Jesus said “whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9.37
Children and their families are extremely important to our community at Eastern Shore Chapel. We believe children should feel that there is a place for them in church and that their participation is appreciated and encouraged. Through a variety of experiences, we are committed to giving our young people a solid Christian foundation and a nurturing community in which they can grow.
The nursery program on Sunday morning is for infants to children four years old. The goal of the Nursery program is to provide a safe, healthy and pleasant environment for this age child. Paid professional workers staff the Nursery. All nursery workers have completed the Safe Church training as required by the diocese. Our nursery is equipped with age appropriate playthings and well-trained staff. The infant nursery is adjacent to a play room with train track and climbing nest. Nursery care is available for Sunday services (8:00, 9:00 & 11:30 a.m.) and during the Christian Education hour (10:20-11:20). It is also provided for many of our special services and Bible study classes. For services other than on Sunday morning and weekday classes, please call the parish office to insure that the nursery will be open and ready to care for your child.
Classes are offered during the academic year – September through May - for everyone from age 3 through adult. Classes are from 10:20 to 11:20. Prior to attending the class, each student should register with the Director of Christian Formation. All class assignments are based on the age or current grade placement in school.
Ages 3 & 4
For our youngest children, age 3 and 4, we use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. This series is lectionary based, meaning that the Gospel lesson that is read in church is the same story that the children will use in Sunday school. Children will hear the story, make a simple craft, and share a “feast” together.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Kindergarteners and first graders meet in our dedicated Godly Play classroom. They hear the stories of God, told with beautiful wooden materials. The storyteller and the children wonder aloud about various parts of the story. Children are then invited to respond individually to the story with art or story materials. Click HERE to learn more about Godly Play.
2nd through 5th Grades
The second through fifth graders gather in the Chapel to hear stories of God’s people, both past and present. Storytellers will be using the Godly Play enrichment curriculum for older children. Open-ended wondering about the story challenges children to reflect on faith issues and to look for new ways of knowing God. Children divide into smaller groups for response time. Older children are encouraged to use reference materials, personal journals, and a wide variety of art supplies to enrich their learning about God’s people and themselves.
This program takes place at the beginning of the 9:00 service for children who are ages 4 through 7 years old. It gives children an understanding of liturgy and Bible stories. Children gather in the church with their family and during the service they process together to the Chapel. The program lasts for approximately 30 minutes. The leaders bring the children to the church at the Passing of the Peace to join their family. Children’s Chapel is an age-appropriate program. Hymns, songs, stories and prayers are part of this service.
While children are welcome at all services, the 9:00 service is primarily the family service. Youth take roles as lay readers, acolytes, and choir members. On occasion, the youth have been invited to lead an entire service, including messages for the children and adults. Worship bags with quiet activities for children are available in the narthex.
VBS is a highlight of summer for many children in our community. Vacation Bible School in 2010 will be held August 16-20. Children from age 4 through Middle School are invited to participate. Besides being a wonderful time for the children – learning, singing, doing crafts, hearing stories, playing games – it’s also a fun experience for the adult and teen volunteers. It’s a great opportunity for our community to pull together and make something wonderful happen. Registration forms are in the narthex and the Christian Formation office or you can download one by CLICKING HERE. Volunteers are needed to help. CLICK HERE for a Volunteer Registration Form.Contact Mary Lou Crifasi (428-6763 or mcrifasi@easternshorechapel.org.) for more information.
Our family ministry programs provide opportunities for fellowship, worship and formation for pre-school and elementary aged children and their families. We gather together several times a year. Our activities include game night, pumpkin carving, meals and a St. Nicholas party.
Eastern Shore Chapel c.1689
is a part of the Episcopal Church USA
and the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia
2020 Laskin Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
Phone 757.428.6763 Fax 757.437.8461