Emmanuel Church, Athens, GA: Children's Ministry

Blessing of the Backpack

We are collecting the following items to distribute to our local schools:

Backpacks
Inexpensive earbuds $1-$3
1" or 2" Binders
Composition Notebooks
College-ruled paper
Facemasks - Child & Adult

Please drop off donations in the bin at the portico.

We invite all students, teachers, faculty and staff to bring your backpacks, laptops, and briefcases for a special blessing.

DATE: August 15
TIME: 10:30am service

Contact Martha at formation@emmanuelathens.org


Young Lambs (Nursery) Experienced caregivers are trained in health and safety and have met Diocesan requirements for Safeguarding God's Children. Children 2 years and up are introduced to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, an approach to children's formation, through Young Lambs by trained catechists. Our wonderful and loving nursery workers are ready to welcome your little ones to the Young Lambs Nursery during the 10:30 am service. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. Ages: Under 4 years Time: 10:15 am to 11:45 am We will be following the CDC guidelines for Child Care Programs, as well as the Diocesan Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth. Please contact Martha to register. Children's Faith Formation Children three years through fifth grade participate in a Montessori-based Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program each Sunday beginning in September and continuing through May. Children gather at 9:30am in the atrium and rejoin their families at the sign of the peace for Holy Eucharist. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd allows children the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in scripture and liturgy with the guidance of highly trained catechists. We offer three levels, Level 1 ages 3 to 6 years old, Level II ages 6 to 9 years old and Level III for 4th and 5th grades. For more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd please contact Martha. Family Events Throughout the year there are family and parish wide events and socials for families to connect and provide support to one another. Some of our favorite events are Sundaes on Sunday, Low Country Boil, Advent Wreath Making, Stories with Saint Nicholas, Kings and Cakes to celebrate Epiphany, The Great Pancake Supper and Burning of the Palms, Easter Egg Hunt and more.
During the pandemic, the catechists, Bobbi Brandenbur, Katherine Barrow, Kerry Hogan, Ellen Dolphus, and Sara Baldwin created weekly reflections for the families to experience in their homes until the children were able to regather in the atrium. Below are the Prayer Tables that our catechesis' family set up Advent Wreath Making by some of our Emmanuelite families Thank you to everyone who purchased, donated, wrapped, made cards and said a prayer for our Angel Tree and ACCA this year. It was a little different, but we were overwhelmed with EVERYONES generosity. Even tho we could not do in-person Mardi Gras/Pancake Supper, our families enjoyed gathering at home: The Terrell's shared their experience. The Niolon's shared with us their Pancake Supper. Prayer Garden: Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us.