Children

	Children's Sunday School

		Nursery and Preschool (both available on Sundays)

		Nursery \| 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Infants and children through 4 years old are invited to our Nursery, well-staffed by professional childcare providers. Please find our Nursery in Room 106 of the Education Building along the Sunday School Classroom hallway on the first floor. An usher or a greeter will be happy to direct you there. The Nursery is available during both services for infants and children.			Preschool – Godly Play Class \| 9:45 a.m. Our Preschool (age 3 - Kindergarten) class uses a curriculum called "Godly Play", developed by Jerome Berryman in Houston and used in reformed churches all over the world. Godly Play encourages children to use multiple senses and the language of Christianity to express what they innately know about God.			All Children learn about God and creation, play with friends, and enjoy a snack. while parents remain on campus to worship, learn, and socialize. Our well-trained staff make sure that each child feels that this is a special and sacred place for them to be.

		The Lord's Prayer (classes are held on Sundays)

		Grades 1 - 4 \| 9:45 a.m. Rm. 105 Some things in life must be learned by heart, so we are committing 6 Sundays to teaching children what it means not only to learn by memory, but to live the Lord’s Prayer.

		St. Philip Children's Music (held on Sundays)

		All children age 5 and up \| 9:45 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. Sunday School begins with music. Weekly meetings will consist of a variety of musical activities involving singing, movement, percussion, and more		Why Should Children Learn Music? Countless studies have shown that kids who sing in choir or play a musical instrument do better in school. Besides being a great exercise for body, mind and spirit, music helps develop a child's confidence, coordination, communication skills, social skills, and many more. Plus, it's a lot of fun		Rehearsals and Singing in Worship Rehearsals consist of vocal training, music learning, and teamwork. When children first join a choir, it takes time for them to become accustomed to singing together and understanding what is involved in being in a choir. Rehearsals are essential, as they allow us time to work with the children to develop their musical skills in a highly engaging setting so they are ready to sing well for services.

		Sunday Worship and Children’s Chapel All children are invited to sit with their families during worship. During the worship hour, there is a time just for children with the pastors. Worship bags as well as Children’s Bulletins are available in the Narthex for children who wish to remain in church.

		When children participate in and lead worship they feel they are a special and beloved part of their faith community and they begin to develop their own sense of what it means to be a child of God.		Opportunities abound for children and youth to take active roles in the life of worship at St. Philip as acolytes, liturgists and choir members. Please ask a pastor about these opportunities!		Infants and children through three years of age are invited to play in the Nursery at any time during both services!
		1st and 3rd (and an occasional 5th) Sundays of each month \| 11:00 a.m. During 11:00 a.m. worship, children of pre-K age (age 4 as of September 1) through first grade are encouraged to worship with their families/parents in church. The bookshelf outside the sanctuary is stocked with Children’s Bibles, books, Children’s Bulletins and colored pencils. Families are welcomed to sit there with their children! Also, there are worship bags located in the Narthex.		2nd and 4th Sunday of each month \| 11:00 a.m. On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, children/parents worship with their families at the beginning of the 11:00 a.m. service. Following the conversation with children, those in pre-K through first grade are invited to attend Children's Chapel with Pastor Omar and a parent helper. Parents, please meet your children at those pews following the postlude.		Children's Chapel In the Children's Chapel, our young disciples learn the whos, whats , wheres, whens and whys of worship in the chapel, while also praying, seeing and hearing God's word at an age-appropriate level. Children return to join the congregation in the first few pews on the lectern side of the church for the last hymn.

		VBS \| Vacation Bilble Saturday

		There are also many opportunities for education, fellowship and mission for children at St. Philip.			We have day-long seasonal Vacation Bible Saturday programs during Advent, Lent and the Summer.


	St. Philip is a member of the Presbyterian Church - USA 4807 San Felipe Street, Houston, TX 77056 - Ph. (713) 622-4807