The mission of St. John's Children & Youth programs is to be an inclusive spiritual community, we uplift families and equip them to be change agents.
Childcare (Infants to Preschoolers)
The Nursery is a welcoming, joyful, and safe place to make friends. Conveniently located directly across from the sanctuary, the cheerful space features large windows looking out on the patio and is filled with books and toys. The wonderful and experienced director of childcare facilitates play with the children, reads a Bible story, and serves a snack. She is supported by a youth staff and is certified in infant / child CPR and First Aid. The Nursery is open every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and for special events. (No sick children, please.)
Sunday School (Grades K – 5)
During the school year, children can meet in the upstairs classrooms for Sunday School while parents attend the 10:00 a.m. service, except on the third Sunday of the month when everybody attends the Family Service. Trained volunteers teach a Bible-based lesson, then the children retell the Bible stories with “Godly Play” interactive pieces. The teachers escort the children into church in time to join their families after the Peace for the Eucharist.
Youth Choral Music Program (All Ages)
Our youth choristers learn and perform music led by our Minister of Music, Dr. Ben Riggs. Following the Royal School of Church Music in America curricula, choristers learn elements of music and vocal production during rehearsals. Regular participation during worship offers opportunities to perform and understand music as part of worship. The program is comprised of two age groups:
Primary & Junior Choir: Rehearsals on Thursdays, 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Children ages 4-10 learn the fundamentals of music through the joy of singing. Rehearsals are fun and focus on voice production, rhythm and basic score reading. They sing in church on the third Sunday of the month at the 10:00 a.m. service.
Senior Choir: Rehearsals on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Youth, ages 11-17, sing in our 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship services at least two Sundays a month alongside the Adult Chancel Choir. During weekly rehearsals, choristers learn theory, sight singing, music history and choral singing. The older members also take on leadership roles helping guide the younger children.
Pizza Club (Grades 3 – 6)
Pizza Club is a great way for kids at St. John’s to socialize and get to know one another. Join us to laugh, play games, and eat pizza and veggies. Friends are always welcome. Meetings include activities such as playing sardines, hide and seek in the dark, assembling bags containing toiletries or snacks for Sacred Space, writing prayers, playing water games, meditation time, and making ice cream sodas. We meet on the 1st Thursday of every month during the school year from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A donation of $5 per meeting, per child is suggested.
Children's Program Values
We embrace our Christian faith in the spirit of these values:
Creative: We hold space for youth and children’s ministry with innovative, expressive, and visionary ideas and action.
Justice-Seeking: We build awareness, act on issues of equity, and serve the planet and those in need.
Open-Minded: We are welcoming, inclusive, curious, and accepting.
Compassionate: We challenge the status quo and show radical love to all.
Joyous: We support Christian spiritual growth through fun and humor.
We embrace our Christian faith in the spirit of these values:
Creative: We hold space for youth and children’s ministry with innovative, expressive, and visionary ideas and action.
Justice-Seeking: We build awareness, act on issues of equity, and serve the planet and those in need.
Open-Minded: We are welcoming, inclusive, curious, and accepting.
Compassionate: We challenge the status quo and show radical love to all.
Joyous: We support Christian spiritual growth through fun and humor.
Contact: Youth Programs Director, at youth@stjohnsoakland.org
Contact: Music Director, Ben Riggs at ben@stjohnsoakland.org
Contact: Music Director, Ben Riggs at ben@stjohnsoakland.org
|
|
|
|
