Children's
Sunday School

Children at St. Andrews on the Sound, kindergarten through 5th grade, participate in the the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based approach that offers children a peaceful time with hands-on materials and trained adult guides.

Sunday Morning and Special Events

Gathering 9 AM

Children gather in the True Vine Atrium (located in the preschool building) at 9 AM. Children come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the life of the Church, and their own inner lives with God.

Children's Church 10:15 AM

Children who arrive later are warmly welcomed at this time. We gather at our prayer table, sing and pray together, often led by older children, and then join the larger congregation at the exchange of the Peace, where children are seated with their families.

Special Events

In addition to weekly offerings, we host seasonal and parish-wide events for children, youth, and families. These include the Christmas pageant, gingerbread house making, and craft activities during all-parish breakfasts.

Registration

To register your child, simply fill out a form at the Atrium sign-in table. Once registered, you’ll receive occasional newsletters about our current themes, ideas for supporting your child’s spiritual life at home, and details on upcoming special events.

For more information, contact:

Caroline Johnson
Director of Christian Formation
cjohnson@saots.org

Supporting the Spiritual Life of a Child

For our youngest children, we focus on themes of love, relationship, and belonging. The biblical narrative in John 10 about the loving Good Shepherd is central. Also for this age group:

Hands-on material introducing the birth narratives of Jesus and basic parables inviting them to wonder about the kingdom of God as well as models helping them know Jesus as a real person
Materials about baptism and the Holy Eucharist inviting them to participate more fully in our church community’s life
Extra activities to help them calm and focus their bodies, take good care of our room, and express themselves with art

As they grow, children become sensitive to moral issues and interested in learning more about the Bible and church. We support moral growth by discussing key sayings of Jesus as well as his parables about the moral life. Also for this age group:

A long ribbon timeline to understand that God has a plan for creation, and to consider ways they might participate in this plan
Reflection on the many gifts God has given through nature and human beings
More sophisticated understanding of gestures, prayers, and liturgies
Leadership of our prayer table time
Continuing activities to help them appreciate silence, care for each other and the world, and more advanced art materials

Hands-on materials—whether they are models, figures, or art supplies—are prepared for every lesson. These allow children to immerse themselves, responding to themes at their own pace and deepening their understanding. Free-choice activities and thoughtful projects create a space for them to explore and express their spiritual understanding. Occasionally, we will also take our learning outdoors to connect with the beauty of God’s creation.

On Sunday Mornings:

We invite you to arrive with your child by 9:10 a.m., but we understand that each family has its own rhythm. Feel free to join us when you are able. We ask that you help us maintain our quiet space as you bring your child and sign them in.
We encourage you to dress your child in clothing that allows them to fully engage in the work of the day, whether that’s art, hands-on materials, or outdoor exploration.
If your child has specific needs or preferences, we welcome your insights. Your partnership in supporting each child’s experience ensures they can engage joyfully and meaningfully.
Our space is always open to parents, please join us in respecting the calm, reflective atmosphere we aim to cultivate for the children.
The Atrium is a sacred environment and is open to the children only during their time with us on Sundays. This space is intentionally preserved as a place for focused work, prayer, and peace.

Through these practices, we honor the dignity and spiritual depth of every child, creating an environment where they can find peace and freely grow in their relationship with God.