Christian Formation for Children
Children are Welcome Here!
Ascension believes in its children-their innocence, energy, joy, spirit of wonder and the honesty of their questions. We believe that children have a place at God’s table equal to that of the youth and adults of this parish. We follow the diocese requirement that two adults work together with groups of children.
Sunday School: From September through June, we offer Sunday school classes in room 2 and via zoom during both the 10:00 and 12:00 services. We use the Godly Play curriculum and invite children from preschool through 5th grade to join us. This Montessori based curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into scripture and the spiritual experience. We explore sacred stories, parables and liturgy using figures and objects.
Each class begins with music and movement, including the song “This is the Day the Lord has Made” and some simple yoga to help us prepare for the lesson. The storyteller then tells a story using the Godly Play materials. Afterward, we discuss the wondering questions such as “I wonder what part of the story you liked best?” “I wonder what part of the story you think is the most important?” “I wonder what part of the story you think we could leave out and still have all that we need?” and perhaps most importantly, “I wonder what part of the story is about you?” Wondering questions are the heart of the Godly Play approach. Each child hears the stories of the people of God and reflects on how the stories are manifest in their own lives.
After the wondering questions we work together on craft projects, sharing ideas about the lesson and our lives as we work. Children who join the class virtually will be given a set of craft materials to use at home. We finish our class with prayers of Thanksgiving and petitions each of us is invited to share something we are thankful for and or something we would like to ask God for and then we pray together. Finally, the children rejoin their families in the nave for the Eucharist.
Nursery Care: We offer year-round nursery care for young children who aren’t ready to sit for a lesson as well as older children when no Sunday School is offered. In the nursery, we model kindness, sing songs and tell bible stories as children enjoy a variety of toys.
Christmas Pageant: We welcome everyone’s participation in our Christmas pageant on the Sunday closest to Epiphany. Some years we use a script which requires some of the actors to memorize lines. Other years we use a simple format which requires no practice.
Mardi Gras Party: On Shrove Tuesday, we celebrate the last day before Lent with a parish wide pancake supper and parade. Children are invited to make festive masks and decorate an “Alleluia” banner which we hide until Easter.
Easter Egg Hunt: Members of the congregation donate plastic eggs stuffed with small toys or candy. Youth hide the eggs and children hunt for them after church.
Children’s Sunday: On a One Ascension Sunday, when we have only one (bilingual) service at 10:00, the children plan the service with their teachers and take on most of the roles. We try to have children do the Old Testament, Psalm and Epistle readings. Children also work with welcome team adults. They even give the sermon by acting out a lesson.
Vacation Bible School: In the last week of June, Ascension offers a half day VBS camp which is open to preschool-5th graders from the parish and the extended community. The program includes snack, music, art, bible stories, community service and nature activities.
If you would like to register a child for the nursery, Sunday school or VBS or join the teaching team, please e-mail megan.didavi02@gmail.com
or call Megan at 703-626-7199.
