Nursery
Ages 6 weeks through 5 years
St. John’s is especially blessed to have a faithful and dependable team of nursery workers on staff. The nursery is a safe and welcoming place where children, infants through age 5, can play and learn while their parents participate in Worship or other Church functions. We are passionate about the safety of children and follow practices outlined in our Safe Sanctuary policy. Nursery is open Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, On Friday for The Way service and as needed for other Church programming.
Safe Sanctuary Policy
Contact: Renee Dillard, rdillard@stjohnsmidtown.org
Sunday School Classes
Children's Ministries Activities 2012
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Atrium (I, II and III)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-style form of spiritual formation for children, ages 3 through 12. Children gather in an Atrium, which is a place for their imagination, heart, and soul to take shape around the teachings of Jesus. In this space, they come to discover the vastness of God’s love and what it means to be in Christian community with all God’s children. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd begins at 9:00am.
Contact: Rebecca Thomas, BecnBrad@aol.com
The Good Shepherd Brochure
Confirmation
Confirmation is a year-long experience of helping young people (usually 6th or 7th grade) examine the Christian faith and the United Methodist Church. This offering blends Biblical teachings with various forms of art, music and poetry. Combined with a basic understanding of other faith traditions, participants are prepared to claim the call that God has on their lives and to serve others with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
Confirmation Curriculum and Schedule 2011-2012
Little Artisans
During the summer months, our children, ages 3 through 12, gather during the Sunday School hour for arts and crafts. Each week they create new artwork, and at the end of the summer they host a Little Artisans sale. All proceeds go to support a local program supporting children and families. Recent recipients include Perea Pre-School and Multi-National Ministries.
Contact: Renee Dillard, rdillard@stjohnsmidtown.org
Wednesday Night Programming
Dinner at 6:00, Program at 6:30pm
Children, ages 3 through 10, participate in 30 minutes of music and 30 minutes of art each Wednesday evening during the fall and spring semesters. Each art project is original and designed to help children learn new techniques and develop creative skills. Music learned is shared with the congregation as the children’s choir sings monthly during the worship service.
Art for Children (preschool through elementary)
Contact: Marjorie Levy, mlevy@stjohnsmidtown.org
Music for Children (preschool through elementary)
Contact: Sarah Harr, sharr@stjohnsmidtown.org
For more information: Renee Dillard, rdillard@stjohnsmidtown.org
Acolyting
We invite everyone – 2nd grade and older – to serve as an Acolyte. Trainings are held twice a year to learn about the role of an Acolyte and to practice.
Acolytes have an important job to do – they bring the light of Christ into worship and lead us out with that light, reminding us that we gather to worship and are sent out to serve.
Acolyte Schedule
For more information: Renee Dillard, rdillard@stjohnsmidtown.org
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School at St. John’s is always a creative process. Each summer we develop our own curriculum for children ages 3 through 12, always including enriching art and music experiences, Bible stories, service projects, and lots of fun!
Children’s Sabbath
Held annually in October, Children’s Sabbath is a time for children to help lead Sunday worship, but also a time to shine the light on the needs of children all around our country. Information regarding poverty rates for children and special health and education-related needs are given special attention. Advocacy for children’s rights is encouraged.
Santa’s Workshop
Enjoy an afternoon of crafts, snacks, the Christmas story, and perhaps even a visit from Santa Claus himself! Children from Multi-National Ministries and others from Bruce School participate in this event.
Easter Egg Hunt 
Usually held the Saturday before Palm Sunday, our community Easter Egg Hunt is great fun. Children from Multi-National Ministries, from the St. John’s congregation, and from the neighborhood all join to enjoy crafts, snacks, the Easter story, and of course the Egg Hunt!