Children’s Ministries

Children’s Ministries by Cindy Houser

Children’s Ministries celebrates the ways we have adapted this year to touch the lives of children.This year has provided opportunities to learn how to connect differently and how to create virtual spaces where children learn about their faith, know God, and build loving relationships as disciples of Christ. There are numerous lessons learned in this year of adaptation, but none speak louder than the importance of meaningful connections as a community, to learn, pray, and play together. These connections can be made in new ways when we are open to the movement of the Spirit. What we have learned through these adaptations has changed us all and cannot help but enrich our future endeavors. “We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

2020 Highlights

Children’s Chapel met weekly on zoom. Age groups were expanded to include all elementary students, with older children acting as role models and Junior Lectors.

Faith formation continued with weekly Godly Play classes live on Zoom. There was a drive-thru opportunity for students to meet and greet their formation teachers this fall and we provided supply bags to the experience at home

Impact Kids increased the 4th and 5th graders’ meeting schedule to meet monthly on Zoom.

Special Events & Programming included: The Lenten Program; Maundy Thursday event; Good Friday Stations of the Cross; Backyard Vacation Bible School; Blessing of Digital Devices & Backpacks – with special stickers and a blessing via Zoom; Third Grade Bibles – delivered with personal messages from vestry members and a blessing; Advent Family Festival; Children’s Christmas Pageant; Personal birthday communications with children in their birthday month

Outreach Projects included: Our Friends Place Christmas Stockings, Children’s Medical Center cards for hospitalized children, and North Dallas Shared Ministries lunch bags and soup packets.

Special thanks to our team of dedicated volunteers Steve Baker, Keith Bogdan, Jim & Melissa Cates, Chris Dick, Lorna Goldsmith, Gabby Guion, Lindsey Hill, Kathy Hodges, Christy Jump, Sherry Latson, Elly Marsh, Mary Brooke Matsumura, Delynda & Kip Moravec, and Sarah Sanabria.

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