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Growing into the Full Stature of Christ

We will become a center for lifelong opportunities for Christian education and spiritual formation in order to form committed, knowledgeable, and mature Christians whose lives are fully engaged with their family, work, and community.

Children

Christian Formation at Saint Andrews encompasses several components, starting with the nursery and children’s chapel and also Sunday School, Wednesday Night Family Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, Communion and Confirmation training and special events for various seasons. The children of Saint Andrew’s, are loved and supported in their walk to learn more and together we will continue to lead our children in their spiritual growth and development.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: During this time of online worship and gatherings, we are offering resources and Children’s activities on our Facebook page. In addition, we have Children’s classes on Sunday mornings via zoom.  Our Director of Music, Linda Patterson is offering a “Saint Andrew’s Kid’s Sing”  10:45-11:00 a.m. for pre-school to age 6th grade.  Contact Desha Thomas, Director of Faith Formation, Children and Youth, youth@standrewsbcs.org to receive the Zoom links, and for more information about our children and youth Sunday School classes and other special programs. 

Summer 2020: We are hoping and planning to offer some type of Vacation Bible School ( possibly onsite) pending the City’s stay-at-home requirements. Please stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details. Send DeSha an email:  youth@standrewsbcs.org to be added to the Saint Andrew’s children’s programs weekly newsletters. 

For the youngest members of our congregation nursery is provided during the 9:00 and 11:15 Sunday services as well as holy days and special events.  We currently have a full complement of 3 workers who are all trained in Safe Guarding God’s Children and CPR.

Chapel is provided for children ages 3 years through 3rd grade during the 9:00 service every Sunday except Easter and Christmas.  Although our target age is 8 and under we have several older children who continue to come and take on rolls such as lay readers and assistant leaders. Parents are always welcome to accompany children to chapel.

The class begins with learning how to say a prayer together that goes along with our Bible Story topic.  A very small Bible concept is taught and reinforced with flannel board stories, puppets and picture cards.  The toddlers are involved and love to learn new songs and finger actions.  A craft is made to reinforce the bible topic.  Sometimes they play games or sing more songs. 

The early elementary class is using the Godly Play curriculum for children, ages 4 years through the 2rd grade. These lessons explore the Old Testament and Saints, and include stories, crafts and hands-on lessons.

The middler class, 3rd through 6th graders  study the “Deep Blue” Curriculum.  This study allows for a bible story to be studied in depth for three weeks with the focus being on a different aspect of the story each week.  This curriculum also has a more diverse set of activities to enrich the lesson including art, cooking, games and activities.

Junior and Senior high students explore the Deep Blue Curriculum, studying bible Stories and including activities to enhance the lessons.  An example of a lesson during the season in Lent involved learning about the Palm Sunday through Easter Day, where they participated in art, cooking, and a prayer lesson. 

Our Wednesday night programs are offered throughout the year for ages 4 through high school. The first Wednesday we include ages 3-8, and the following Wednesdays are for the older children. After supper each group breaks out in the various age groups. This is a wonderful time in the middle of  the week for the children and families to fellowship, learn, pray and connect during the busy school year!

Our VBS is a highlight each year, and is designed for ages 4 through high school.  VBS is typically four evenings, 5:00-8:00 p.m., and begins with a family meal. The children go upstairs for the program and rotate stations to include crafts, music, story telling and games. Children ages 6th through high school are encouraged to serve as helpers, and parent volunteers welcome.

Our 2018 VBS is June 11-14th, held at Saint Andrew’s each evening, 5-8 p.m. Dinner is included, and there is no cost to attend.  Saint Andrew’s friends and guests welcome!

VBS Registration 2018 Children 

VBS Registration 2018 YOUTH

Parents/adults: To volunteer, please contact DeSha Thomas, youth@standrewsbcs.org. 

The children participate in several special events throughout the year during Sunday worship service. On Epiphany Sunday we have “Gifts for a Baby” where the children bring gifts to be donated to local outreach.   On Pentecost Sunday they participate in a  processional and recessional carrying streamers depicting the fire of the Holy Spirit. On Saint Andrew’s day they take part in carrying banners, flags and streamers depicting the various countries which Saint Andrew is the patron saint.  And, at the Christmas Eve service our youth read short narratives as the younger children bring forward the characters of the crèche.