Kids of the Redeemer
Our Lord Jesus, God and Creator of the whole world, came to us as a tiny baby, fully dependent on his earthly parents for care and sustenance. Throughout his time on earth Jesus drew children into the midst of his ministry and into his very presence while he, himself, drew near to his heavenly Father with complete trust and dependence. Our invitation, through his example and command, is to be like children as we depend on our good Father. We are to embrace children as active participants in the church, placing children in the midst of our fellowship and understanding through their example the trust and openness needed in our approach to Jesus. We are strengthened and built up by the presence of children among us, and in turn are called, as parents and adults in the faith community, to protect, nurture, and instruct our children that the next generation might know (Ps 78) and tell of the great love and salvation of the Lord.
…we have sat at your feet, learned from your word, and eaten from your table.
‘The Sending’ from the Kenyan Rite
Every Sunday our church family comes together in Word and Sacrament. Adults gather for worship, scripture, and a sermon, and children gather for their own time of worship, Bible engagement, and learning. At the Peace, children return to the service for Holy Communion and gather as one with the rest of the church at the table of the Good Shepherd, where we all are sustained with the same spiritual food of Christ’s body and blood.
At each age and stage we pray that children…
KNOW
the love
of the Father
GROW
in their love
for Jesus
SHOW
the love of Jesus in the
power of the Spirit
Sunday Afternoons
We gather to learn and grow, pray and worship, and connect with peers. Kids meet in ROOM 108, at 4:15 p.m., for gathering time that will include singing, learning about the Apostles’ Creed, and some games. We then move into PreK–3rd and 4th/5th classes for some time with peers.
PreK–3rd Grade
The storytelling-based Godly Play helps us engage with Scripture through our senses and imaginations, in wonder and exploration. This year we’ll hear stories of the Old and New Testaments and will explore elements of our Anglican liturgy while we grow together as a community of young disciples. Meets in Room 108.
4th & 5th Grade
Our fourth and fifth graders will be learning through Echo the Story, which presents the big picture of God’s story. Lessons are designed to help children listen imaginatively and live into the biblical narrative, tracing patterns and pictures that point to deep truths about who God is and where we are within his story. This year we’ll be spending time on the stories of the New Testament, turning to focus on seasonal themes during Advent and Lent. Meets in Room 104.
Nursery (Under 3’s)
Our littlest ones are cared for in the nursery where they learn, in a tangible way, through their connection with volunteers and through prayer and play that they are loved, safe, and cared-for by their loving Heavenly Father. Meets in Room 115.
Other Ways to Connect
Kids’ Listening Prayer
1st–5th Grades, Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Dates: 10/5, 12/7, 1/18, 3/8, 4/26, and 5/31
Our children have a deep capacity for prayer and a God who delights to connect with them. Join us on Saturdays as we pray our way through the church seasons. Kids will together explore several avenues of prayer, using their minds, senses, imaginations, and hearts to notice God’s nearness and listen for His voice. Hands-on crafts related to each theme will complete our time together and will include painting in October and candle decorating in December. We’re collaborating with Resurrection Anglican this year. Please join us!
Parent Connect
On 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Parents and kids (any age, any stage!) are invited to join us on Wednesday mornings in fellowship and connection with others in our community. We’ll meet outside at the playground as long as the weather permits, moving to indoor locations as it gets cooler.
Director of Children and Family Ministry
Sonia Keillor
Sonia was born and grew up in Minneapolis. She received education and bible degrees from Northwestern College (UNW-SP). Along with her husband, Will, she joined the Anglican world in 2005 at Church of the Cross and came to Church of the Redeemer in 2010 as it began meeting weekly. She and Will have four children and live in Brooklyn Park, where they enjoy playing pick-up soccer with friends and setting off on camping adventures to the West Coast. In her ministry work, she enjoys inviting children on a pilgrim journey and showing them how to get ready, in body and mind, so that they have ears to hear and eyes to see God’s presence in their lives.
Nursery ChildCare
Kenedi Graske
Kenedi attended The University of Northwestern in St. Paul and studied History and Biblical Studies. She now works in Bethel University’s Financial Aid Office. Kenedi and her husband, David, spent a year in England and love to travel. She also loves board games, spending time with family and friends, caring for children, and trying out new recipes.