Programs for Children & Youth
The children always challenge me to live in the present....I marvel at their ability to be fully present to me. Their uninhibited expression of affection and their willingness to receive it pull me directly into the moment and invite me to celebrate life where it is found. (Henri Nouwen)
We ask for your prayers as we start another year's adventure together on Sunday, September 12 at 10 a.m. in the Undercroft. Sunday School Registration forms are available now at the Welcome Table on Sundays in McBride Hall. You are welcome to contact Harriet Claiborne through the church office or email her at ChildrenYouth@grace-stpauls.org.
Childcare
Childcare is available on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for infants and toddlers. We are grateful for Madeleine, our dedicated nursery worker, and a committee of loving grandmothers, for their good care of our littlest parishioners in the nursery. Additional childcare is available for special occasions and meetings, upon request.
Sunday School (Preschool through 6th Grade)
Sunday School classes begin at 10:00 a.m. for preschool through 6th grade. Children join the worship service at the offertory to receive communion and sit with their Sunday School teachers. Each week a child is selected to represent the younger members of our community at the altar. This child assists the priest at the consecration and gives communion to the celebrant. After the communion, children return to Sunday School for music time until 11:45 a.m. and join their parents during the coffee hour.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd materials in the room for the 3-year-olds through Kindergarten reflect their need to experience God in scripture and in handling models of articles of the Eucharist, the parables, the person of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Emily Nickerson, Nadine Cole and Harriet Claiborne are all trained catechists.
Building on this foundation, first and second graders will be taught by Holly Shinn and Clif Click, who will use the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum to bring to life the same lectionary that adults will hear in the service. Third and fourth graders will also be working with Seasons of the Spirit and Jim Kane will be with them after Christmas. We still need help for fall! Fifth and sixth graders will listen to the lectionary lessons with Alicia and Rogelio Lara and will help us occasionally in the worship service by serving as readers.
Music, through participation in the St. Cecelia Choir, directed by Jane Click and assisted by Steve Brookbanks, will enliven all of us!
Our ministry for and with children at GSP also includes special worship services and social events for families. Please check the parish calendar and The Briefly (monthly newsletter) for additional activities for children, youth and families.
Youth Activities
Youth in 6th grade and above are invited to join eYouth@GSP activities. This group meets at 11:30 a.m. following the 10 o'clock service every Sunday and regularly participates in social action within the parish and in the wider Tucson community. This year, Junior and Senior High will be the recipients of an adapted program from the Rite 13 and J2A series, with the experienced insight of Wendy Pipentacos and others.
