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A Special Welcome from
St. John's
to
Families with Children |
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Where are the Classrooms? |
Church School runs during the Worship Service, 11 am to 12 on Sundays all through the regular school year. Children sit with their parents and leave for Church School with their teachers during the last verse of the Children’s Hymn. Parents, of course, can accompany any who just aren’t ready to make the big trip alone.
Children are escorted to the coffee room after their classes are over. |
All the classes are at the east end of the building using the stairwell on the south side. You can get there from the doors on both sides of the Sanctuary. Classrooms for the older children and washrooms are in the lower floor, the Nursery is on the main floor and the Children’s Worship Centre and classroom is on the upper floor. |
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Nursery
We have a small nursery on the first floor for babies and children up to the age of 3. This adjoins a big room where the older ones can roam and play safely. You may drop off your little ones before the service starts. Parents are welcome to stay with their children. The Service can be heard over a speaker in this area and coffee time happens in this room after the Service.
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Children’s Worship Centre
Ages 3- Grade 2 (upper floor)
The Children’s Worship Centre is a special Church School room that is designed especially for the Young Children and Worship Program. This is a Montessori-style program that has been used by many denominations. Each story, from the Old Testament, New Testament or parable is contained in a special basket or box on story shelves. Each story is told by a story teller through the use of wooden figures and other material. The children are then given time to respond to the story they heard, through art. Songs and sign language are also used. Parents are welcome anytime to join us and observe. Just follow us up when we leave the Worship Service.
Volunteers run this program. |
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Grades 3-5
This class starts in the Children’s Worship Centre and moves to an adjoining room to explore an expanded Young Children in Worship program.
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Senior Class
Grades 5-9 (lower floor)
This class learns more about the Bible and deals with current social issues in their lives. This class is led by our Family Outreach and Christian Education worker, Sumi Jeung.* |
High School Students
Our High School students are integrated into the life of the church through the choir, participation in the Service, as well as study and social sessions scheduled throughout the year. Please ask for more information from our Family Outreach and Christian Education Worker, Sumi Jeung.*
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Family Outreach and Christian Education Worker*
Beginning in September 2009 we have hired Sumi Jeung as our Family Outreach and Christian Education worker. We are now expanding our activities for children, youth and families at St. John's and in our community.
Please contact Sumi at 416-466-7476. |
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Leading With Care
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has a safety policy called Leading with Care that outlines policy regarding supervision of children and youth. St. John’s has implemented all aspects of this policy as detailed in the St. John’s Church School and Teacher Manual.
In the event of a fire, your children will be escorted quickly out of the building to a meeting place at the entrance of the parking lot at the back of the church where you can pick them up from their teachers. Do not go to their classroom but directly to the parking lot.
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To Parents of Young Children
Relax! God put the wiggle in children – don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house.
Sit towards the front where it is easier to see and hear.
Explain quietly the parts of the service.
Help your child find the pages in the Bible, the Book of Psalms and the Book of Praise.
Bring some soft toys, pencils etc. for their use. (We have crayons and paper in the vestibule for you to use)
If your child needs to leave the service, do so, but come back.
Always remember that the way we welcome children in Church directly affects the way they respond to Church, God and Christ. Let them know that they are at home in this worship service of praise and thanksgiving.
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