Infant Care
We have two wonderful high school students that are available to care for infants during the Sunday morning Worship service. Just follow the children, after Children’s time, downstairs and you will be introduced to our caregivers. Infants are cared for within the larger group, so that the caregivers are not isolated. We have rocking chairs, a change pad, blankets and infant seats in our Godly Play setting. This allows the babies the opportunity to be with the whole community of children. There is also a quiet area, adjacent to the Godly Play area, for babies that need a little less stimulation.
Wee Wonder
Children ages 2 and 3 years old
The Wee Wonder program is lead by high school students Adriana Bell and Annie Kelly. This is a Bible-based curriculum which aims to support young children as they grow in spiritual awareness. Two and three year olds are beginning to expand their environment beyond the immediate family and home and we support them by providing a safe and welcoming space in which to explore. We also know that this age group often requires patience and understanding when it comes to separating from their parents, so please feel free to make the transition as slowly as you need to. Parents are welcome to stay in the program with their children as needed. We can also help you with good-byes, just ask one of the volunteers when you’re ready to go.
Godly Play
children ages 4 years old and up
Godly play is a style of worship which includes sharing bible stories, parables, and liturgical traditions in an oral storytelling form, using simple props. The story is followed by a period of“wondering” so that children are able to discover who God is for themselves, in a much more personal and meaningful way.
The main goal of Godly Play is to create a safe space for children – a place where their ideas, opinions, and gifts are deeply respected.
What will my child do in a Godly Play session?
We’ll sit in a circle to hear the story and wonder about it together. There follows time for activities using the many materials provided: painting, drawing, creating or just interacting with the storytelling objects used to tell the stories. Children use the process of creating to help explore their understanding, not to just produce work.
Grade four and up
We are currently creating a new program for students in grade 4 and up. After listening to the “story” this group can begin to work on more lengthy projects that relate to a specific theme. We have recently purchased a large amount of Lego that will hopefully be used to create slide show or stop animation stories that can be shared with the congregation. There will also be an opportunity to use drama as a way of relating to various stories and themes. A name for this dynamic group has yet to be decided…..suggestions are welcome.
Questions? Email Tanya Wiles-Bell at: tanya.bell@bellnet.ca
