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Connecting New Families
Family Community Service
The entire St. Bart's community galvanizes around two projects each year, one in early Fall and the other in Winter. The first, "School Supplies for L.I.F.E." is an ingathering of back-to-school supplies for pre-primary and school-age children at a temporary shelter in lower Manhattan, with whom we have developed a relationship over the years. Then, beginning early November and continuing through Christmas, families have various opportunities to participate in providing "Christmas Miracles" gifts to children at the L.I.F.E. shelter. Through group visits, sending cards, purchasing or wrapping gifts, and serving dinner, our families have a unique experience of being Christ for and with our neighbors in need – and seeing Christ in them.
We have many offerings for children and families at St. Bart's:
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For children 6 months to four years old, we have
Childcare during the 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday services. You are welcome to carry your child to the Community House 5th floor at any point during the service. Just ask an usher to point the way. Your child will enjoy loving attention, art projects, story time and learning toys.
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 Sunday School for 4-14 year olds is open-enrollment – your child is welcome to join at any time during the year. It begins at 10 a.m. in the Chapel with a brief family service. This service is unique in that it provides an important opportunity for children to participate in a cheerful and musical worship atmosphere, even as parents learn, through weekly Chapel Talks potential new ways of talking with their children about God. Sunday School teachers are among our most dedicated parishioners, entrusted with the task of creating a nurturing environment that facilitates a child's relationship with God. Artwork, games, stories, sharing and more. Download the Sunday School application.
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Youth ages 10 and up are invited to participate in worship as
Acolytes; youth ages 12 and up are invited to read Scriptures and lead prayers. Contact Michael Collins about training ( mcollins@stbarts.org).
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Family Nights
, which occur several times a year, are especially good ways to meet people at St. Bart's. On Family Nights, children from the church and the community preschool have plenty of room, toys, games, food, and supervision, as parents enjoy a chance to mingle and dine in an adjoining room that opens out to a patio. At other times, we hold swim/gym nights and off-site events.
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Monthly Play Dates for toddlers and pre-schoolers are organized by the CY&F Planning Team upon request. They will be held at various outdoor locations in Manhattan, such as parks or the zoo – the idea is that parents can offer their children an afternoon play date, while making friends and building community with other young moms and dads from St. Bart's. Contact Sara Queen for details at squeen@mba1997.hbs.edu.
To sign up for
CY&F E-NEWS, click here.
There are short- and long-term opportunities to volunteer in the CY&F Ministries area. Call or email Kathy Bozzuti-Jones to talk about matching your skills and passions with our growing programs' needs. |
