The Lighthouse: 

St. John’s Children’s Ministry

Welcome to The Lighthouse, St John’s children’s ministry.  At St. John’s we believe that children are an essential part of parish life, as demonstrated by Jesus’ words to the disciples:  “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”  (Mark 10:14).   We welcome every child into our church community by sharing with them the love and life of Jesus Christ.  In partnership with parents/guardians, we offer opportunities for spiritual and interpersonal growth for all children.  To help them discover their own unique gifts and talents, we’ve created a safe, nurturing and loving environment where children are welcome to laugh, sing, play and enjoy life within a Christian community.   Through Bible study, worship, fellowship, and service, children learn their significance to the kingdom of God and how they can use this to carry out the vision of the church.   For “each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10.  

 

 

2007-2008 Lighthouse Schedule of Events

 

12/02   Advent Event: A Visit from St. Nick

 

12/16   Christmas Pageant, 4 p.m.

 

12/24   Family Christmas Eve Service, 4 p.m.

 

02/10   Sweetheart's Sock Hop, 5 p.m. 

 

03/23   Easter Egg Hunt, 10:30 a.m.

 

04/21   Family Fun Night

 

04/28   Flowering of the

           Cross & Baby Day

 

05/18   Last Day of Sunday

           School

 

06/01   Youth Sunday

           Family BBQ

 

07/14    Vacation Bible Camp

 

08/16   Family Camp-Out

 

Sunday School

 

Our children’s Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. September through May on the second to last Sunday of each month. For children first through sixth grade we are using Seasons of the Spirit a lectionary-based resource created by an international/multi-denominational team of writers and editors that empowers the children to be transformed in Christ. For children in preschool through kindergarten, we use Gospel Light's Movers and Shakers, which provides a variety of activities that help this age group use their curiosity to discover God's presence in their world. For registration materials please contact Cathy Christensen, Director of Children's Ministry, (425) 827-3077.

Blue Angels Children’s Choir

 

Our children’s choir rehearses directly after the 10:00 a.m. service the second through last Sunday of the month from September to May.  It is open to children in Kindergarten through sixth grade.   We also offer a Teen Worship Team (TWT) for students in junior and senior high school.  Under the direction of Laura Otanez and Diane Perman, these choirs sing at the 10 a.m. service on the first Sunday of the month beginning in October.   For more information please contact the church office.

Nursery

 

The nursery is available for children birth to 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and during special services throughout the year.  Parents are an important part of this ministry and are asked to volunteer their time to help in the nursery.   We also have a paid attendant working in the nursery every week.  For more information please contact our nursery supervisor, Daini Strathy at office@stjohnskirkland.org.

 

Acolytes

 

Acolytes help the priests and lay Eucharistic minister at the altar as servers, crucifers and torchbearers.  They help at all Sunday services as well as special services such as Christmas Eve and Ash Wednesday.  At St. John’s, children in third grade through high school are welcome to participate in this important ministry.  New acolytes are offered training as needed throughout the year and begin as torchbearers.  Please contact the church office for more information and/or scheduling and training questions.

 

Prayer and Praise Time

 

Prayer and Praise Time is offered to children pre-school through 6th grade beginning at 9:00 a.m., so they can learn more about God, his son, his spirit and his church.  Sometimes it is difficult for children to fully comprehend liturgical services, so children will learn about the service at a level they can understand through music, movement and stories.  By the time our children “graduate” from Chapel, they should have a better understanding of the elements of our worship service and liturgical seasons.  Parents are encouraged to help volunteer at least once a quarter.

Vacation Bible Camp

 

During the summer, children preschool through sixth grade have the opportunity to participate in our Greater Kirkland Ecumenical Parish (GKEP) VBC.  The camp is offered the third week in July and is open to the public.  Information is given in early spring.  We rely on volunteers to help make it a success.

 

Family Fun Nights

 

Several times during the year St. John’s offers families fun opportunities to fellowship together, sponsored in part by The Lighthouse.  In the past families have carved pumpkins, put together Advent wreaths, bowled and played bingo.  Please consult the calendar or Emblem (parish newsletter) for more information about upcoming events.

Caravan

The Lighthouse Children’s Ministry Staff

 

Director of Children’s Ministry—Cathy Christensen        Acolyte Ministry Director—Scott Randall

Blue Angels Director—Laura Otanez, Diane Perman         Nursery Coordinator—Diani Strathy 

Director of Caravan—Kat White