Children's Ministry

Everything we do for children is to let them know that, because they have been baptized, they are loved and kept safe by all the members of our parish, even as our loving Heavenly Father cares for children of all ages. Children of the Heavenly Father is one of our parish's all time favorite hymns.

Good Shepherd strongly supports young families. While very young children feel safe in our church nursery, children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to participate in our liturgies with their families. Pastor Sobers encourages young families to sit towards the front of the nave as young children enjoy what they can see in worship. He feels strongly that even the youngest child gets something out of the liturgy and is never bothered by the occasional "outcry" of one of God's children.

Baptized children are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Our parish believes that when children ask to be included in Holy Communion, they are ready to receive the Sacrament. Individual decisions about the right age are made by each family, together with Pastor Sobers.

Church School is in session on Sunday mornings, 9:45-10:45 AM in season (September-May). Our Church School faculty are skilled volunteers who are strongly committed to loving children, and to supporting their growing faith. Classes may be found in our Educational Wing, on two floors. Grades are grouped together, to provide the best possible environment for learning. Our curriculum, Life Together, is based upon the Revised Common Lectionary. That means the same scripture which we hear from the pulpit is the scripture or story taught in Church School.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 3700 Rutherford Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17111-1940 The Reverend Kathleen J. Baker, Pastor

Children's Ministry Everything we do for children is to let them know that, because they have been baptized, they are loved and kept safe by all the members of our parish, even as our loving Heavenly Father cares for children of all ages. Children of the Heavenly Father is one of our parish's all time favorite hymns. Good Shepherd strongly supports young families. While very young children feel safe in our church nursery, children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to participate in our liturgies with their families. Pastor Sobers encourages young families to sit towards the front of the nave as young children enjoy what they can see in worship. He feels strongly that even the youngest child gets something out of the liturgy and is never bothered by the occasional "outcry" of one of God's children. Baptized children are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Our parish believes that when children ask to be included in Holy Communion, they are ready to receive the Sacrament. Individual decisions about the right age are made by each family, together with Pastor Sobers. Church School is in session on Sunday mornings, 9:45-10:45 AM in season (September-May). Our Church School faculty are skilled volunteers who are strongly committed to loving children, and to supporting their growing faith. Classes may be found in our Educational Wing, on two floors. Grades are grouped together, to provide the best possible environment for learning. Our curriculum, Life Together, is based upon the Revised Common Lectionary. That means the same scripture which we hear from the pulpit is the scripture or story taught in Church School. Children four-years-old and up may sing in the St. Gabriel Choir during the Church School season. Weekly rehearsals are held Sunday mornings in the J.S. Bach Room from 9:45-10:00 AM. Children report directly to the rehearsal room and are taken by their teachers to their designated classrooms following rehearsal. Participation is not required. During the summer months when Church School is in recess, the following activities for our children are strongly encouraged: Summer camping is available through the Lutheran Camping Corporation. Good Shepherd children are enthusiastic participants, and Camp Nawakwa, located in Adams County, is a favorite choice. Parents will find application forms and information in the narthex in the early spring. Our confirmands attend Confirmation Camp at Camp Nawakwa in June. Many of our children continue to attend this exciting week years after completing the required year and go on to become camp counselors and even staff members. We offer an exciting Vacation Bible School program for children four- to nine-years-old in July. The program is based on a different theme each year. Children are involved in theme related games, projects, snack and music with enthusiastic adult and youth volunteers. Our parish tries hard to support families, believing that the best Christian Education happens at home. Beginning with pre-school, Church School students receive a weekly handout to be shared at home as a family, containing prayers and activities based on the lesson. Good Shepherd's weekly bulletin also includes a list of scripture readings for families to share throughout the week.	HOME A Range of Interests The Order of St. John Confirmation Camp Mission & Ministry