weather, but most of the time we follow the adage “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” and remain outdoors — please dress accordingly! All children should be picked up from the nursery during the Passing of the Peace.
In the case of insufficient volunteers, the nursery is available on a self-serve basis; parents may use the courtyard, but must remain with their children. There’s also a small “nursery nook” for parents to use in the sanctuary during worship.
GOOD SHEPHERD ATRIUM (AGES 3-6)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (a Montessori-based faith formation program) begins at 9:30am in the foyer outside the sanctuary and continues during the service until communion.
TRUE VINE ATRIUM (AGES 7-12)
Older children meet for prayer and bible study at 9:30am at the tables at the far side of the sanctuary. When church begins, children may take the provided materials to their seats to worship with their families, or continue working quietly at the tables.
Note: The Atrium year begins in October after our fall retreat, ends at Pentecost (usually early June), and takes a break over the summer. We offer Wild Wonder from 9:30-10am every Sunday over the summer.
WILD WONDER (SUMMER, ALL AGES)
On Sundays during the summer, children of all ages gather for Wild Wonder at 9:30am before the service. Wild Wonder is led by different people in the congregation who share their many gifts with the children (including music, wilderness survival, dog obedience, tango, snake husbandry, and gardening to name a few). The children pray, sing, hear scripture, and explore God's wild world together before bringing their discoveries into church and worshiping with their families.
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS / YOUTH GROUP
Children of all ages are invited to participate in the service and help in various ways. Older children (7+) may serve as Acolytes (carrying the gospel book, lighting altar candles), Crucifers (carrying the cross), Readers, Communion Servers, and more. Teenagers may volunteer to help with the liturgy, A/V, and the Atrium as desired.
CHILD-LED SUNDAYS
Children and youth help lead the worship service on special occasions such as Christ the King and Pentecost. These services give the kids an opportunity to practice the rhythms of the liturgy and the adults an opportunity to learn from our children. Many in our congregation say these are their favorite Sundays!
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN
We are committed to the safety and protection of our youngest members. All nursery, atrium, and youth volunteers have cleared a thorough background check and have been trained in child-safety practices, and we follow the child-protection policies of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic.
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