| Welcome
to St. Mary's Children's Ministries! |
St. Mary's offers several vibrant Children's Ministries programs. From Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, to Pageants, Outreach Opportunities and monthly KidVentures, children are always in the forefront of the mission of St. Mary's.
Under the direction of Stacy Thorpe since 2003, Children's Ministries blossomed into an active and growing area of our St. Mary's family. Stacy comes to us with over 20 years experience in working with children. Her experience includes more than 15 years as Director of Children's Ministries at Holy Spirit in Eagle River, and eight years as Diocesan Coordinator for Children's Ministires. Nationally, Stacy represented Alaska as an integral member of the “Treasure Kids!” pilot program, which produced the highly effective and widely used “Children's Charter For The Church.” As a Children's Ministry consultant and Presenter for the National Church, Stacy helped organized Diocesan, Provincial and National Conferences, and she was a founding board member and associate of the Center for Children at Worship. Stacy has been a regular correspondence network contributor for Episcopal Teacher magazine as well as a solicited Forum responder for Episcopal Life magazine. Stacy is currently a 7-year Standing Committee member for the Diocese of Alaska, and was recently elected Deputy to General Convention 2006. She feels very blessed to be part of the St. Mary's family. |
| Children's Ministries Mission Statement - Revised April 2005 |
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St. Mary's honors and uplifts children as gifts from God, accepting them as full participants in our church family. Using the Episcopal Children's Charter for the Church as our framework of mutual ministry, we not only minister to, but also willingly encourage and support, the ministries and perspectives of our children. |
| Vacation Bible School |
| In mid-July, St. Mary's transforms into another part of the world, for our one week Vacation Bible School. This past summer, the transformation led us deep into the Serengeti for an incredible, Spirit-filled adventure! Over 100 volunteers gave more than 2,000 hours to provide this inspirational week to 80 children. We are blessed to have gained new members who attended VBS and decided to make St. Mary's their home this fall! |
| Christmas Pageants |
| Each November, auditions are held for our annual “multi-generational” Christmas Pageant. Rehearsals are held two weeks in December with the Pageant presented to both 9:00 and 11:30 Worship Services the Sunday preceding Christmas. |
| Craft Time |
| Every Sunday Craft Time is held during the 9:00 and 11:30 Worship Services. After the lessons are read during the sermon, the children are escorted to the craft room where they hear a more age appropriate version of the Gospel, followed by a prepared art project to help illustrate the lesson. They rejoin the congregation during Communion, for the remainder of the worship service. |
| Kidventures! |
| KidVentures are monthly recreational gatherings for children and families. They help build community between the families and friends of St. Mary's. Most outings are scheduled for Sunday afternoons. Kids are encouraged to bring their friends to join our KidVentures! Some of our annual KidVentures include: swimming, skating, bowling, and craft fun! Sign up sheets are located in Waldron Hall. |
| Children & Youth Outreach |
Reaching out beyond the walls of St. Mary's is an integral part of our children and youth Christian formation. Outreach Projects we have been involved with this past year included:
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