Children, Youth, and Families
Children in Worship
We believe that children belong in our worship service and invite children of all ages to participate fully. We also recognize that not all children are willing or able to stay focused throughout the service. We have a selection of colouring kits and children’s books at the back of the pews that you are welcome to borrow during the service. If your children require it, please feel free to move around as necessary to keep them content. Children who have been baptized are welcome to receive communion or a blessing with their parents.
Please note that the family washroom has a change table and a potty.
Safety
We take safeguarding very seriously. All our leaders undergo criminal record checks with a vulnerable sector check on a regular basis, and we always have at least two adults in the room at all times.
Children’s Chapel
During our 11 am worship service on most Sundays we offer Children’s Chapel for kids of all ages.
Children who wish to participate will follow the instructor to the Lady Chapel just before the first lesson. There they will hear one of the lessons for the day in an age-appropriate way and then explore and respond to the story through simple crafts or activities. The children will return to their families during the Passing of the Peace and participate in the Eucharist as a community.
People of all ages are welcome, but our activities are aimed at three to ten year olds. Children under three, or who are not yet potty-trained, must be accompanied by an adult, and parents are always welcome to participate. Youths who want to join us are encouraged to be helpers.
Contact the office for more information.
What we do
Our time in Children’s Chapel roughly follows what’s happening in “big church”. We start by gathering in a circle, and we light a candle (so we have a representation of the light of Christ just like big church). Then we read one of the lectionary appointed scriptures from the Whirl Story Bible (this means kids hear one of the same scriptures as big church).
Instead of a sermon we have a discussion, and a response. This can take the form of a craft, songs, and sometimes games. We also include time for prayer and confession. Sometimes our prayers are formal, kneeling at the chapel altar rail. Sometimes we pray silently, sometimes we sing our prayers. Sometimes we share our prayers while we work on a craft. Just like in big church, our liturgy and practices change with the seasons.
Our goal with Children’s Chapel is 3-fold. One, to give the kids a worship and educational experience that is geared to their age. Church can be hard on kids when parents are constantly asking them to whisper or stay still. Two, to teach kids the rhythms and patterns of big church. It's hard to engage and follow the service if you can't read the bulletin. Three, to allow big church to hear the scriptures, sermon, and prayers with less distractions from children. This is especially helpful for parents as it allows us to worship without constantly shifting our focus between our kids and listening.
Schedule
Children’s Chapel takes place every Sunday except
July and August
The 4th Sunday of Advent (the last Sunday before Christmas)
The 1st Sunday after Christmas
Activity bags or books are available for children on these Sundays.
Registration
All children participating in Children’s Chapel must be registered. Registration forms and an information pamphlet are available at the church, or you can download a fillable pdf. Completed forms can be given to a leader, a sidesperson, or left in the office door mailbox. For more information contact the office at 204-786-4765 or office@allsaintswinnipeg.ca
Kids decorate cookies and pumpkins at a Halloween Party
Youth Group
The Youth group meets every second Friday at 7 pm. Check our calendar for meeting dates and special events.
The Youth Group is for those between 11 and 17 (give or take). Activities include movies, crafts, discussions, and field trips.
Our Leaders
Ben Girgis
Ben is our Parish Intern, and as part of that role serves as a leader in both Children’s Chapel and the Youth Group.
“I grew up in the city of Toronto where I spent a majority of my time in the church, whether that was volunteering, attending some event, going to youth group or setting up for a potluck. When I finished highschool, I attended college studying Christian Ministry with a focus on Youth and Children's Ministries and minored in Biblical Studies. My wife, Kaitlyn and I moved to Winnipeg in July 2021 and currently I'm working on my Master of Divinity. I look forward to participating and spending time with the people of All Saints!”
The Rev. Nancy Walker (Pastor Nana)
“Pastor Nana” was a Sunday School teacher/superintendent and youth group leader for decades before she was ordained a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in 2003. Now retired, she is delighted to return to her first love and help with the kids at All Saints, including two of her grandkids.
She is also a Youth Group Leader.
Joy Peters
Joy is the Church Administrator at All Saints, and also mother to two young children who attend Children’s Chapel.
She loves passing on Jesus’s message of love, singing, and finding creative crafts to explain the stories and lessons we read.
Volunteering
Although one of the goals of Children’s Chapel is to give parents worship time free of distractions, we do encourage all parents to participate in Children’s Chapel as volunteers on a rotating basis. If all parents participate, each parent will need to volunteer about once every two months.
Parents who agree to volunteer will be placed on a roster which will be sent by email, posted on the church website, and posted on the church bulletin board.
Parent Volunteers are also asked to read our policy on Child Protection and Safety and to sign the Diocesan Child Care Covenant.
Parent Volunteers do not need to plan lessons or activities! The designated leader will provide all the lesson and activity planning and will lead the session. The parent volunteers will be there to assist with the craft or activities as needed.
Non-parents are also welcome to volunteer with Children’s Chapel or the Youth Group. If you like sharing the Gospel with kids, or just prefer to occasionally help with crafts and fun songs rather than sit through a sermon, we’d love to have you.
