A Note from Linda Willis

Dear Families and all who love children,

It's hard to believe that we have all had the First Day of school recently - especially after this past year! Children are back in preschool and daycare and some parents are back in their offices, while some are still working remotely.

I hope you all were able to take some trips, cookouts in the backyard, bike rides and quiet times as well. It's so important to take time reading to your child, creating snuggle time.

This week is Homecoming Sunday and the kick-off of our Fall program year! We are excited to have Children's Sunday School, Youth Faith Formation and the Family Group return in person. We also have our new Children and Youth Virtual Choir, Canti, starting Sunday afternoon. It will be wonderful to see you all again when you are ready to return. Below is more information about what is happening this fall, a great video from Charlie about St. Paul's and details on how we are working to keep you and your family healthy and safe during this season of pandemic.

Also, check out the bulletin board next to the Nursery! We have photos of what some of our children did this Summer! There are photos of our recent baptisms. And if you have ones you would like to share, send them to me at the e-mail address below.

Linda Willis

Director of Children and Family Ministries

lwillis@stpaulsrva.org

804-545-5410

This Sunday at St. Paul's

Welcome Video from Rev. Charlie - Join us for Homecoming Sunday!

Sunday School Kickoff - September 12

At 9:00 a.m. we will have Sunday School for our children, youth and families.

The Family Group will return to a new space for parents and caregivers on the second floor utilizing the book Faithful Families with an accompanying 4-week discussion. The Family Group is open to all! Location: Room 206 on the Second Floor (Family Room).

Youth in 6-12th grades are invited to join together with Miriam Farris in their new room on the second floor. Everyone wearing masks and distancing. However, if you would prefer to join us via Zoom, please contact Miriam Farris at miriam.farris@gmail.com. Location: Room 220 on the Second Floor (Youth Room).

Children from 3 years old - 5th grade will gather in Scott Hall on our Godly Play mats, distanced and wearing masks. Following Sunday school, Scott Hall remains a worship space with live-streaming from the sanctuary. Please feel free to bring items from home like books, paper, crayons, etc. Communion will be brought to worshipers in Scott Hall. Location: Scott Hall on the First Floor.

The Nursery for children under 3 years old will be open from 8:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Our staff have been vaccinated and will be wearing masks. We have a special cubbie outside the Nursery where diaper bags need to be stored. Please leave 2 diapers with a few wipes in a zip-lock bag with your child's name. For more details about signing children in, please contact Linda Willis at lwillis@stpaulsrva.org. Location: Room 110 on the First Floor.

At 1:00 pm Children's Choir begins (virtually on Zoom)

We are proud to announce Canti, the new name for the St. Paul’s Children’s Choir. “Canti” is the plural of “Cantus” a Latin word for song, which also can mean the highest voice part in choral polyphonic music. So, Canti is a perfect name for our choir of children’s and youth voices! All singers from grade one through high school are invited to join, no experience is necessary.
Fall term: Five virtual rehearsals on Zoom on Sundays, September 12th through October 10th, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:40 pm. (Alternative rehearsal days/times as needed to accommodate singer’s schedules.) Contact Karen Harris, Assistant Director of Music, for more information at Kharris@stpaulsrva.org or call 804-382-1900.

You Are Invited to Our Family Group

This is a group for parents and others who love children! From new babies to school-aged including college. We can all benefit from the experiences each of us bring to the conversation. Come for one Sunday or multiple Sundays. The group will be using Traci Smith's Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home as a stepping off point discussion of:

Embrace the Messiness & Imperfection of Family Life
Fight Against Consumerism and Materialism
Prioritize Time Together
Value Mystery and Accept Doubt

All participants will receive this wonderful book full of ideas for families. Please wear a mask and practice safe distancing. Location: Room 206 on the Second Floor (Family Room).

Staying Safe Together | COVID Protocol

In an ongoing effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, here are a few ways we are working to keep you and your family safe:

Our staff have been vaccinated and will be wearing masks.
Children and students 2 years of age or older are required to wear masks, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Our spaces will be set up so children can maintain some physical distance from one another.
Our HVAC and filtration systems have been upgraded to promote better filtration and airflow.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to Linda if you have any questions or concerns.