St. James Anglican Church Kingston
Children
“So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me!
Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.
You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child!”
—Luke 18:16-17 (CEV)
Children's Church
Pre-school to grade 6 children are invited to join us for Children’s Church during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday mornings during the school year (September to June). To register your child, please fill out this form.
Sunday Morning Procession
At the very beginning of the 10:30 am service the children are invited to line up at the back of the church and lead the procession up to the front of the church during the opening hymn. This is optional and any children who prefer not to process simply proceed up one of the side aisles and join the children up front as they process out to the parish hall for Children’s Church.
Occasionally on special Sundays, the priest engages the children in a short reflection and prayer at the front of the church before the children proceed to Children’s Church and the rest of the service continues.
Communion/Eucharist
The children and their teachers return to the sanctuary and rejoin their families so they can receive communion or a blessing from the priest.
Curriculum—Spark:Activate
The Spark All Kids curriculum (which is used for Children’s Church) is designed for a multi-age classroom. Teachers supplement the lesson plans with grade 5/6 specific materials when older children are present. This curriculum includes both Old Testament and New Testament lessons on a two-year cycle and the lesson plans are available to download electronically which makes it easy for teachers to prepare each week.
Children’s Ministry Team
Members of St. James’ Children’s Ministry team include adult volunteers who serve as teachers and teaching assistants, as well as, Queen’s University students who are hired as Children’s Ministry student interns during the academic year from September to April. We are also happy to have high school students (who may like to earn required volunteer hours) assist with Children’s Church as well.
Jennifer Jones
Jennifer Jones is the lead teacher on the Children’s Ministry team and provides a consistent presence at Children’s Church on Sunday Mornings as well as preparing the script and directing St. James’ annual Christmas Pageant. Jennifer brings previous experience as the Sunday School Superintendent at her previous as well as her skills and experiences as a public school teacher to this role.
Lisa Chisholm-Smith
(St. James’ part-time Children and Youth Ministries coordinator) ensures that team members are appropriately screened and prepares a roster for scheduling. She is also responsible for all contract, payroll, and human resources requirements related to the hiring of student interns.
Volunteer
If you are interested in joining the Children's Ministry Team or would like to find out more, please contact Deacon Lisa Chisholm-Smith at lisa@stjameskingston.ca