Children

The Children’s Ministries’ program here at St. Peter’s provides educational,worship, and fellowship opportunities for children age 3 through 5^th grade.A committee plans and implements these activities.  Included on the committee are the Director of Children’s Ministries, a council representative, and several volunteers.

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Education

Sunday school at St. Peter’s takes place from 9:15-10:15 every Sunday from the beginning of September to the middle of May.  Below are the many Christian Educational programs available to children age 3 through 5^th grade.

2 and 3 Year Olds

Our 2 and 3 year old Sunday school class is the first opportunity for our youngest members to experience Sunday school! A volunteer picks up our three year olds from the nursery and then takes them to a nearby classroom. There they explore Bible stories through crafts, games and song! At the end of the class, the volunteer returns them to the nursery where they enjoy a snack before their parents arrive to pick them up!

Spark is a Lutheran faith formation program that gets children excited about God’s Word! St. Peter’s uses the Spark curriculum for our children ages 4 through 5^th grade.

4 Year Olds/Kindergarteners

Our 4 year olds and kindergarteners experience an in-room rotation with Storytelling, Art, Snack, Music and Game stations.

Grades 1-6

For our  kids in grades 1 through Grade 6, each workshop rotation is focused on a rich Bible story or group of Bible stories about particular characters.  Workshop rotations include Art, Bible Skills and Games, Computer Lab, Cooking, Creative Drama, Music, Science, and Video.

VBS

VacationBibleSchool is traditionally held in July here at St. Peter’s. Our VBS is purposely designed to connect kids to God through the exploration of Christian themes, and give them opportunities to share God’s love with others. A different theme is chosen every year that incorporates Bible stories, music, and engaging activities!

WORSHIP

Our children at St. Peter’s are welcomed into our Lutheran worship services in many different ways.

Worship Bags

Worship bags are available at each of our services for all children but are specifically designed for children age 3 through 2^nd grade. They are designed to engage children during the service through a children’s bulletin and a Christian picture book. Look for the “Ark” in the narthex and pick one up!

Children’s Church

Children’s church is held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month during our 10:45 traditional service. The children are escorted from the sanctuary by a volunteer to the chapel right next door. During the sermon, the children listen to a “Bible chat” with a member of our clergy or a lay volunteer. They also sing songs and learn prayers. They are then returned to the sanctuary to enjoy the rest of the service with their parents. All children are welcome but Children’s church is designed for children age 3 through 2^nd grade.

Children’s Sermons

Children’s sermons are held on the first and third Sundays during our traditional service. Clergy and lay volunteers prepare a sermon appropriate for all children but specifically are designed around children age 3 through 5^th grade. Children are invited to the altar railing to enjoy the mini sermon based on the Gospel of the day.

Bible Presentation

On Reformation Sunday in October, our 3 year olds are presented the Spark Story Bible. With colorful and fun pictures that draw the kids in, the Spark Story Bible brings to life 150 stories from the Old and New Testament. The Spark Bible (NRSV), presented to our 2^nd graders, includes kid-friendly introductions to the books of the Bible, definitions, facts, trivia, and questions to help kids think about their faith.

Communion Awareness

In the spring, we offer a class to introduce children to the communion experience here at St. Peter’s. While parents have a question and answer sessions with the clergy, the children attend a class with a lay teacher, going over the many aspects of communion through a lesson that includes a story and craft. The afternoon ends with  an abbreviated communion service. Children are recognized at a future worship service where they receive their first communion.

FELLOWSHIP

Along with our educational and worship opportunities, there are several activities throughout the school year to promote fun and fellowship for our St. Peter’s kids!

Easter Egg Hunt

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is held the Saturday before Palm Sunday every year. Our St. Peter’s youth help to fill and hide the eggs for children ages 3 to 5^th grade. Included in the fun filled morning is a puppet show by our own Pastor Ross, a visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting and refreshments!

Santa Workshop

St. Peter’s Santa Workshop is held the first Friday in December for the members of St Peter’s. We give the parent’s a night out to shop for the holidays while the children are entertained with crafts, stories, a Christmas movie and dinner. The highlight of the evening is when the kids can chose small gifts for their families in our Christmas shop and wrap them with the help of our youth and lay volunteers.

Santa Breakfast

The second Saturday in December Santa makes a visit to St. Peter’s! The children and their families can enjoy a pancake breakfast as they visit with Santa and watch a puppet show put on by Pastor Ross.