It takes a Church to raise a child! Many studies have shown that regular participation in the life of a Church benefits children in all sorts of ways. In addition to learning about God, children are more likely to succeed in school, avoid unhealthy behaviors, and describe themselves as happy. At Saint David's we do our best to offer our children a range of ways to stay involved.
Children's Christmas Pageant 2022
CREATION CARE KIDS’ CORNER: NOVEMBER SIGHTS AND SOUNDS by Mary Moore
At first glance, you might think there’s not much to see or hear in nature in November. But of course there is! You just have to pay attention. Here are some things to look and listen for this month.
Birds -
1) Be on the lookout for flocks of cedar waxwings as they migrate south, especially if there are any trees or bushes with berries or other small fleshy fruits on them in your area. The bright red berries on a holly bush or the orange berries on a European ash tree are favorite foods.
2) Listen and look for crows as they gather in big, noisy groups to roost in the trees for the night. Crows are very intelligent birds, and all that cawing and squawking that you hear is them “talking” to each other about what they did and where they went that day, and where they might find some good food tomorrow.
3) Migrating Canada geese can be heard honking away as they fly in their “V” formations overhead.
Mammals -
1) Rabbits (Eastern cottontails) are looking for food such as twigs and buds, or baby oak, maple, or birch trees. You may notice that some people put rabbit wire around the bottom part of the trunks of small trees in their yard. That is to prevent rabbits from eating the bark, twigs, and buds off the trees, thereby hurting the plants. So, if you see rabbit wire around the base of a tree, look for rabbits in the area.
2) Bears are looking for a place to bed down for the winter. However, before they settle down in their dens, they are still eating whatever food they can find. This is so they can fatten up enough to help them make it through until spring. If you hang bird feeders within reach of the bears, they will probably tear them down and destroy them. This is why it is a good idea to wait until there is snow on the ground before putting your feeders up, and to take them down when it starts to warm up in the spring. Don’t worry too much about the birds - until the first covering of snow on the ground, they can usually find enough to eat. Weather - Around the end of the month is when the first measurable amount of snow hits the Pioneer Valley (Connecticut River Valley). In our house, whenever we make Thanksgiving plans with family or friends, we know that those plans might have to be changed at the last minute because a snowstorm could happen any time.
Activities: 1) Pay attention to how the weather from the beginning of the month to the end. Notice how sometimes the clouds look different from what they looked like in the summer. Can you tell when it is going to snow by looking at the sky and feeling the air? 2) Watch what the birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc. are doing.
O Lord, how manifold are your works In wisdom you have made them all; The earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24
At first glance, you might think there’s not much to see or hear in nature in November. But of course there is! You just have to pay attention. Here are some things to look and listen for this month.
Birds -
1) Be on the lookout for flocks of cedar waxwings as they migrate south, especially if there are any trees or bushes with berries or other small fleshy fruits on them in your area. The bright red berries on a holly bush or the orange berries on a European ash tree are favorite foods.
2) Listen and look for crows as they gather in big, noisy groups to roost in the trees for the night. Crows are very intelligent birds, and all that cawing and squawking that you hear is them “talking” to each other about what they did and where they went that day, and where they might find some good food tomorrow.
3) Migrating Canada geese can be heard honking away as they fly in their “V” formations overhead.
Mammals -
1) Rabbits (Eastern cottontails) are looking for food such as twigs and buds, or baby oak, maple, or birch trees. You may notice that some people put rabbit wire around the bottom part of the trunks of small trees in their yard. That is to prevent rabbits from eating the bark, twigs, and buds off the trees, thereby hurting the plants. So, if you see rabbit wire around the base of a tree, look for rabbits in the area.
2) Bears are looking for a place to bed down for the winter. However, before they settle down in their dens, they are still eating whatever food they can find. This is so they can fatten up enough to help them make it through until spring. If you hang bird feeders within reach of the bears, they will probably tear them down and destroy them. This is why it is a good idea to wait until there is snow on the ground before putting your feeders up, and to take them down when it starts to warm up in the spring. Don’t worry too much about the birds - until the first covering of snow on the ground, they can usually find enough to eat. Weather - Around the end of the month is when the first measurable amount of snow hits the Pioneer Valley (Connecticut River Valley). In our house, whenever we make Thanksgiving plans with family or friends, we know that those plans might have to be changed at the last minute because a snowstorm could happen any time.
Activities: 1) Pay attention to how the weather from the beginning of the month to the end. Notice how sometimes the clouds look different from what they looked like in the summer. Can you tell when it is going to snow by looking at the sky and feeling the air? 2) Watch what the birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc. are doing.
O Lord, how manifold are your works In wisdom you have made them all; The earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24
Sunday school teachers at St. David’s are “Safe Church” trained and offer class each Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. service from September to June. Children ages 3 to preteen are invited to participate in the Sunday school classes. We do have a nursery for parents to bring their younger children during the service. During the opening hymn, the teacher of the day leads the children to the classroom. Teachers follow the “Deep Blue” curriculum which includes opportunity for children to give an offering, learn a bible lesson, watch a DVD, play games, do crafts and have a snack. Children return to the church service after the sign of peace and sit with their grown-up.
Some youth events include:
Some youth events include:
- · September – Kick Off Day for Sunday School (usually the Sunday after Labor Day)
- · October – Bowling and Trunk or Treat
- · November – After church activity (for example: a story and painting of bird houses)
- · December – Breakfast with Santa
- · January – Game Day with Pizza after church
- · February – Slime Day
- · March – Bowling
- · April – Good Friday Children’s Stations of the Cross/Egg Hunt
- · May – Mother’s Day Brunch after church
- · June – Father’s Day Ice Cream Sundaes at coffee hour
Children's Events Through the Years
Christian Education
We offer Sunday School during the 10:00 service every week. A dedicated crew of teachers base the lessons on a carefully chosen curriculum. Children as young as two can participate, depending on the child. (We have a nursery for younger children.) Our normal age range is about five to ten.
Children's Choir All interested children ages 4 and up are welcome to participate. They practice every week at 11:15 - 11:30 on Sunday mornings beginning March 1, 2020 in preparation for their performance at the Easter Sunday Service. Confirmation and First Communion We offer First Communion and Confirmation classes for older children as needed. |
Seasonal Events
We have a regular cycle of special events for our children as well as children in the community. All events are free.
Beginning at the start of the Christian year (Advent, which happens in December), they are: Breakfast with Santa: Children play games, have a snack, receive a present, and meet the big man. Children’s Stations of the Cross and Easter Egg Hunt: It is a strange combination that works. We begin by talking about the meaning of the crucifixion. We end with an Easter Egg Hunt. In between are lots of fun and educational events. Halloween Party: We invite children to come in costume for an evening of games, ending with trick-or-treating around the Church. It’s a fun way to get lots of candy fast! |