Children
"Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs."
Mark 10:14
OUR PURPOSE...
Our purpose is to share the good news about Jesus Christ with children, and to help them grow as His disciples.
It Takes A Congregation
"Do you, the members of this congregation, in the name of the whole church of Christ, undertake with these parents the Christian nurture of this child, so that in due time she/he may confess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Will you endeavor by your example and fellowship to strengthen her/his family ties with the household of God?"
--- Congregational Vows at Infant Baptism
Children are valued members of the family of believers at South Highland Presbyterian Church. As evidenced in our Baptismal vows, the staff and congregation are committed to the Christian nurture of our precious children, and we seek to welcome and encourage them in their spiritual growth as members of the household of God.
*To view more pictures of children's ministry activities please visit our picture pages.
UPCOMING DATES
August 28th- Rally Day
September 7th- LOGOS begins
For information about Children's Ministries activities,
please contact Children's Ministries Directors:
April Harrell ( Birth-Kindergarten)
(205) 933-0790, ext. 16.
or
Rachel King-Barr (1st-5th)
(205) 933-0790, ext. 20 .
More Children’s Ministries Opportunities
Infant & Toddler Nurseries - Loving childcare is provided between 8:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Sundays, during Wednesday evening programs, and during special church events, as announced.
Sunday School - Classes for older 1 year olds through 5th graders, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (During this hour, classes are also available for Youth and Adults.)
The Bread and The Cup - This Communion Preparation class for 2nd graders and their parents is offered in the fall each year.
Preparation for Worship - This class for 1st graders and their parents provides information and resources about introducing children to worship. It is offered in the fall each year.
Sunday Morning Worship Services - Children are welcomed into our corporate worship services, and are encouraged to attend. Children’s bulletins and activity bags are provided, and a children’s message is given at the 11:00 service. A booklet, Introducing Children to Worship, is available in the literature racks, and a special Preparation for Worship class is offered in the fall.
Enrichment – For children in Kindergarten and younger, a separate time of learning and fellowship is provided following the children’s message during the 11:00 worship service. Children return to the service during the final hymn.
LOGOS - The midweek program for K -Jr. High includes dinner, Bible study, music, recreation, and worship skills; meets Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with Wednesday Night Live fellowship dinners and adult classes. Bible storytime and directed playtime for 3 and 4 year olds and childcare for younger children is provided.
Children’s Music - The children’s choir meets on Sunday evenings, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Additional music programming is included during Sunday School and LOGOS.
Advent and Christmas Activities - A Family Advent Workshop, Breakfast in Bethlehem, and other special events that include children are offered during the Advent and Christmas season. The 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve worship service is planned with children and their families in mind and includes a children’s pageant.
Sock Hop - This fun family event takes place in the spring and includes 50's themed music, dancing, and food.
Easter Festival and Egg Hunt - This special family event is held at a SHPC member’s home during Holy Week each spring.
Vacation Bible School - A one week summer program of fellowship, Bible exploration, music, recreation, and crafts for Pre-K 4s - 4th graders; meets in June, 9:00 a.m. - noon daily. Older children and youth participate as volunteers.
Children’s Ministries Newsletter – KidsPress is published monthly and offers information on ongoing and upcoming Children’s Ministries programs and events, as well as photos of previous activities, children’s articles, and parenting tips.
Children’s Section of the Church Library - Children of all ages are welcome to enjoy the many books, videos, and DVDs available in our SHPC library.
South Highland Child Development Center -The SHCDC is a nationally accredited early childhood program offering quality Christian full-day care for children aged six weeks through five years old. The developmental readiness program provides opportunities for intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social growth in a safe and nurturing environment. For more information about the CDC, visit their page in the Outreach section of our website.
Please contact Children's Ministries Director, Kit MacLeod, or call (205)933-0790 for more information about any of these Children's Ministries programs.
Easter Egg Hunt 2011
Sock Hop 2011!
CHILDREN’S MINISTY OPPORTUNITIES:
Want to have fun and be blessed while living out your baptismal vows to share God’s love with our precious children? Please consider these terrific and currently available opportunities to serve in Children’s Ministries!
Sunday School Teacher: Team with another volunteer to teach your choice of PreK 2’s – 5th Grade, beginning at the end August. Excellent, user-friendly curriculum materials and orientation training are provided.
Enrichment Teacher: Team with another volunteer to teach 3-5 year olds during the 11:00 worship service; once a month.
Nursery Caregiver: Help snuggle and rock babies in the nursery during Sunday School or worship, scheduled at your convenience.
LOGOS Ministry Team: Serve as a Table Parent, or help lead children in Recreation, Bible Study, or Worship Skills on Wednesday evenings, concurrent with Wednesday Night Live dinners and adult programs.
KidsPress/Highlights/Website Team: Work with Children’s Ministries Director to develop ideas, write articles, recruit writers for articles, or update Children’s Ministries web pages.
If you hear God calling you to serve in ministry to our precious children, or if you just want more information, please contact the Children’s Ministry office at 933-0790.
Prayer and Prayer Concerns
The Children's Ministries Committee, Nurture Unit, and SHPC staff are praying for our church's precious children! If you would like to publish prayer requests on our website or in KidsPress, or if you have private prayer requests, please e-mail April Harrell or Rachel King-Barr, and specify how you would like them handled.
The following information, taken from Children's Ministry Magazine, offers some useful suggestions regarding teaching children about prayer.
"What you teach children about prayer can affect their relationship with God. When children ask questions about prayer, it is important to take them seriously. Here are common questions children ask, along with suggested answers.
If God already knows what I'm thinking, why should I bother praying? God loves you and wants you to talk to him. When you spend time talking to God in prayer, it shows that you love God, too.
How can God hear me if I don't say the words aloud? God can hear you because he knows your thoughts, and God can understand you no matter what language you pray in. Whether you shout, sing, whisper, or use sign language, God listens to your prayers.
Should I kneel, stand up, or sit down when I pray? God can hear you no matter what position you're in, even if you're lying down in bed. The important thing about praying isn't whether you kneel, stand or sit, but that you reflect an attitude of reverence or respect for God.
If God hears my prayers, why don't I get everything I ask for? God doesn't give us everything we want, but he gives us everything we need. You have to trust that God knows what is best for you." (Article by Gina Lee, reused with permission from Children's Ministry Magazine, March/April 2002)
Favorite Website Links
Here are a few of our favorite web pages to enjoy - check them out and have some fun!! If you know of other helpful sites for children and parents, please contact Children's Ministries Directors, April Harrell or Rachel King-Barr , or call (205) 933-0790 so we can add them to our list.
Sunday School Network - Free Christian Crafts, Bible Games, Kids Sermons, Kids Skits and to register for the Sunday School Teacher's Network
Pockets - Pockets children's magazine
DLTK - DLTK’s Growing Together Bible Activities
National Center for Biblical Parenting - great source for Christian parenting information
