Children's MinistriesChildren's Ministries
Music & Discovery Program - Fall Program
Music & Discovery Program - Fall Program
Music & Discovery meets Wednesday afternoons from 3:15 - 5:15 pm, September through May. 
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Fall registration is now open for SMCC’s Music and Discovery experience for children in Kindergarten to 5th Grade. Registration and information brochures are available at the information center, church office, and online at www.smccpby.com Since 1991 Music & Discovery has provided musical and art instruction to the children of the church and wider San Marino community. The children are able to form friendships through weekly fellowship time and monthly pizza nights. Each program day opens with devotional time during which the children learn about Christian values and Biblical stories. The children share their gifts through caroling at several local Senior Citizen Residential facilities. Music and Discovery is open to all children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The goals of SMCC's Music & Discovery are:
- to introduce children to the music of the church and its worship,
- to help foster an enjoyment of singing and participating in choirs,
- encourage expression through varied art medias,
- and to provide a welcoming environment in which children can fellowship together and foster Christian friendship and values.
The Music & Discovery participants showcase their musical talents in worship several times a year, at the Advent Celebration in December, and the Spring Children's Cantata.
CLICK HERE for M&D Registration Form. Contact: M&
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, or Jennifer Baer, Director of Children's Education at
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Children’s Sunday Worship Services
Children and their families are a priority for San Marino Community Church and providing enriching and age-appropriate care and encouraging children in their faith through teaching and age appropriate worship are the keys of the church’s education ministry. Sunday School is the cornerstone of that ministry. CLICK HERE to download Sunday School Registration Form. Here are our learning and worship activities for children's age groups:
SUMMER SCHEDULE: July 4th - September 5, 10:00 am - 11:00 am Classes are being held in the lower courtyard. Childcare begins at 9:45 am
FALL SCHEDULE: September 12, Classes return to 9:15 am - 10:15 am for the school year
Interactive Childcare, Infants and Toddlers
Nursery Childcare
Infants through 2 1/2 year olds are cared for by our loving and dedicated nursery staff. Even the youngest members of our community enjoy learning about their faith through song and story. It is here that we begin to live out our baptismal promises to these infants to raise them in the faith.
Godly Play for 3-year-olds through Kindergarteners
Some of our young members learn the stories of their faith through Godly Play and Young Children and Worship. These innovative curricula were developed by Jerome Berryman and Sonya Stewart and are based on the work of Maria Montessori. Godly Play is intended to involve children and their imaginations in the stories of our faith in a non judgemental and non threatening manner. Three and four year olds, and Kindergartners each have their own classes. They are taught by trained volunteers. Classrooms are located in the Lower Courtyard.
The Treehouse for 1st through 3rd Graders
Young elementary age children participate in the opening elements of 9:15 am worship service including the call to worship, passing of the peace, the prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, and time with children. They then go to the Treehouse, our newly remodeled state of the art classroom where they are able to enjoy meaningful and transformational worship of the triune God . Classes conclude at 10:15 am and parents are asked to pick up their children at the Treehouse.
Club 45 for 4th and 5th Graders
Our 4th and 5th graders participate in the opening movement of worship with our younger elementary school children. They then go to Club 45 for a time of conversation and relationship building where they are invited to discuss topical issues and look for Biblical answers.
Become An Acolyte
Acolytes are 4th and 5th graders who assist once a month in the 9:15 am Sunday worship service as candle lighters. The acolyte training workshop is held in September. All interested children are encouraged to sign up and be an active participant in the work of the church. This is a great opportunity for your child to be a leader in their faith community and to begin to discover how they are called and gifted for Christian service. Contact the church office at (626) 282-4181 or the acolyte coordinator at
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for more information.
Acolyte Training immediately following worship on September 12 & 19. Please meet in the vestry for a brief orientation.
Baptisms
Please CLICK HERE to learn more about Baptisms at San Marino Community Church.
Communion
San Marino Community Church welcomes children who have received instruction on the meaning and significance of communion to participate in the Lord’s Supper with the entire congregation. Children return from Sunday school to worship on weeks when communion is served (usually first Sunday of every month).
Informational seminars on the meaning of the sacraments are held for children and their families between services on the last Sunday of each month. Kindergartners and their families are especially encouraged to participate in these workshops. Contact Director of Christian Education Jennifer Baer at
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for more information.
Third Grade Bibles
Psalms 119:105 says, 'Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path'. During the fall of each year, SMCC’s third graders are presented with their own Bibles as part of worship. Parents of third-grade children are encouraged to add their children to the list of recipients. Sign-ups should include how the child’s name is to be printed in the Bible. Contact Director of Christian Education Jennifer Baer at
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for more information.
Special Children’s Events
Advent Celebration Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Advent Celebration is held in early December. This is a delightful afternoon for young and old, which fills the church with lots of laughter and good fellowship. Elements of the afternoon include a family dinner in Fellowship Hall, a concert by the children of Music and Discovery, and the Advent Workshop, where participants create crafts such as banners, advent wreaths and ornaments to teach and reinforce the meaning of Christmas and the Advent season.
Christmas Eve Pageant
Friday, December 24, 2010At the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service, children of pre-school age and up participate in telling the story of Christmas. The 5th grade Sunday School Class leads, with all interested children playing the part of angels or shepherds. Participants are asked to arrive up to one half hour prior to the start of the service to receive costumes and instructions.
Vacation Bible School and Youth Day Camp!!
Monday, August 2 - Friday, August 6, 2010
Join us for Vacation Bible School, a week long program where children are encouraged to explore scripture. Children from age 4 to rising Fifth Graders are invited to participate in VBS as campers. Middleschoolers and High Schoolers are invited to participate in VBS as junior counselors and counselors. During the week of VBS, children will hear the stories of faith including: Abram and Sarai, Joseph and his brothers, Jesus calling the disciples, the Good Samaritan, and Philip and the Ethiopian. All in attendance will learn about the love of God through music, snack, recreation, storytelling, and mission projects.
The offering collected will be divided between San Marino Community Church’s and Knox Presbyterian Church’s, African mission partners, including: Ministry of Hope, Project Education International, Shepherds Home, and Compassion International.
The fun-filled week will also include:
- Delighful art projects
- Fun recreation games
- Bible story adventures
- Exciting ways to serve our neighbors
- and energizing music.
Every year it is a wonderful adventure!
CLICK HERE for FAQs
A successful VBS needs lots of helpers and leaders. If you are interested in helping or leading VBS this year please either contact the church at 626 282 4181 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it