Gatherings for St. Peter’s Families with Young Children are structured to allow for maximum socializing around the specific and sometimes demanding needs and timings of young families. A Families with Young Children Advisory Board meets a few times over the year to help direct this ministry and find ways to meet the needs of our young families. Contact: The Rev. Mary Demmler. Please see this group’s blog at: http://saintpetersarlington.blogspot.com/
Epiphany Pajama Party
On the Sunday closest to Epiphany (January 6), the kids wear their PJs and enjoy milk and cookies, play a couple of games, and then listen to traditional Twelfth Night stories—read to them by members of the congregation and clergy.
Family Potluck Dinners
Potluck Dinners provide an opportunity for young parish members to get to know other families. Usually starting at about 5 p.m. on a Saturday, three or four families gather at the home of one of the group members for dinner, with everyone bringing a dish to share. Groups are assembled based on families’ availability, children’s ages and number of family members. Other activities for Families with Young Children have included bike riding, playground visits, outings to area events, and other ventures through which participants can take advantage of this time of fun and fellowship while meeting others.
Kids’ Nights Out
Kids’ Night Out occurs quarterly, offering a “kids only” evening of dinner, crafts, movies and fun—and providing a special “free” night out for parents, who can get some see a movie, have dinner with friends or just enjoy a peaceful night at home. Kids get to play with their church friends and make new ones, come to see the church as a place for play and fun as well as worship. A minimal fee for participants enables this fundraiser to support the activities of Families with Young Children.
Nicholasfest
During the first week in December, a celebration of St. Nicholas takes place at which the children have their own worship service, eat dinner, and play games, all while learning about who St. Nicholas was before he became Santa Claus.