CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

 

We were blessed in 2023 to have so many dedicated volunteers who supplied time and talent in all areas of the Children’s Ministry. The following programs and activities could only have been accomplished with all of us working together! 

• Two separate Sunday school classes for Pre-K – 5 are in place with parent sign-in each Sunday. Nursery care for children 0-2 years is available from 9:45 – 11:00. A special thank you to our dedicated Sunday School teachers and nursery workers. 

• Teacher orientation and training occurred for Sunday School and VBS teachers. New teachers were recruited throughout the year to teach and assist Sunday School, as well as VBS.

• VBS was for five days, July 17-21, with the theme: “Hero Hotline (Called together to Serve God.)” Our numbers grew from the previous year with approximately 150 registered students, youth & adult leadership. 

• Wednesday night activities produced two amazing musicals that were presented with children & their parents’ participation. “Under God’s Sea in 3D” was presented on April 23rd followed by an ice cream social. “The Christmas County Spelling Bee” was performed on December 3rd followed by the Jingle Mingle holiday gathering. 

• Bibles were presented to children entering the 3rd grade and “Blessing of the Backpacks” occurred on August 20. 

• The Saints and Siblings (Families with children and teens) were involved behind the scenes this year with several main events including pizza lunch and shopping for Isaiah 58, putting together homeless bags, learning about missions in Peru and Youth missions trip presentation as well as Angel tree giving and helping with church outreach activities providing breakfast and lunch for those gathered at this year’s meal packing event. 

• The children’s garden with flowers and vegetables was planted and harvested. • Our partnership with the Claymont Association for Food Truck Friday enabled us to greet new families in our area and provided opportunities to share St. Mark with our neighbors. 

• Our website www.discoverstmark.org brought weekly worship experiences to homes for Pre-K, Elementary, and Preteens including Bible stories and activities.

 • Jerusalem Festival with marketplace, petting zoo and more, was held on Palm Sunday. The children led and carried animals into and out of Worship. The Gleason Hall became first century Jerusalem filled with interactive and intergenerational activities. 

• Children and their parents participated in Rise Against Hunger (a Meal Packaging Experience.) In 90 minutes, 80-plus people packaged 1,4000 meals that were sent to the Ukraine. 

• Parents of preschool and elementary aged kids enjoyed “Supper Club” dining events. Childcare was provided at the church. 

• The Fall Festival was attended by over 200 children and adults. All ages attended the event, enjoying food, fellowship, crafts, hayrack ride, live band and inflatables. 

• Bunny Breakfast (outdoor with donuts) and Easter Egg hunt with photo opportunity with Peter Cottontail is always a favorite in the Spring. 

• Breakfast with Santa welcomed approximately 200 children and their parents. Santa and the elves welcomed guests and all enjoyed a delicious breakfast, arts and crafts and a book read aloud by Santa. Parents were able to shop for donated baked goods at the Little Elf Bake shop. $700 was raised to donate to the St. Louis Assistance League for books to be purchased to give to children. 

This has been my second year as Chair of the Children’s Ministry Committee. I thank all of you who, when asked to help, enthusiastically said, “yes” and to those who volunteered without being asked! This is how we fulfill the promise we made when these children were baptized. Thank you to Latisha Gilliland, Director of Children’s Ministry. Her love and dedication is aninspiration for all. 

 Respectfully submitted, Christine Polak Elder, Children’s Ministry Chair

CHILDREN’S MUSICAL - JOY RIDE We are so excited about the journey through the book of Philippians with easy scripture memorization through songs and drama, games and weekly lessons. What fun!!!! The St. Mark Children's choirs meet each week - Pre-K (ages 3-4) choir meets from 5 - 5:25 pm & Elem. SMP choir is for grades K-5 (5:30 - 6:30 pm) in Fellowship Hall. Contact Latisha Gilliland for more information. Then, we will share our journey with you on April 28th at 4:00 pm followed by a beach "hangout" reception for all. 

Come join us for our Session #5 luncheon about "Parents and Children" – Faith Conversations. We encourage you to join us even if you are not teaching Sunday School and especially if you have children between the ages of 0-12! Childcare & lunch will be provided. Our meeting will be immediately after the morning worship service in room 102. There will also be a chance to preview our VBS theme for summer 2024!