In place of gathering for Bunny Breakfast, we created a drive-by hunt with prizes for finding Easter symbols throughout the Claymont neighborhood. Easter treat boxes were also delivered door-to-door. In place of VBS, St. Mark Children’s Ministry launched our campaign for the “Very Best Summer” by scheduling garden planting for individual families to come and plant in our children’s garden. “Sand & Sun – Summer has Begun” packets were made and delivered to our family’s homes. And, we had a “Drive-in” movie for families in our St. Mark parking lot!
When the kids began virtual learning in the springtime, we went virtual too with Midweek gatherings each Wednesday. We leveraged new Sunday School lessons that integrated virtual elements including videos that children and families could watch at their leisure and launched our SSZoom (Sunday School Zoom) which still meets virtually Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Additionally, our Sunday School teachers recorded weekly lessons that were shared online throughout much of the year.
Although large or indoor activities weren’t feasible this year, we enjoyed several events in person while safely distanced – a Saints and Siblings event at Suson Park, a virtual and on-site prayer walk, a Mound Ridge work day, family meals delivered for teacher appreciation, fall activities for kids and families at the church’s outdoor concert, and a live nativity with animals during Advent.
In collaboration with the Mission Committee, and through the generous contributions of the congregation, we gathered school supplies during the summer months for the Presbyterian Children’s Home. We also continued our holiday mission work to provide gifts and care for families through Circle of Concern and children served by the Presbyterian Children’s Home.
I want to thank Latisha Gilliland, Director of Children’s Ministry, for jumping into her first full year of ministry at St. Mark, embracing all of the changes head on with a creative approach and amazingly positive attitude. Latisha and Lynn Laux also partnered with the Personnel Committee to write Safe Church Policies for Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults. The policies were adopted by the Session in August.
My sincere thanks to all of our Sunday School teachers who have helped record lessons and who will continue their support until such a time when we can meet again on site. I also want to thank Pastor M.P. for her guidance and to everyone who has served on this committee this year. Your creative ideas and willingness to jump in to help throughout this unprecedented year were invaluable: Diana Johanning, Lynn Laux, Michelle Rochow, Anne Hegger, Katie Deets, and Latisha Gilliand.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shelley Lester Elder, Children’s Ministry Chair
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