CHILDREN and YOUTH Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs. -- Matthew 19:14 We learn as much from children at Christ Church as we teach them - we invite them to learn in playful ways, and they in turn teach us to play as we pray. Here are some of our offerings for our younger members: Church School We are launching two new programs this year, under the creative leadership of Sandy Morgan and Shirley Skolozdra. Godly Play invites children to enter sacred space at their own pace; to hear a story told and wondered about; to respond to the story with "work" that they choose - art, writing, drama, playing through the story on their own, or choosing one from another week. It trusts the innate spirituality of children and helps them to develop their own community within the larger one of Christ Church. Godly Play is offered to children in grades Jr.K - 3 during the 10 o'clock hour, and for all children during the 5 o'clock service. Workshop Rotation is also a story-based approach which invites children to get inside Bible stories with "workshops" that appeal to different learning styles. A typical "rotation," or four-week cycle on a story, may include a week preparing a TV News feature on the story, interviewing main characters, writing background. The next week the workshop might be artwork, or a drama workshop making sets and costumes as well as getting to know the characters. This program is being offered to children in grades 4-6. Special Events We hold special workshops and events for children at different times of the church year: A Holy Communion Workshop in the fall helps children to understand the meaning of the Christian Eucharist, as well as the "how-tos" of receiving bread and wine. The Christmas Pageant involves the children in the re-telling of our great Christmas story. There is a part for every child who wants to participate, no matter how young or old. The pageant is performed at our Christmas Eve Family Service. Easter Eve Walk for Kids invites children to take a guided tour through the events of Holy Week and Easter, sitting as the disciples at the Last Supper, getting their feet washed, going into the Garden and enduring the trials of Jesus, contemplating the crucifixion and burial, and experiencing the surprise of the empty tomb. These events are narrated in different locations, as the children offer their own profound reflections. Many of these events are supported by our Family Ministries Team, led by Amy Johnson.