Christian Education for Children pre-K through 5th grades
 
Friends and Families,
 
Christian formation and education are important for all ages. Clergy, staff, and volunteers at St. Thomas work together to provide age-appropriate venues for children to learn about and experience their faith. You may hear me refer to the children of our parish as my Episcokids. Your children do become extensions of my family and it is my hope that together we can learn and grow in God’s love. We hope to see you at many upcoming Episcokid Events!
 
Blessings,
Ms. Erin
 
Shine Time

Sunday mornings 9:30-10:15.

Babies – 2nd grade will begin using Frolic curriculum which leverages best practices in early childhood education. Frolic brings faith stories to life with age-appropriate play spaces, prayers, storytelling, music, and rituals.

Nursery led by Diane Berson & Quan Williams; Preschool led by Kelli Leak and Kristie Ridgeway; Kindergarten-2nd grade led by Margo Easterbrook and Michelle Mullen.

3rd – 5th grade will use Spark, a three-year curriculum which corresponds with the Revised Common Lectionary. The lessons will connect children with the Bible readings heard in worship. Children will engage the Bible stories through activities, interactive games, and creative crafts. This class is led by Susan Sealy and Ellen Dahlgren.

Acolytes:
Episcokids and Youth, grades 2nd-12th, are invited to serve as acolytes, with Episokids carrying the petite cross. Serving as an acolyte is a commitment of your time and talent to the Lord’s service. You will be scheduled to serve one to two times a month depending on the number of acolytes we have on roster. If you are interested in serving, please contact Ms. Erin for more information.
Children’s Chapel
At St. Thomas, Children’s Chapel is offered during our 10:30am service. Children go to the parlor at the Sequence Hymn and return to the regular service at the Peace for Holy Communion. Children’s Church includes an age appropriate sermon &  activities.
 
Nursery
Nursery care is provided from 9:30 – 12:30 on Sunday mornings and on Wednesdays during dinner and programs. Nursery care is also available during special services and events throughout the year. Two nursery staff are present to welcome children ages 6 weeks through age 3. Rockers and Rollers are volunteers who assist in the nursery during the 10:30. 
 
Wednesday Evening:
Food, Fellowship, & Formation 
 
We offer Eucharist in the Chapel at 5:30pm. Wednesday night supper begins at 5:45pm. The menu for each week is provided via our church’s weekly Spiritual Adventures email. Reserve your meal online, via email, or by calling the church office by Monday afternoon. At 6:45pm the Episcokids (age 4-5th grade) meet for programming that includes Children’s Choir and Faith Formation activities.

 

Special Events Throughout the Year 

Seasonal celebrations are occasions for both Christian fellowship and service for children and their families. We take care to mark both the secular and liturgical year with events such as the beginning of the school year Backpack Blessing, Trunk or Treat, Advent wreath making, St. Nicholas celebration, Christmas gift collection, Lenten family services, and Vacation Bible School.
LOCATION: 2100 Hilton Ave, Columbus GA 31906 OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm M-F
SERVICES: Wednesday – 5:30 PM // Sunday – 8 AM & 10:30 AM,  First Sundays at 5 PM
EMAIL: office@stthomascolumbus.org  PHONE: (706)324-4264