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| L. Ogelsby |
The children's ministries committee enjoyed another great year in 2018 with growth in existing programs and new areas as well. The committee focuses on programs that build the faith, mission, and fellowship of children up through 5th grade. The committee continues to oversee Sunday morning and Wednesday activities for children, nursery, computer lab, children's library, Jerusalem Festival, Bunny Breakfast, Saints, and Vacation Bible School. Children's Ministries coordinates with other committees for the Fall Festival and children's musical performances. We continued our outreach efforts by also hosting a Pet Blessing led by the children and youth.
The Children’s Library is located on the lower level and houses children’s books and DVDs, in addition to a puppet theater. A small book display is available for children outside of the adult library with a reading table. Thank you to D. Johanning and P. Marshall for maintaining and upgrading both areas. Children’s Ministries also maintains a computer lab on the lower level for Sunday School classes and smaller groups of children. The nursery and toddler rooms were updated with new flooring and is maintained by members of the committee for the convenience of our youngest children.
The Jerusalem Festival took place on Palm Sunday. Sunday school teachers led their classes through a rotation of age appropriate activities. The activities included visiting a temple, exploring plants and herbs of that time, crafts including pottery, creating a resurrection garden, the Marketplace, and, live animals. Thanks to help from numerous volunteers, the Jerusalem Festival was a successful and enjoyable family event at St. Mark.
Children's Ministries committee once again ran the Bunny Breakfast which had an increase in participants from our church family, from Claymont Preschool, and the surrounding neighborhood. Families enjoy a sit-down breakfast, egg hunts for various ages, pictures with the Easter Bunny and games. This year the committee opted to make this a free will donation event to try and increase our outreach to the community. Thanks to the Fellowship Committee for cooking.
During Wednesday evening activities, the children learn short Bible lessons from the Holy Moly series, then focus on mission-based project. The children did several projects for the Presbyterian Children’s Home and homebound St. Mark members. Towards the end of Fall, we were blessed to have our new Children’s Music Director join our children on Wednesday nights. They worked very hard for Sarah Vlodek and perfected 3 songs for the church’s enjoyment during the Christmas season.
The Saint’s Program is offered for all elementary grade students and their siblings. They meet monthly and combine mission projects and fun outings. This year they adopted six families through the Angel Tree project. St. Mark continues to amaze us with their support of this ministry. Saints outings provide an opportunity for making a connection to our children while strengthening their connection to the church. This past year the children went to Incredible Pizza, roller skating, a Cardinals game, The City Museum, and bowling. The older Saints joined the Youth in a work
weekend at Mound Ridge.
For the 2nd year, children's ministries hosted Brunch with Santa after church on December 9th. The event was a huge success. Approximately 200 people attended from church, Claymont Preschool, and the surrounding neighborhood. With the help of some of our wonderful committee and Fellowship, the brunch went off without a hitch. Santa read a story to the children, then spent a little quality time with each child. There were plenty of coloring pages, crafts, and letters to Santa for the kids to complete. Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed the event and requested that we do it again.
Vacation Bible School was once again a huge success with our Rolling River Rampage theme. One hundred and sixty students spent the week learning about God and his great actions while singing, dancing, and participating in many other fun activities. The camp program for 3rd–5 th graders continues to expand and included a field trip to Flying Spider for a day of jumping and bouncing. VBS families collected school supplies, which the campers packed in backpacks for Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services. We worked with the Youth Committee to provide multiple afternoon programs for mid and senior high youth volunteers.
The Annual Fall Festival was held in October, and serves as a fun-filled outreach activity for our church, the neighborhood, and community. Children and adults enjoyed the festivities that included a bluegrass band, a bounce house, an obstacle course, pumpkin carving, a balloon artist, pictures, a cake walk, caricature artists, a tricycle race and face painting entertain kids of all ages. New this year was our St. Marktoberfest Root Biergarten and Float Station. A big shout out goes to Pastor Dave Burgess who dressed in lederhosen and served Fitz’s root beer from a keg. Lunch was prepared by our wonderful Men’s Fellowship. We could not pull off this event without the help of all the committees of the church.
Children's ministries continue to coordinate the Supper Club and Mom’s Night Out activities at church. The group coordinates fellowship activities for those with elementary age children and others who are interested in participating. Its activities have included several pot luck dinners, an Ugly Sweater party, and a mom’s night event to prepare Advent activity kits for kids. Attendance at these events has consistently increased and varies between 10 and 20 people. Activities being considered for next year include another bowling night, a sporting event, and several dinners.
Our sincere thanks go to all of our Sunday school teachers who help our children learn about God and his bountiful love. This year we have been using the Growing in Grace and Gratitude curriculum published by PC USA. I also want to thank everyone who has served on this committee and Ellen Hynes, Director of Children’s Ministries. It has been a pleasure working with such talented, enthusiastic, cheerful and dedicated people. We also want to thank the other committees of the church; many of our activities would not happen without them.
For more on Children's Ministry,
click here.
Respectfully submitted, E. Oglesby and S. Lester, Elders
