Growing in Faith: What’s a Sunday like in our Children’s Group?
Our Sunday School children’s program called Church School is offered from September through June during the 10:30 a.m. service for children in kindergarten through grade 6. Each Sunday, we begin in the Sanctuary. After the welcome greeting, children gather at the back of the Sanctuary with Kate and head downstairs together. Each week we begin with the day’s bible story, followed by an action game, art, cooking or science activity. During the church service, parents and caregivers have the option to join their children in the Sunday School room or remain upstairs to worship in the main service. After the church service, parents are asked to meet their children downstairs in the children’s ministry room and sign them out. The whole family can then join in our social time after the service and enjoy coffee, juice and cookies.
Nursery Program: Little Ones – Newborn to age 3
Babies and children are always welcome to stay with their guardians in the service, but we do have a nursery room supervised by our wonderful caregiver, Lita. Every Sunday, Lita welcomes little ones to play and sing in the nursery.
Curriculum
Church School incorporates the Scripture and the Spark: Activate Faith curriculum. The teachings and activities children will be involved in will open their eyes to what the Bible means and how it translates into their everyday lives.
Registration
Registration for each year begins in early September and continues throughout the year.
Children’s Ministry Registration Form
Our Children’s Ministry Team
We have a solid team of talented and committed adult volunteers who conduct the church school program, led by Children’s Ministry Administrator, Kate Littler. We are committed to working with your children to build a Christian foundation that we hope will follow them throughout their lives. In keeping with the Responsible Ministry Policy, all of our volunteers are screened and have completed Police Record checks. Our Volunteer Handbook outlines the steps we take to ensure that all those who work with vulnerable individuals, do so in a way that creates trust and safety for everyone.
ESG’s Children’s Library
We have a Children’s Library which is an incredible resource for children and their families looking for both Christian materials and socially conscious books. Come for a visit and sign out some wonderful reading materials. Interested in donating a book to the Library? We appreciate new or gently used titles. Please contact Barb Long.
Kids & Kindness
Several times a year, the Family Ministry program supports two local charities that support families and youth in the GTA. Funds are raised with our popular Cookies-in-a-Jar Fundraiser in December and two Family Ministry Bake Sales at the ESG Rummage Sale.
Special Events
Early in September, we welcome back families to ESG with special team building events at the annual community BBQ. A Family Ministry event is always planned in the fall. Last year, Halloween was celebrated with a family pumpkin carving event. The beginning of Advent is celebrated with the Family Christmas Party. There is a children’s Sing-A-Long, followed by a pizza dinner and festive activities for all ages. In mid December, children and youth gather in costume to recall the story of Jesus’s birth and see the star shine brightly over the stable at the ESG Pageant. Children’s Eve is celebrated with carols, special music and glow sticks as the Christmas story is told.
In the New Year, a special event is always planned. Last year, Valentine’s Day cards were made by the children and youth to share with the church community. Plus, shortbread cookies were decorated with colourful icing and sprinkles. The beginning of Lent, Pancake Day, is celebrated with a brunch after church. Pancakes and fruit are prepared by the Youth Group. The traditional fast- paced Pancake Day races are held in the Sanctuary and certificates were awarded to all the participants. Palm Sunday is celebrated by waving palms and singing Hosanna in a parade in the Sanctuary. Afterwards, families participate in activities as they learn about the events of Holy Week. On Easter Day, families gathered in the gym for a story and some eggcellent crafts. The beginning of summer is celebrated with the annual church picnic. The kids and youth gathered in the gym for a variety of games and races. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed watermelon, sandwiches, cookies, lemonade, and the ice-cream truck.