The Children and Youth Committee ensures that the young members of Grace’s community are encouraged through worship, education, enriching programs and relationships to discover what it means to follow Christ and serve faithfully in church and the world. This community is up and running, connecting families, and connecting in new ways.

Work and Highlights

Sunday Mornings

Children Ages four/five to Grade Six: On Sunday mornings, Children and Youth ministry is delivered through a new rotational model that uses Spark Curriculum and focuses on one Biblical story each month using the gifts of leaders and discovering gifts of the children.

Youth Grades Seven to Nine: Leaders appraise a curriculum which best meets the needs of the group and helps youth grow spiritually and faithfully.

Youth Grades 10 to 12: This group alternates attending worship as they participate in the community of faith with discussion Sundays using “Can I Ask That?”

All Ages Worship: Children and Youth also participate in worship and attend all ages worship six times a year. Beautiful Activity Bags assembled by Jennifer are also available in the sanctuary for children. All ages welcomed to seek, experience God’s love and learn of God’s mission, comfortable to explore and ask questions in a welcoming and loving environment.

Youth

Rev. Maren leads a youth group fellowship. The group meets bi-weekly Fridays, and on the first Sunday of each month, meets for lunch following worship. This group joins with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian’s youth for some activities.

Church School for Parents (CSFP)

This Sunday initiative is for parents! Led by Rev. Maren and guest speakers, this new initiative addresses topics of concern for parents. It takes place on pre-scheduled Sundays during worship. Topics include Communion for Children, Navigating Digital and Social Media using curriculum provided by the Fuller Youth Institute, LGBTQ discussions, Anxiety & Stress Management (with Psychologist Nidia Celis), and Death and Dying. Enthusiastic feedback and attendance means there are many new ideas in the works, and may be delivered virtually.

Missional Work:

Learning of God’s mission, to reach out with helping hands, Church School children and youth have been offering their hands, offering, prayer, talent and time to be regularly engaged with service.

• Joining Engagement and Service Connaught lunch preparation on Sundays
• Coldest Night of the Year
• PWS&D Opening Classroom Doors
• Blessing BackPacks (whole congregation & c & y offering school supplies and Back Packs for neighbours)
• Brown Bags for Calgary Kids working with Engagement & Service
• Holy Communion: All Children and Youth are now welcome (began Oct 6) to the Lord’s Table sharing meals together remembering Christ’s death and celebrating His resurrection, reminding us of God’s love for all of us.
• Birthday Postcard and small gift remembrance: remembering birthdays of children and youth as they receive a Birthday Card and choose a small gift to celebrate for “this is the day the Lord hath made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24

Events Children & Youth Have Attended

• All Ages events throughout year
• Pop-Up Play in local park lead by Maren and Jake: bringing community together
• Trunk or Treat October 31 saw about 200 guests enjoyed receiving treats from decorated congregational members’ cars, and hot chocolate. Working with Service and Engagement
• “Sunday Fundays”
• Christmas Pageants: three 10 minute presentations over three weeks during Children’s time in worship involving all Church School followed by a Christmas Party after last pageant with pizza, games, Santa Claus.
• Family Christmas Party: Inviting the Grace and Beltline community, and Connaught School to share in pizza, music, crafts, and activities in gym following worship service with approximately 100 people attending
• Easter/Lent: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party: The gym was open and the committee invited Grace members and guests from surrounding community to share in pancake races, eating, music and fellowship. This was well-received with approximately 240 participants. The event included food bank donations. The Calgary Herald and CBC covered the party!
• Virtual Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday! All Ages!!

Future: Looking Forward

The Rev. Maren McLean Persaud brings faithful, enthusiastic, creative, God-loving leadership to the Children and Youth Committee, teachers, parents and children and youth this past year and continues to as we venture through this time of great change and learning. A unique opportunity to reach families as they grow in faith and identify opportunities to connect children, youth, teachers and families as we walk and find The Way.

• Children and Youth website page: The committee continues to increase visibility of Children and Youth on the website, with weekly updates, linking events and other resources.
• Families and Parents: Continue to support, engage and equip parents at home as the primary providers of faith development formation through both resources and programs delivered online and through other media, as well as participation in Grace 3 in 1 Worship.
• Grace 3 in 1 Worship: Members of church school have participated by reading prayers.
• Grace Family Prayer Partners: connecting children, youth and families with activities, prayer, fellowship.
• Grace Children & Youth webpage monthly parent resource
• Youth: Virtual Youth Group meeting Fridays online going well and will continue to meet on a weekly basis
• Youth Leader: Actively reaching out to bring a Youth Leader to help guide the junior high group in their faith formation.
• CSFP: continue virtually Sunday School:
• Children’s Stories: possibility of pre-recorded and sent to families, including some family resource links
• Planning is underway for Summer Sunday School and the Fall start of Church School!!