Nativity Cathedral
Cathedral Church of the Nativity
321 Wyandotte Street • Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: 610-865-0727

Children & Youth Formation

Christian Formation Education for Children (aka Church School)

Nativity Youth Camp

Our Mission:

To create a safe and nurturing space for children to learn and love, and grow closer to God and one another.

A Prayer

O God, you have created us all in your image and in your likeness and honor us by claiming and calling us your children. Watch over and be present all of us but particularly our children as they learn and grow in an uncertain world. Help us to learn to trust you more as we experience their trust of you. Plant in them a seed of love and nurture and care for it as it grows and grows. May we adults who journey with them be vigilant in our recognition of the gifts growing in them and be wise to receive and applaud them. Amen.

Godly Play

Preschool through 5th Grade

Leaders:
Becky Berkenstock and Mary Ann Lynn ( 3 years through 2nd grade)
Rodney Weems and Heather Scattergood (3rd through 5th grades)

Welcome to Godly Play! Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us!

Our weekly lessons will take a hybrid approach this year. We will start in person classes this Fall for all who are registered and comfortable with Covid protocols (see below). We will also send video story lessons to those who cannot attend or are more comfortable learning from home. The Lower Grades (Preschool – 5th grade) will all meet together at 9:15 in the Good Shepherd Chapel every week for a common story. After the story, we will break apart to discuss the story or complete age appropriate activities with their peers. The younger group will meet in room G5 with Mrs. Lynn and Mrs. Berkenstock. The older group will stay in the Good Shepherd Chapel with Mr. Weems and Mrs. Scattergood.

Nursery care will be provided each week from 8:30-12:00. Staff are vaccinated and will be wearing masks. All toys will be wiped down before another child plays with it. If it cannot be wiped down, it will be collected in a bin and kept out of reach.

Covid Protocols:

Godly Play

WHAT IS GODLY PLAY?

The result of a lifetime of research and practice by theologian, author and educator The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, the Godly Play® method is a curriculum of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God's presence in our lives. The Godly Play curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into—and pursuing us in the midst of - Scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play practice teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God's call in our lives.

You can learn more about Godly play by visiting www.godlyplayfoundation.org

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

We are so mindful that our young people are spending so much time in the Covid era online and virtually learning.

“Moments to Breathe!” is a weekly short emailed video designed to help bring healing and wholeness and to help your young person know they are not alone and living with God and friends in companionship. In addition, safe gatherings are being planned for socialization, fellowship, and fun!

Mentors: Alan Mendez and Paul Fox

Thresholds (Senior High)

The same is true for our senior High. Coming off a terrific week in August of Leadership development, the Thresholds group will continue with “Ted like Talks” for their reflection and development as growing Christian Adults in an unprecedented time.

In person gatherings safe are being planned for socialization, fellowship and fun!

Mentors: Connie Andrejko, Meg Storm, Meg Seltzer





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