Messages from the Children, Youth & Family Ministry
This year, as in years past, we invite all children and youth to be actively engaged in the marvels of the entire Holy Week leading into Easter. Children are, of course, welcome at ALL services, and we hope they will come join the journey into the Easter Season.
Please mark on your calendars the following dates that may be of particular interest to children and their families. All the events described below will take place at Immanuel Chapel, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, on the campus of the Virginia Theological Seminary:
April 18 - Maundy Thursday, 7:30 p.m. This is a solemn but beautiful service with optional foot washing. You may want to discuss with children how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, and how the foot washing they will see (and participate in, if they wish) at the service is a way to serve others in the spirit of Christ.
April 19 – Good Friday, 6:00 p.m. We are holding a family service for children and youth that will include an interactive walk through the Stations of the Cross.
April 20 – Saturday Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m. This vigil is a unique service that is a special opportunity for all ages to gather and celebrate the closing of Lent and welcome Easter morning. It is in part a celebration of Baptism and can truly be a great experience for children. Meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Immanuel Chapel garden to begin the service, which will then proceed into the chapel. The dessert reception that follows this service will be held in the Welcome Center and is open to all ages.
April 21 – Easter Sunday. There will be special homilies at both the 9:15a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Easter services, aimed at connecting with children.
Also, Immanuel will be hosting an EASTER EGG HUNT on the grounds of Virginia Theological Seminary following the end of the 9:15 service.
Please mark on your calendars the following dates that may be of particular interest to children and their families. All the events described below will take place at Immanuel Chapel, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, on the campus of the Virginia Theological Seminary:
April 18 - Maundy Thursday, 7:30 p.m. This is a solemn but beautiful service with optional foot washing. You may want to discuss with children how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, and how the foot washing they will see (and participate in, if they wish) at the service is a way to serve others in the spirit of Christ.
April 19 – Good Friday, 6:00 p.m. We are holding a family service for children and youth that will include an interactive walk through the Stations of the Cross.
April 20 – Saturday Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m. This vigil is a unique service that is a special opportunity for all ages to gather and celebrate the closing of Lent and welcome Easter morning. It is in part a celebration of Baptism and can truly be a great experience for children. Meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Immanuel Chapel garden to begin the service, which will then proceed into the chapel. The dessert reception that follows this service will be held in the Welcome Center and is open to all ages.
April 21 – Easter Sunday. There will be special homilies at both the 9:15a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Easter services, aimed at connecting with children.
Also, Immanuel will be hosting an EASTER EGG HUNT on the grounds of Virginia Theological Seminary following the end of the 9:15 service.
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What is Godly Play? This wonderful time is a liturgical program of storytelling, prayer, and reflection that is designed specifically for children 3-7 years old as an alternative to the Liturgy of the Word at the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist. This fantastic ministry is designed to help children worship and learn to know God in a developmentally-appropriate setting. Parents should bring their children to the Godly Play room and return to pick them up during the Passing of the Peace, so that they can join their families and the congregation for Communion.
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Sunday School is provided for children from preschool through 5th grade. Except for the third Sunday of every month when Sunday School is offered as part of Family Nights, the classes are typically held on Sunday mornings starting at 10:15 a.m. and ending at 11:00 a.m. (in time for the 11:15 a.m. Eucharist). All classes are held in classrooms on the lower level of Zabriskie Chapel, and parents are asked to pick up their children outside of their classroom. Volunteer teachers provide a loving atmosphere and fun learning activities ranging from storytelling, dramatic play, and art for the youngest children to challenging games and discussions for the 5th graders. Children may join Sunday School on any Sunday - just show up and be ready to have fun!
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