The Children's Abbey
The Children's Abbey
Email childrensabbey@saintsaviour.org for
more information.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Children's Abbey is to provide a safe and secure space
in which children may learn Episcopal tradition and respect for the Earth and
other faith traditions through liturgy, story telling, and the arts with
the goal of providing them with resources from which they can form the faith
foundation for their lives.
Children's Abbey is not merely a Sunday program but a Christian community
for children and their families. The program provides a traditional Christian
education, emphasizing the Jewish roots of Christianity as well as
nurturing a respect for all faith traditions. Respecting their uniqueness they are
encouraged to explore their sense of themselves, to develop their gifts and
talents, to reach out to the world around them in compassion and generosity
with joyful open hearts. Many children are from interfaith and nontraditional
families which gives the community a rich heritage from which to draw
values and support. The Children's Abbey is an intentional safe place for
children and families where a viable faith to sustain and nourish them in years
to come can be developed.
As the children gather each Sunday, a candle signifying the presence of the
Holy Spirit glows in their space. There is time for sharing experiences of
the week past and a time to explore Bible stories and do seasonal activities.
Singing, drawing, talking and sharing thoughts help to reinforce ideas and
values contained within the basic lesson. Discussions of things encountered
in the Cathedral and discussing "whys" and "hows" of the service make the
liturgy and ritual more child friendly.
As part of the requirements for confirmation, members of the Confirmation Class spend time in Children's Abbey classes. They help teach songs, serve as role models for the younger children, assist with craft projects and deepen their own understanding of Episcopal tradition and practice. This is an opportunity for both the younger and older children to develop relationships of trust and care in a casual but safe environment.
Children join the adult congregation in the Cathedral for Communion and are
free to sit with their parents or remain in the reserved Children's Abbey
seats.
A monthly newsletter, called A Voice in the Abbey, is designed for the
children and their parents and contains articles of interest and concern to
families. It has information about things that the children might be doing
outside the Sunday community. It contains explanations of traditions, stories of
saints, resources, and provides a way for parents to continue the learning
and growing experience at home. There are coloring pages, mazes and
wordfinds to stimulate questions and foster learning. It is a way to cultivate a
sense of excitement, of wonder, of accomplishment, of caring — with and for —
the members of the Sunday community that carries through week to week.
All — children, parents, and others — are welcomed and encouraged to
participate and share in this experience. Volunteers are always welcomed.
