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We prepare with anticipation for some exciting changes
in this new school year. The most obvious change
is the physical one: our incredible new facility.
Classrooms are spacious and sunny, fully equipped
with sinks, closets, and a mixture of carpet and tile.
Less obvious, but exciting as well, is a change in our
routine. We have kept the Family Service format
that became so popular last year as part of our
worship life, to give everyone a chance to worship
and be together on the first Sunday of every
month. There will be nursery care available for
children under three every Sunday, or come and try
out our new “Soft Space” in the sanctuary, a pew in
front of the baptismal font arranged with the
comfort of infants, toddlers and their families in
mind. On “regular” church school Sundays during
the rest of the month, children in preschool through
seventh grade are invited to take advantage of our
new space, with individual classes that give
children a chance to develop relationships their
peers and teachers as they learn more about God.
Most of our curriculum will remain the same.
Our formal program begins in preschool.
Preschoolers attend The Kingdom, a program
designed to make them feel safe and provide
developmentally appropriate activities intended to
foster spiritual growth and help them recognize
simple liturgical and Biblical concepts.
Children in Grades K‐3 will continue to move
through our Godly Play program. Godly Play is a
Montessori‐related approach to learning that uses
Bible stories, parables, and liturgical lessons to
nourish each child’s individual spiritual
development. The Godly Play Sunday program
consists of storytelling, wondering, and response
time (with art materials and story props). The K/1
Class runs until church ends at 11:00 a.m., and
enjoys a “Feast” together. Parents who wish to
bring their children up for communion are always
welcome to come and pick them up. The 2/3 Grade
Class comes in during the Peace to join their
parents in the sanctuary and receive communion
with the congregation.
Our 4/5 Grade Class will use the Godly Play
core curriculum with some enhancements to meet
the needs of older children. The circle moves from
the floor to a round‐table discussion. This year we
will introduce nine of the new Volume 6 “Godly
Play” stories, which are from the Old Testament
and geared for this age group. Students in Grades 6
and 7 will be “Walking through the Old Testament”
as well – putting stories they may know already
from “Godly Play” into a Biblical and historical
context. Both classes come to the Sanctuary at the
Peace as well to join the congregation for
communion.
One thing that has not changed this year is
the primary mission of the Church School. It has
been, and will continue to be, “to create a place
where children can come closer to God and each
other. To strive to help children feel comfortable,
loved and valued at church, to teach them about the
roots of our faith, and prepare them for active
participation in the community of faith and
worship.” We hope that the changes in the Church
School bring us ever closer to the manifestation of
that goal.
Parent participation and feedback are
essential to a successful Church School program.
We could use your help in one of our classrooms
this year! For information about the many
opportunities to volunteer in our Church School,
please contact me at the church 978‐927‐0229 (ext.
14) or via email at kaval@stjohnsbeverlyfarms.org.
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