New from Nursery and Sunday School for the Week of October 13

Last Sunday: Sunday Storytelling Launch

Last Sunday, we were introduced to Saint Francis by Fr. Bennett who read us a beautiful story about Saint Francis’ life at our Family Feast. This was the first of our new Sunday Storytelling Times, for all ages.

If you, or a godparent or grandparent, would like to share in storytelling with our children, please get in touch!

Psalm 148:3

Praise ye him, sun and moon:
praise him,
all ye stars of light

As we returned upstairs for Nursery and Sunday School, we gathered for worship, singing Alleluia, Praise ye the Lord and reading a Psalm of Praise for Creation together.

The children met Saint Francis once again, as he came by to see the children to answer their questions about his life and faith. (They enjoyed meeting this friendly visitor who we discovered very much resembled Fr. Bennett!)

We all shared in this famous prayer for peace, before joining families for Mass, where again we heard the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, this time sung by the choir.

A Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

St. Francis is particularly remembered for his commitment to caring for God’s Creation, in which we too are called to share.

Some children brought in a soft toy or photo representing their favorite animal. They all enjoyed sharing about their pets and ‘ best’ animals. Mine was easy to choose- many of you have met Bertie, whose birthday it happened to be last Sunday.

Faith Alive: Sunday, October 20 @10am

Following up from the Confirmation course FAITH CONFIRMED, a new monthly group has emerged: FAITH ALIVE, with a commitment to fellowship, learning, worship and service.

If you are 11+ and were Confirmed in May or are about to be Confirmed next year, this group is for you.

Our next event is on October 20 @10am when we will continue to explore: “Behind the scenes-Preparing for Mass” at Saint Thomas Church.

Prepare for Mass at home together by reading the Gospel for next Sunday: Luke 17:11-19

Volunteers needed

Thank you to a few families who have now expressed an interest in occasional volunteering with special events at Saint Thomas. There are many more ways that you can be involved in Children and Family Ministries at Saint Thomas Church! Rest assured, it does not have to be every week!

We are currently seeking parents who regularly attend Mass or Evensong to join our special working group as we explore plans for Children and Families in the coming year. This group will initially meet in November and then a few times throughout 2020.

Please let me know if you are interested in exploring being part of a working party for Children and Families at Saint Thomas. We value your input, as well as your child’s!