Safeguarding God’s children
The children’s ministry of Saint Ambrose takes the safety and security of our children very seriously. We, as parents and grandparents ourselves, know how scary it can be to entrust our children into the care of others, so we are committed to ensuring that none of our children are ever put in a dangerous, abusive, or unhealthy situation.
We follow the policies outlined in the Episcopal Church of Colorado’s Safe Church program.
Click here to read our procedures for responding to concerns and incidents of abuse at St. Ambrose.
Every staff member and volunteer in our children’s programs is required to complete the following checks and certifications, before being allowed to work with our kids:
Background investigation
Safeguarding God’s Children training from the Safe Church program, either online or in-person
Our church policy requires that at least two adults be present at all times with the children, and that no child should ever be alone with a single adult.
The leaders of our children’s ministry are dedicated to and love our children, and want our kids to have the most positive church experience that they can provide.
Godly Play
We are richly blessed to have our Godly Play at Saint Ambrose. Godly Play is the Episcopal Church’s preferred Sunday school program. It is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. The Godly Play approach teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God
The teaching of the scriptures begins through story telling with small props in a circle on the floor. The children then process the lesson with their teacher, by answering “I Wonder…” questions. Afterwards they decide on a project they want to do for the rest of the time. Each classroom is set up in the same manner with all of the materials displayed on easily accessible shelves; it is from these story and art materials that the children decide on their project/work activity. Finally, they are called back to the circle on the floor after clean-up and before dismissal.
Our Prayground
Worship is for all ages, yet sometimes our youngest worshipers get tired of sitting. Young children are invited to worship with their parents in our PrayGround.
We have toys and a space to listen and play comfortably at the same time. Everyone can hear and see the service, and young children can feel comfortable moving around.
Nursery for preschool and younger children
Before the Covid pandemic, we offered a Sunday morning nursery during the worship service.
The nursery is clean, beautifully painted with murals and supplied with fun, safe toys! The nursery is staffed each Sunday with two young adults who love to talk to and play with the children. We hope to reopen our beautiful nursery again soon!
Our Playground
Saint Ambrose has a wonderful playground facility for our children to use after church, and for use when renting our Barcelona House fellow hall. The playground is fully-fenced in, and visible from inside the Barcelona House, through the many windows along the side of the building facing the playground. This is convenient for events where the adults can visit inside the building while the children play outside.
Bring your kids, and come check it out!
