Children
Christian Learning for Children
We offer programs throughout the year for young children that deliver Christian education, fun and fellowship, and mission. We also provide support for parents via our Parents' Learning Community, Mothers’ Group and Nursery. Our children are the future of Holy Comforter, and we strive in every way to educate them, engage them in worship, and impress upon them the importance of living a Christ-centered life.
Children's Ministries requires more than 100 volunteers, and we welcome parents, teens, grandparents and other parishioners who may be interested in on-going or one-time opportunities to play a positive role in the lives of our children. Please contact Katherine Hutt.
The Children's Ministries table in the Narthex has more information about upcoming programs, as well as sign-up sheets for events that require pre-registration.
Preschool
Holy Comforter also supports the greater Vienna community with a wonderful preschool for children ages 2 through 4.
Children in Worship Services
As in all lessons of life, children look to their parents to be a guide during worship. We encourage parents to help their child follow the service by using the bulletin, Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnals. For the younger children, "The Sunday Paper Junior" worship bulletins are available from the ushers. (Children may sign up to be Junior Ushers at the Children's Ministries table in the Narthex.) We also have shelves of Bible storybooks and crayons located at the back of the sanctuary. You may wish to bring small books or soft toys from home. Father Rick (the father of three himself) has written a helpful brochure called Making Room for Children in Church.
| Please Note: If your child becomes restless during the service, we invite you to visit the Narthex (just outside the Sanctuary) which is wired for sound and video, and where you can listen to the service without disturbing others. |
Nursery
Child care is available from 7:45 am to 12:00 noon in one of the two nurseries. The baby nursery, on the lower level is for non-moble infants. The toddler nursery, upstairs in Room 303, is for toddlers up to age three. We gladly offer this service to those attending worship and ask that parents do not leave the premises while your children are in childcare.
Children’s Chapel
Children enjoy ritual and have an innate wonder at the majesty of a liturgical service of worship - they are naturally liturgical beings. We strive to nurture their loving relationship with God.
Children's Chapel is offered at both 8:00 and 10:30 am services following the gradual anthem or hymn. Leaders of Children's Chapel strive to guide young children through a simple liturgical form, sharing an age-appropriate Gospel lesson while helping them learn reverence and respect for the sacred space in which we worship.
Children’s Choir
Sunday School
Sunday School is available for Preschool through 12th grade. It meets at 9:15 am during the school year. We offer a lectionary-based curriculum with age appropriate stories, games and crafts. Classes are located in Lower and Upper McGill. Maps are found throughout the building. Children from Preschool through 3rd Grade should meet in the Chapel at 9:15 for singing; older children 4th Grade and up may proceed directly to their classrooms, but no earlier than 9:10.
Newcomers are asked to fill out a welcome form, which includes Sunday School registration. Forms are available on the welcome table in the narthex.
All 1st graders will participate in a eight week Eucharist Study during the year. Letters are sent home with the children explaining the program.
Kids' Club
Kids' Club is a young group for 4th. 5th and 6th graders that meets approximately once a month for fellowship and discipleship. Activities include movie nights, bowling, service projects, etc. Sign-up for activities is on the Children's Ministries table in the Narthex.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School takes place in the evening on the grounds of Holy Comforter during one week in summer. We offer an experiential program with hands-on activities, games and crafts, as well as stories and dramas. Recent themes have included Biblical settings and "The Chronicles of Narnia."
The Boy and Girl Scouts' God and Country Program
This program is run every year beginning in the Fall for Scouts of all ages who are interested in earning this award. Awards are presented during Scout Sunday (usually held in February). Read more about God And Country here.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal events include several Children’s Festivals to celebrate church holidays such as All Saints Day, St. Nicholas Day, St. Valentine's Day, Easter and Pentecost. All Saints Day is celebrated with a “parade of saints” and special activities in the Sunday School room. On Christmas Eve, we hold a Christmas pageant at two services. Auditions and rehearsals are required for speaking parts, but all children in costume (angels, shepherds, animals) are welcome to join in as we recreate the "Nativity Story." The Youth Group sponsors a Pancake Supper for Shrove Tuesday just prior to the start of Lent.
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Mothers Group
Children’s Mission
Programs for students
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Children ages three through 6th gradeare led by |
Holy Comforter Episcopal Preschool
is directed by |
