Church School

Sunday Morning for Children

                                                                                   

St. Mark’s welcomes children of all ages to our developmentally appropriate church school.  Over the year, church school classes are invited to participate in the church service either as greeters or prayer leaders.  Special highlights include the heartwarming Christmas Pageant, organizing food drives and environmental projects  We are committed to teaching children about the rich Episcopal tradition in a safe and nurturing environment.  The Sunday morning program is offered from infancy through the elementary years.    

 

Sunday Morning Schedule:

 

9:00 a.m.         Nursery care is available from 8:45 -11:15 a.m. in Room B for infants up to age three

9:50 a.m.         Children’s Sunday School – All children (3s - 6th grade) go to classrooms

10:45 a.m.       All grades join their families in church for Holy Communion

      

Sunday Morning Nursery Care

 

A full nursery program for newborn through 36 months is offered from 8:45-11:15a.m. Sunday mornings .  We have a fully equipped nursery staffed by two caregivers; the nursery is located in Room B in the education wing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Education

 

3 years old through 2nd grade  - Godly Play   

Pre-school and early elementary grades follow the Godly Play curriculum.  Godly Play is an Episcopal-based curriculum which imparts God's love and seeks to engage children in joyful, educational play, using the cultural materials of Scripture as “toys.”   Trained storytellers share Bible stories with the children each week.  Storytellers use carved wooden pieces and scripts designed and written by the renowned Jerome Berryman to animate the stories.  Children are encouraged to express themselves and interpret the story using a variety of different craft materials. Additionally, we will seek creative ways to occasionally involve the younger children in “The Year of the Boat.”

 

3rd – 6th graders  - The Year of the Boat 

“The Year of the Boat” is a scripturally-based curriculum designed to engage children in experiential, transformational learning which is creative and FUN.  Toward that end, an actual 30 foot ark will be constructed on the stage of Morrill Hall which will serve as a theater set all year.   The ark will enhance weekly performances of bible adventures such as:  Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Big Fish, Jesus Calling Fishermen, Jesus Walking on Water, The Risen Jesus Appearing to Disciples, Paul’s Missionary Journeys, and the Church as a Boat in the World.   At the end of the year, the ark will be moved outside where it will become a permanent playground piece.  After the Assembly theatrical presentations, 3-6th graders will disperse to the undercroft where activities and crafts will await them.

 

If your child plans to attend church school in 2009-10 year, please email his/her name, age, grade, and school to Josh Hill, our Director of Youth and Children's Ministries.  Please feel free to call him at 203.966.4515 x104 for more information about Church School.