“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” -Matthew 19: 13-15

SPSA offers a rich and nurturing place for family life and for all children and parents to be part of a loving, supportive, and active community of faith.

Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment and support for spiritual matters within the family structure.

We are a progressive and inclusive church, welcoming families of all kinds.

The most important thing we want our children to know is that they are loved unconditionally.

We offer a foundation of Christian education for children along with a sensitivity to ohter faith traditions.

Children in Worship:

We believe that children’s presence and voices contribute to worship, and they are a vital part of our congregation.

All children attend the beginning of the 11 am  adult worship service.

Children lead the Call to Worship each Sunday and serve as acolytes.

After a special Children’s Message, children  leave to go to Sunday School.

Bi-monthly children remain in church to experience and take part in special services, communion, and learn more about worship.

Sunday School:

Nursery Care is provided by a professional teacher and assistants for children ages 6 months to 4 years from 10 am-1 pm each Sunday.

Sunday School Classes serve children from Kindergarten to 5th Grade led by our Assoc. Pastor, Ministry Intern, parent volunteers, and youth.

Our goal is to provide:

• fellowship and spiritual nurturance,
• an introduction to the Bible & Christ’s teachings,
• familiarity with the rituals and practices of our church, all in a spirit of fun and community!

We combine exploring Biblical stories and their meaning, with service projects and learning about the needs of others. Participating in Social Justice programs and events of the church, children experience that they too can make a difference.   (see KidsCan! below)

Special Events for Children and Families:

Annual Christmas and Easter Pageants which are very special experiences for the whole congregation.  This year our script was rewritten and is being directed by two of our youth.

Fellowship Events: Monthly Potluck Dinners, Courtyard Cookouts, Interfaith gatherings, all church retreats, and special holiday services and celebrations.

Vacation Bible School:

We also offer an enriching week of VBS in the summer. These past two years we have focused on environmental themes of God’s Green Earth and The Way of Water, supporting our children in being good stewards and environmentalists.  They have become an inpiration for many of the “greening” initiatives at SPSA. VBS activities include:

• Bible Study
• creative arts & music
• field trips
• outdoor play
• children’s yoga
• service projects
• family cookout celebration, and more!

All children from the community at large our welcome to attend VBS.  Scholarships are available.

KidsCan!:

We believe that even young children are capable of contributing their special gifts, spirit, and energy.

Children serve at SPSA by helping to:

• stock food shelves at WSCAH;
• prepare dinner for our shelter;
• set-up special coffee hours,
• “green”  the church;
• bake pies for the homeless at Thanksgiving;
• participate at church clean-ups.

Children have also raised money and awareness for international service projects, such as:

• The Heifer Project,
• UNICEF,
• Displaced persons in Colombia,
• Church World Service Blanket Ministry.

Every year children vote on where to contribute their annual children’s offering.

Parents:

Parents meet periodically to ask questions, learn about what their children are doing, and support one another in issues of faith and family life.

New (or expectant) Parents Breakfast meets the 2nd Sunday before church to share ideas and offer support.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Julie Nelson at children@stpaulandstandrew.org

Read the Update for current news and activities.