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 that is equal to that of the youth and adults of this parish.

Ascension welcomes children – their innocence, energy, joy, spirit of wonder and the honesty of their questions.  From October 2, 2022 to June 11, 2023, 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 preschool-5nd grade to join us. This Montessori-based curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education:  God inviting us into scripture and 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 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, children rejoin their families in the Nave for the Eucharist.

If you would like to register a child or join the teaching team, please email megandidavi02@gmail.com or call Megan at 703-626-7199.