KID'SPACE
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KID'Space
This page is for young people and their parents who want to know if there are programs for them at Christ Church Anglican, Stouffville.
Are young people welcomed at Christ Church?
Absolutely YES!
We are blessed to have a large and lively group of young people, from infants to teens, involved in our Church School. They bring enthusiasm and excitement to all our educational and extra-curricular programs, and we in turn celebrate and value their participation by offering an array of programming to suit their needs and interests.
We recognize that many new families are re-locating to Stouffville, we are here to help enrich your new life.
Do we have to be Anglicans?
Actually, NO!!
What is the mission and purpose of the Church School Ministry?
We have built a rich and vibrant Church School at Christ Church Stouffville. Our specific goals for all our programs within the Church School are as follows:
* Ensuring that our young people continue to grow and develop in their faith
* Strengthening structures, routines and traditions throughout the church school program that bring all ages together in a caring community.
* Strengthening meaningful exchange between all school sections and the broader church community
* Creating opportunities for youth and children to develop and practice their gifts and talents.
How old do my children have to be?
Christ Church welcomes children from Nursery age and up with programs for all age groups.
NURSERY PROGRAM (infants to age 3):
Focus: Your New Baptismal Community ... God loves you and so do we.
We have a fully equipped and comfortable nursery facility adjacent to the worship area and staffed by experienced adults. Parents can attend the Church services and readily check on their babies from time to time.
BEGINNER PROGRAM (Pre-school-Grade 1):
Focus: God is Everywhere, Ever Present.
The Beginner Program focuses on helping children learn the stories of our faith and find themselves within the stories.
PRIMARY PROGRAM (Grades 2 & 3):
Focus: God is Everywhere, Ever Present.
Building on the thematic focus of the Beginner Program, the Primary program helps children to examine the stories of our faith more deeply and reflect on their own faith.
JUNIOR PROGRAM (Grades 4, 5 & 6)
Focus: Special Children of God.
The Junior Program focuses on helping children to learn how to depend on God through prayer, to reflect, to explore the scripture and become familiar with the bible.
JUNIOR YOUTH PROGRAM (Grades 7 & 8)
Focus: God is Your Anchor.
The Junior Youth Program explores and examines issues relating to their own relationships with God, the traditions of our communion and what it means to be Anglican.
SENIOR YOUTH PROGRAM (Grades 9-12)
Focus: Living your Faith Inside and Outside.
More self directed, the Senior Youth Program is built around an exploration of bigger issues in life, and helping the youth find their fit within them and within their own faith. The group also examines the ways in which they live their faith in the culture around them, both in the local community and in the larger world.
Do you have a supplementary Youth Ministry?
Yes. In addition to the Youth Programs in the Church School, Christ Church offers a rich and vibrant Youth Ministry to meet the personal and spiritual needs of youth through fellowship, recreation, worship, study and faith-in-action.
Many youth are currently deeply involved in and enjoy the benefits of a strong Pantomime production.We annually have approximately 30 youth and 20 adults involved in the Pantomime. The community that has evolved amongst the participants has been amazing - older youth getting to know and help the younger ones; adults becoming inspirational and approachable mentors for the youth. The youth are given an opportunity to blossom in new and often unexpected ways.
Other typical youth fellowship activities are:
* Mini Putt held in the church
* Trip to the Petting Zoo
* Walk-in-the-woods Retreat (Junior youth - grades 7 & 8)
* Church Ski day
* 30-Hour Famine
Worship
* Easter Vigil
* Youth service
Our objectives envisage a much strengthened series of programs with more teams, leadership and youth participation.
What else goes on at the Church School?
The Church School organizes a variety of special events and activities throughout the year to bring all ages together for fellowship, creativity and fun. These activities include
* Ginger Bread Creche-Making
* Christmas Pageant
* Easter Presentation
* Pentecost Craft Activity
* And many other intergenerational performances and activities.
How do I, as a parent, get my children and youth involved?
Bring them along to the 10am service on any Sunday morning and ask a greeter to introduce you to the Sunday School. The Church School Programs start in the Great Hall, and the children and youth join you for the Eucharist toward the latter part of the service.
If I ever wanted to be a teacher myself, or assist in some way, would this be OK?
Please speak to Olivia Petrie who is our Church School Ministry Head. She would be delighted to go over what's involved in teaching or assisting in the Church School programs, provide resources and training, and discuss any ideas you might have for intergenerational activities and special events.
I would especially like to work with Youth teams, are there such opportunities?
Yes, there is a very real need in Stouffville to work with Youth. At Christ Church, we are committed to helping with this and would much welcome adult support with your kids. Just contact our church office during the week. |
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