Family & Children

We believe that children have the ability to change the world. We believe that children can perform magic. Just by being themselves, they have the power to make others happy. And by doing so, they build up their own self esteem and take pride in what they do. So by teaching the children how Jesus loved everyone and helped in all the ways he could, the kids then take those lessons and pass them on to others. Sharing kindness, love, empathy, courage are ways that the children can make a difference. No age required, no size limits…… they have the power to make our world a better place. 

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is called “JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself.” It is based on the lessons that Jesus taught us, to take care of others and to take pride in yourself. We read Bible stories, and then apply those lessons to modern day. We then do crafts, create art, sing, discuss, pray, cook, and explore. We integrate inter generational learning, and foster friendships between the kids and parishioners. We also do service projects to help our friends, families, and community. Some of the projects we have done in the past year have included:

  • Packing bags full of handmade knitted items, hand warmers, toiletries and snacks to distribute to homeless or cold of our town.
  • Cooking pancakes and then sharing a Shrove pancake breakfast with our families
  • Planting seeds at our home for Earth day, and harvesting fruits, vegetables and herbs over the summer.
  • Creating a list of Random Acts of Kindness, and making sure to do one each day
  • Planning and cooking a meal to serve to all of the parishioners after Church.
  • Drawing/painting or writing cards with inspirational and encouraging messages and leaving them on windshields of health workers
  • Sending cards or care packages to the sick of our parish and community
  • Decorated pumpkins and created a harvest display for our town, complete with a tree full of bags of goodies for our friends to “trick or treat” at.

 
Because we meet before our Church services start, this gives us the ability to form friendships and bonds with others in our parish. The children are able to meet our Priests, Music Director, and parishioners. We want the children to know these people and learn their roles at Saint Barnabas’s. It helps us connect the different generations and allows the children to get to know the community here on Sunday mornings.