Our children are the face of our church and the future of our faith community. They are to be a constant reminder of the immense gift they are to us all. Their innocence is a blessing in the midst of such negativity and a world darkened and stained by war, violence and sin. Yet, and in spite of humankind, our world still is a beautiful place. Our children will be entrusted to care for it in spite of the careless treatment the world is often shown.

It is important and essential that we have a program and activities for our young ones. We must provide religious formation in an enjoyable and informative manner; a program that is theirs and only theirs. We have some very dedicated and determined members working very hard to create just such a program. Val Gruenwald, Jan Tossman and John Knepper have done their homework, burned some midnight oil and prayerfully are piecing together a program that will provide for our children. God bless these wonderful people and all of our family members who in the past have been involved in creating, organizing and teaching our children…a great amount of blessings and credit to a great many caring, loving and concerned parish family members.

Each 1st Sunday of the month will be both Children’s Liturgy and Celebration Sunday. We hope that our children will read the Scripture passages, and bring forward to the altar the gifts of bread, wine, and donations to the food pantry.

We ask our parents and grandparents and all our members to be mindful of the schedule for our Children’s Program: each 1st Sunday of the month will be both Children’s Liturgy and Celebration Sunday. We hope that our children will read the Scripture passages, and bring forward to the altar the gifts of bread, wine, and donations to the food pantry. They will be invited to remain around the altar, if they so wish. And if they are willing and desiring, they will be invited to share in the role of chalice bearer at Holy Communion. The 3rd Sunday of the month, the children will be read the Gospel in wording that is better suited for them. They will rejoin the community and are invited to put their creative energies to work with religious material that challenges, entertains and allows them to put their artistic talents to good use. The other Sundays of the month, the children are welcome to stay at the Sharing Table in the rear of the worship space and work, together, in playful prayer. They have their own space, yet they remain with us, safe and secure.

“Let the children come to me…” Jesus still speaks these words and we must respond. In true St. Nicholas fashion, we will make it happen, in a spirit of love, grace and always for the greater glory of God and the love for our children.