The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine (17740 Peak Ave.) is
making a concerted effort to meet the needs of Morgan Hill’s
children and youth.
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine (17740 Peak Ave.) is making a concerted effort to meet the needs of Morgan Hill’s children and youth.

An important element of this effort is the parish’s new, fully-licensed preschool. Open to children of all faiths, the school’s curriculum incorporates Christian morality through storytelling, puppet shows, songs and celebration of Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The school’s intent is to “expose the students to different faiths and their religious holidays,” so family involvement and sharing of different traditions will be greatly appreciated.

A bi-weekly “Chapel Time” will be conducted by the church’s rector (pastor), Father Phil Cooke, featuring age-sensitive children’s liturgies.

St. John’s Episcopal Preschool’s goal is “to provide a loving, nurturing preschool based on Christian values that enable children to grow and develop socially and cognitively in preparation for kindergarten.” There is a varied program for 2 and a half, 3, 4, and pre-kindergarten 5-year-olds which focuses on developing the whole child through art, music, creative play, math manipulatives, reading readiness and field trips.

The school’s director is Stacie Chatt, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, with a teaching degree and background classes in early childhood development. She also is a candidate for a master’s degree in early childhood development at San Jose State University.

The preschool began with a six-week summer camp program in June, which resulted in many compliments from parents highlighting the varied media used with the children and the many activities and projects they were exposed to.

Morning and afternoon classes are available, and the class size is a 7-1 student-teacher ratio, guaranteeing each student will receive ample attention from the experienced, caring teachers.

A few openings are still available. Call 782-9994 for more information or a tour of the facilities.

Another youngster-friendly program at St. John’s Church is Youth Sundays, which occur during months which contain five Sundays. On the extra Sunday, children and teenagers take a more active part in the 10 a.m. liturgy through public oral reading of Bible lessons, ushering, serving at the altar and singing special music.

This Sunday, the youth will be presenting two very special skits: “Montana Holmes and the Ark” (an updating of the Old Testament Noah’s Ark story) and “Montana Holmes and the Lost Tomb” (based on the New Testament story of the raising from the dead of Lazarus). Fifteen youth ages 6 to 13 will be performing roles, and younger children will be serving as animals on the ark.

Church School director Jayne Perryman invites all local residents to attend the presentation during the 10 a.m. worship service and to remain after for a time of socializing during the coffee hour immediately following.

St. John’s has a full schedule of worship services and activities for all ages groups: Sunday – Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. (with Sunday School and child care available); Wednesday – Eucharist at 12:15 p.m.; Thursday – Eucharist at 7:30 a.m.: and Saturday – Eucharist at 5 p.m. In addition, there are Bible studies and active groups for men, women and youth. For more information call 779-9510.

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