Children

Our Nursery
The nursery (infant to 2 years) is open during the 10 a.m. services on Sunday mornings, as well as during the Sunday School hour.  Nursery care is also provided for many special events throughout the year. Staffed with two caregivers, our nursery provides a safe, loving environment for our infants and toddlers.
The nursery is open during the 10 a.m. services on Sunday mornings, as well as during the Sunday School hour...
Growing in Christ and Children's Chapel

Growing in Christ (Children's Sunday School)
Growing in Christ has two levels of learning (K-3rd and 4th-5th)  which meet in the Guild Room & Youth Room. We stay interactive and community involved with more time to focus on questions and life commitment. Growing in Christ is a wonderful interactive experience which allows our children to learn the word of God through Art, Music and Drama.  Through these mediums we are able to build the foundation of learning in a loving and nurturing environment.  Our teachers span the generations and work together in a team of four on each grade level.  Teams rotate their teaching commitment one month on and one month off throughout the year.  There is also opportunity to work as a substitute.

Together parents, teachers and children create many opportunities for all to grow in their faith.  Here are some of our special projects:
  • Christmas Pageant - One of the biggest highlights of the year is our Christmas Pageant.  Adult and youth volunteers work with children to prepare a celebration of Christ’s birth with costumes, narration and music during the Christmas season.
  • Education through Outreach - As children grow into their life within the parish, it important for them to see themselves as a contributing member of the Christian community. Outreach is an integral part of our Sunday School program.  Four projects are chosen and designed by our teachers, with the help of the children. Through this part of our ministry, our children not only have the opportunity to give to others, they also begin to understand that building a strong community is the responsibility of all no matter how large or small!
Children's Chapel
The mission of Children’s Chapel (Ages 3, 4, 5) is to serve children with loving care while teaching God’s word. Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., we offer a child-centered chapel service while parents attend our Sanctuary and Harmony Services. This curriculum follows the church lectionary calendar in an effort to foster family discussion and spiritual growth that may continue at home.  Parent volunteers teach the lesson, prepare art activities, and bring snacks.  Assistant Teacher volunteers assist in planning and serve as a second adult in the classroom. Individuals are requested to serve one month at a time on a rotation bases.
Growing in Christ (Sunday School) at St. Thomas is a wonderful interactive experience which allows our children to learn the word of God through Art, Music and Drama... 

Godly Play

Godly Play is a wonderful program based on a Montessori philosophy of Religious Education. The ideals of the program allow each child to travel their own path as they discover God’s word while growing together as a community.

"They are able to imagine and discover  their own relationship with God rather than being taught what to believe." 

The program is based on five concepts:

  • the gathering,
  • the story,
  • the work,
  • the feast and
  • goodbyes.

 

Each step in the experience holds it’s own importance in allowing the children to ‘live and play’ in the Word of God.  Our room is a special place. Amazing acts of kindness and love happen there. We extend a warm welcome to all of our families to be with us for Godly Play each week. We meet each Wednesday night as part of Supper Song and Prayer. The children gather at 6:30 to 6:40 p.m. allowing parents to finish dinner before heading to the Service. These are moments you won’t want to miss! You will experience the pure joy and beauty on the faces of each child as they begin their personal journey with God.

The ideals of the program allow each child to travel their own path as they discover God’s word while growing together as a community...