St. Gregory’s Family Ministry
We believe “it takes a village to raise a child,” and here at Saint Gregory’s we want to be part of your village! We treasure the opportunity to nurture your child’s faith, and to fulfill our baptismal promise to you to support you in raising your child in the Christian life and faith. (Book of Common Prayer, page 303).
Sunday School
Resumes Sunday, September 8th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
We use the Simply Loved curriculum for our children’s Sunday School. Simply Loved is a curriculum that explores the Old and New Testaments. Children journey chronologically through the Bible, and discover friendship with Jesus through God’s story, music, crafts and play.
Children ages 4-11 will meet in main area of the Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m. and will be picked up at 9:50 a.m.
Sunday Friends (Children’s Chapel)
Resumes Sunday, September 8th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Friends is an opportunity for children to take a “child size” journey into worship with lessons that coincide with the liturgical readings shared in the main service next door. Children are given smaller amounts of information, along with hands on activities, as they learn about the sanctuary, the altar, the Eucharist, the Gospel and prayer. In a more casual environment, children become more connected and comfortable with the church service and it’s significance to our worship of God.
Sunday Friends will meet in front of the church at 10:00 a.m. Sunday Friends will be held in the side Chapel of the main church and children will be returned to parents for the Eucharist. Sunday Friends is open to children of all ages.
Nursery
St. Gregory’s provides a nursery for children 3 and under during special services such as Christmas and Easter.
Upcoming Family Events
St. Gregory’s Fall Festival, Sunday, September 29th following the 10a.m. service.
Pet Blessing, Sunday, October 6th at 1:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Trunk or Treat, Sunday, October 27th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Parent Resources
Grow Christians is a “community of disciples practicing faith at home.” The group blog consists of reflections, stories, images, and recipes from Episcopalians all over, inspiring families to celebrate the presence of God through the Christian year.
Stories of God at Home: A Godly Play Approach by Jerome Berryman
In his latest book, the creator of Godly Play, Jerome Berryman, talks about nourishing faith through storytelling in the home: the importance of storytelling; how to present stories of God at home, weaving them together with one’s family stories; and reading classical children’s books, looking for connections between them and the stories of God. This book invites families to set aside intentional time for sharing stories and conversation, opening up the creative process and making meaning together.
Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home by Traci Smith
Faithful Families encourages families to add spiritual practices into their daily life, with a focus on transforming everyday moments into sacred moments.
Sacred Dwelling: A Spirituality of Family Life by Wendy M. Wright and Santa Murphy, illustrator
A book that’s great for that Sunday afternoon (or bed time or anytime) read with the family.
Living in God’s Time: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Children throughout the Christian Year by Margaret Persky
This is a great idea mine for incorporating the liturgical calendar into our “out of church” lives.
The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home by David Robinson
St. Benedict’s very practical rule of life for a monastery (everything, from prayer to laundry, eating to gardening, is done with a heart oriented toward God) is applied to life in a family.