Children’s Ministry by Jennifer Snook

There is something to be said about routine. We expect certain things to happen at certain times each day. For families, the start of school launches a new spin on routine. There is a sadness that accompanies the end of summer, but there is renewed, hopeful energy around the academic routine.

If your start to school promises are anything like mine, you tell yourself this year things are going to be different. You determine the routine will not rule your life. You plan to make freezer meals for months at a time. You commit to syncing the school calendar on your electronic devices so that you never miss bring your teddy bear to class day. And this year, you are going to make healthy homemade snacks from one of your Pinterest boards.

My intentions are pure. My goals are attainable, but somehow, by mid-October I find myself swimming in soccer socks and tri-fold projects. The homemade snacks are replaced with graham crackers and milk, and all I can do is pray for Thanksgiving break to arrive. Thankfully, God knows that our best intentions are still fallen and fickle. That is why celebrating the Sabbath brings perspective and even holiness into our busy lives.

After Labor Day the entire church studies the same curriculum, Feasting on the Word. Colissa Frye teaches our toddlers in the nursery, Merodee Granis teaches our pre-K through 2nd graders downstairs and Geoff Snook and Sherry Camargo teach our 3rd – 5th graders in the tower. Here’s the great news. Parents: you have the chance to join a Feasting on the Word class, too. The whole family learns the same content and maybe you will step into your own routine led by a God who loves you, pursues you and will not be without you.

September Sunday Morning Schedule

9 am           Worship in the Great Room

10 am         Education and Fellowship (see below)

11 am         Worship in the Sanctuary

Worship at 9 am is in the Great Room and is led musically by our band. The style is less formal than the 11 am service. The 11 am service is in the Sanctuary and is led musically by our choirs. The style is more traditional.

Here’s where you will find education and fellowship opportunities at 10 am every Sunday in September except for September 6 when there is an all church breakfast at 10 am.

YOUNG CHILDREN

Children ages Birth-Pre-K

A nursery is available all morning from 8:50 – 12:15. From 10 – 10:45 Colissa Fry leads a Sunday School lesson for these children. They will use the Feasting on the Word curriculum.

Kindergarten – 2nd grade meets in room B10 (in the basement). Merodee Grannis will teach using the Feasting on the Word curriculum.

3rd grade – 5th grade meets in the Tower Room (on the 2nd floor). Geoff Snook and Sherry Camargo will teach using the Feasting on the Word curriculum.

YOUTH

6-8th graders meet in the Youth Center (downstairs)

9-12th graders meet in the Youth Center (downstairs)

ADULTS

Steamers

Location: Room 209

  • On Sundays,  September 13 and 20, Claudia Peebler leads this class. September 27 and October 4 are TBA.

The Birth of Christianity: 100 BC to 337 AD with Steve Hooper

Location: TBA

  • This four week study focusses on the life and times of the early Christian Church. It identifies and explores the development of the early Church by asking: “How did the early Christian Church evolve? Who did what, and what were their motivations?” These questions address by examining the interactions and relationships between the Jews, Rome and the early Christians. The answers provide insight into the formation of the modern church as well as the world we live in. This class is a lecture based format.

Wearing God with Jeanine Hathaway

Location: Room 101

  • Have you ever thought about God as clothing? Galatians 3:27 says, “as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” The Bible is full different ways to describe God. This class will use Lauren Winner’s book Wearing God to explore some of the different images. It is an interactive class and meets for four weeks. Teacher Jeanine Hathaway is a retired English professor from WSU and a participant at St James Episcopal Church. In 2011 she published The Ex-Nun Poems.

Feasting on the Word with Maggie McIntire

Location: Room 103

  • Dig into the word! Each week this class will study the scripture used in worship that day. The children and youth use the same curriculum, as designed for their ages. Each week is a stand-alone lesson, so this class works well for anyone who may not be here for four weeks in a row. The class is interactive and meets for four weeks.

Sunday Morning Preaching Schedule: September

September 6  

Dr. Martin Burch preaches this day. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper at both 9 am and 11 am.

September 13

Catherine Neelly Burton preaches this day. We begin a three week series called, “Straight Talk with Jesus,” looking at some of the hard conversations Jesus had with others. The scripture from this day is Mark 8:27-38.

September 20 

This is the second in our three week “Straight Talk with Jesus” series, and we look at Mark 9:30-37. Catherine Neelly Burton preaches.

September 27

In the final week of our “Straight Talk with Jesus” series we look at Mark 9:38-50. Catherine Neelly Burton preaches.

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Yellow Bag Sundays

Yellow Sundays: September

Each month on the first Sunday you’re encouraged to take home a re-usable yellow grocery bag, put some non-perishable items in it, and bring it back the next week, or soon thereafter. This month our contributions go to the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. Consider bringing Macaroni and Cheese or canned proteins.