Youth and Family Ministries at St. Paul's
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St. Pauls children, youth, and family ministries seeks to create a safe and inclusive environment that centers children’s agency and fun so that they can explore their faith, big questions, and build community.
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Nursery
During the 8:30am and 10:30am service St. Paul’s nursery staff care for children ages 0-4. The nursery can be found in room B21 in the basement, near the playground.
Godly Play
Godly Play is a Montessori inspired curriculum where storytellers learn stories from the bible, the lives of saints, and modern heroes by heart, then tell them to the circle of children. Children are then invited to wonder with the storyteller through a series of open ended, no-right-answer questions. Questions like “I wonder what part was the most important, I wonder where you saw yourself in this story, I wonder if you’ve ever experienced a moment like this.” After the wondering there is an opportunity to respond to the story with art and craft materials, or by working with the story materials themselves. Finally, the children gather for the ‘feast’- a simple snack of crackers and water and rambling conversation, before being brought back up to the nave to join their families for communion. Godly Play is every Sunday starting at 10:00am
Bridge
Bridge meets Sundays after the 10:30am service and is for middle and high schoolers. We are exploring the Holy Trouble Makers curriculum. Each week youth gather to listen to the stories of people of faith who spoke truth to power and stood up for what they knew was right. Afterwards there is time for discussion and then the remainder of the hour is spent talking, working with legos, or competing on the wii.
Adventure Guild
Adventure Guild meets Thursdays, 6pm-8:30pm and is for middle and high schoolers. Youth gather to imagine and problem solve together through storytelling. This is mostly a social program but inhabiting characters and confronting social and ethical problems allows youth to develop their values and think through how they will respond to life’s challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Limited space available, please reach out to childrenandyouth@stpaulsbellingham to get involved.
Wednesday Night Dinners
Children and families are welcome at the 6pm Wednesday night dinners. Nursery staff provide childcare during the 6:45pm- 8pm formation classes.
Parents Night Out
Typically on the last Friday of the month from 5-8pm. St. Paul’s provides a movie and pizza for children ages 2-12. Youth are welcome but the movies will be aimed at young audiences. $10 suggested donation but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Schedule can be found on the St. Paul’s calendar and newsletter. Please reach out to childrenandyouth@stpaulsbellingham if your child has dietary restrictions.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Each summer St. Paul’s hosts VBS. Often in partnership with St. James Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church. Details, themes, dates and registration can be found in St. Paul’s newsletter in the spring.
Trips and Pilgrimages
Family trips are wonderful ways to build community and explore our beautiful state and beyond! To find out what trips are being planned please reach out to childrenandyouth@stpaulsbellingham
