Children's Ministries

St. Andrew's has a long and joyous tradition of ministries for children from infancy through fifth grade. As we look to the future, God is blessing us with new and creative ways to enrich the faith journey of our young families. This is a partnership in which we all share. Our programs come under the auspices of the Children's Ministry Team.

--Roberta Schlechter, Director of Nursery & Children's Ministry
--Mary Rose, Elder & Chair, Children's Ministry Team

Sunday Mornings

• During the School year, St. Andrew's provides Nursery and Pre-School care for infants, toddlers and young children during the 9:00 and 10:00 hours. Trained professionals oversee the Nursery and Pre-School age programs.
• A team of caring, faithful adults direct the elementary children's Sunday School program.
• St. Andrew's offers Christian Education programs for the ENTIRE FAMILY at the 9:00 hour.
• The "Common Grounds" Coffee House is open during the 9:00 hour for informal fellowship in the Fireside Lounge.

Kid's Light House (Sundays, 10:00 a.m.)

"Lighthouse" is an interactive, multi-sensory church school experience designed to help children truly understand and apply the Biblical story. Over several weeks, children focus on a single Bible narrative…not just the chronological story line, but the whys and hows…AND the Bible's message for us today. Workshops involve food preparation, computer and multi-media, games, storytelling, drama and crafts.

Parents who regularly attend worship with their children, enroll them in an experience of Christian learning and growth and introduce spiritual principles in their home have the greatest success in the ability of their children to embrace a personal faith in God.

Special January Classes for Children AND Their Parents

Pastors Tom and Patty Campbell-Schmitt love spending time with our youngsters. Each January the pastors 'take over' the Kids LightHouse class time and present lessons to children AND parents. The rotating subjects are: The Lord's Prayer, Baptism and Communion.

Godly Play

One of the special experiences we offer children is called GODLY PLAY. Godly Play is what (founder) Jerome Berryman calls…”more akin to spiritual direction than to what we generally think of as religious education.”

Berryman explains, “Godly Play assumes that children have some experience of the mystery of the presence of God in their lives, but that they lack the language, permission and understanding to express and enjoy that in our culture. In Godly Play, we enter into parables, silence, sacred stories and sacred liturgy in order to discover God, ourselves, one another and the world around us.”

For more information about Kid’s LightHouse, please contact Roberta Schlechter, Director, Nursery and Children’s Ministry

Special Programs

Vacation Bible School: "Rainforest Adventure"
St. Andrew’s, in partnership with Hillsdale Community Church, UCC, will host Vacation Bible School the week of July 7-11 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Please note these dates on your calendars and watch for additional information in the weeks ahead. There are always ample opportunities for youth and adults to share talents and gifts with the children, and have a wonderful time. Hosting these children is a blessing that we cherish and anticipate. Registrations are being taken now (VBS Registration Form). It's as simple as printing, completing and mailing it to the church!

MOPS (MOPS is currently on "vacation!" Please check for MOPS starting back up in Fall 2008!)
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schools) is a 30-year-old, world-wide organization where local groups meet in churches or at other faith-based facilities. MOPS groups are communities that strive to meet the needs of every mom with children from birth through kindergarten. For more information about the national MOPS organization and our local St. Andrew's MOPS group.