We believe we have a special calling to teach Christ’s love to our children and youth. Our young people are not the future of our church – they are here now! We believe that God has a special love for the youngest among us, and calls us to treasure, care for and teach them. Walk deeper into your faith as the Fall Season begins at the Church of the Nativity Sept. 13, with the kickoff of Education and Formation programs for all ages. Read on to learn about our many offerings:

FALL 2009-SPRING 2010

9:15 am to Noon:  Nursery Care Ages 0 - 3
9:30 - 10:00:   Children's Chapel (Children join their families in 9:30 service for communion)
10:45 - 11:30:  Sunday School Ages 4 - 6th Grade  
                           (Children join their families in 11:00 service for communion, or go home at 11:30)

Nursery Care: Lani Brown, Nativity Nursery Director, continues her loving care of the church's youngest members, along with Susan Cram for the Lullaby Guild. These professional caregivers provide safe activities for our youngest children, including stories, music and fun.

Nativity offers a multitude of terrific children's programs under the leadership of our Director of Children's and Youth Ministries, Tara McMurdy, and other gifted leaders.  

To contact Tara McMurdy:  youthnativity@gmail.com or 480.307.9216

Programs for Children:

Nativity’s multi-age Children’s Chapel allows children to connect with the meaning of the liturgy and the beautiful traditions of the Episcopal Church. It is essentially the first part of traditional communion service, done in a format that children can relate to and understand. As children engage in a fun and joyful worship experience, they become familiar with the liturgical language of the church, The Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal.

Children’s Chapel is held each Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:00 in the Godly Play room. Children join their parents for communion in the Traditional worship service during the exchange of the ‘Peace.’ Parents and caregivers are always invited to attend Children’s Chapel. Contact: Tara McMurdy, 480-307-9216

Godly Play, for ages 4 through 3rd grade, is a Montessori-based program that incorporates the wonder of worship into Sunday School. Godly Play uses parables, sacred story, wonder, felt board resources, art response and liturgical action to help children become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. Godly Play begins at 10:45 am each Sunday. Class ends at 11:30, and children who attended the early service go home, while children attending the Inspirations service process into the Sanctuary during the Peace and join their loved ones for Eucharist.  

Living the Good News for grades 4 through 6 is an arts enhanced, lectionary-based program that journeys through the Church year with magnificent rhythms and stories. The emphasis of this curriculum is to encounter with reverence, and nurture with care, the spiritual potential already present in the daily lives of all children. In the Upper Elementary Class, children encounter God and the Christian community in many ways:  through storytelling, poetry, drama, writing and literature; through movement, games, rituals and mealtimes; through music, painting, sculpting and journaling; through nature, environmental concerns, multicultural appreciation and healthy relationships; through Christian fellowship, liturgy, service and participation in ministries of justice and peace.  This class also uses World Peace Village as a resource for exploring the major spiritual traditions of the world:  Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Native American and Buddhism.  

TGIF meets monthly on the second Friday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and is open to all children in grades 4 through 6. These events are a great time for girls and boys to relax, act crazy, hang out, make new friends and experience fellowship in a safe, caring environment.  Each month, beginning in October, a special event will be held at the church or in a supervised environment off campus. This year’s line up includes Night at the Movies, Bowling Night, Skate Party and more! Contact Tara McMurdy at 480-307.9216 for more information.

Nativity Players Drama Troupe is open to all ages and is led by Carolyn Allport Bohannan, an accomplished actress, playwright and director. Theater productions are scheduled throughout the year and dates and times vary with the season. Please contact Carolyn cejavu@msn.com for current productions and rehearsal schedules.

Acolytes - Acolytes are important members of our worship team, assisting Pastor Susan, the worship leaders and the congregation as we praise and serve God in worship.  Nativity’s Acolyte ministry is available for all youths in 4th grade and above and is led by Bob Montheard (480-307-0216). Acolytes serve during the worship service as Crucifers (who carry the cross), torch bearers (who light the candles), and assist during the Gospel, the offering and Communion. Serving as an Acolyte is a fulfilling way to praise and connect with God on a personal level. Become a part of the Nativity Worship Team! Become an Acolyte!

Children’s Choir under the direction of Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler, is open to all children ages 4 and up and is a time of fun, joyful singing and training in musicianship. It is also a very special ministry of the children where they are encouraged and supported in their gifts. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 6:45. For more information, please contact Ilona at kubiazyk@gmail.com or 480-307-9216.