Elementary School
Children in kindergarten through 5th grade participate fully in the life of Abingdon Church. Elementary aged youth are active in Sunday School, youth activities, service projects, retreats, they serve as acolytes, in the children's choir and more!
Sunday School
Sunday school is on vacation until September. We’ll see you in church as we worship together. Enjoy your summer!
10:00 -10:30 am on Zoom
Children preschool through grade 5 gather each week to hear Bible lessons and learn about God's love.
Throughout the time of Covid restrictions, Sunday school met online. We will resume in-person classes in the fall. Check here later in the summer for information.
Service Projects
Children and youth at Abingdon focus their time and talents on service projects throughout the year. Some of our projects have included collecting school supplies for needy children, conducting food drives and bake sales, and helping to restore an old mission church. Other, service efforts include the following.
The Great Pie Caper is an event where Middle and High Schoolers bake and sell pies for Thanksgiving and donatde the proceeds to needy families in our area or use the money to fund a mission trip.
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national event that our youth have participated in for several years. Before church, on the day of the Super Bowl, we collect canned food and money to donate to a local food bank. Parishioners donate based on the team they support in the game.
The Acolyte Guild
Young people as well as adults may serve in the Acolyte Guild. This important ministry in service of worship includes carrying the processional cross and torches, bearing the Gospel Book, and assisting the priest in preparing the altar for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Sven vanBaars trains, coordinates, and schedules the members of the Acolyte Guild. Further information may be obtained through the church office.
Retreats and Camps
Retreats
Retreats are sponsored by the Diocese of Virginia for 6th and 7th graders, for 8th graders, and for high schoolers. These events are attended by youth from the entire Diocese and Abingdon youth enthusiastically take advantage of these opportunities to worship with and to connect with peers from other churches. For more information, visit The Diocese of Virginia youth web page .
Summer Camp
Abingdon youth are encouraged to attend Shrine Mont Summer camps. Shrine Mont is a camp owned by The Diocese of Virginia and located in the Shenandoah Mountains. Many Abingdon youth have learned, grown and made lasting friends at Shrine Mont. Visit the Shrine Mont website for more information.
Vacation Bible School
This year, 2021, we are taking a rest from Vacation Bible School. Join us next summer for fun and fellowship!
Secrets of God's Garden — Online VBS
Explore God's great creation!
Vacation Bible School 2020 is on Youtube, so you haven't missed it! To hear Bible stories about God’s gifts to us and to see how God cares for our world, watch the videos on the link below.
Secrets of God's Garden Vacation Bible School 2020
See additional information and videos about activities and songs here:
Click here for daily themes.
Children's Choir
The children's choir of Abingdon Church brings us music to the 10:30 am Sunday worship service several times throughout the year. The choir ranges from grades 2-7 and rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 5:00-5:45 in the choir room of the Parish House. Following the rehearsal the choir enjoys dinner together, along with their families, prepared by the parents or other parishioners. The rehearsals will start Thursday, November 1, 2019. I look forward to working with the youth of our church and helping them realize their musical potential and offerings.
Kids at Abingdon Plant Daffodils
Abingdon Kids, age 18 and younger, partnered with the Gloucester Daffodil Club to plant daffodils in the fall of 2020.
Last summer, in our Vacation Bible School we learned how God takes care of the earth and how we can do our part to help. We planted lots of summer plants and had great, beautiful, immediate results!
in November, we're planted daffodils in front of the church and at our homes. We were patient, waiting while they rest over the winter and then we saw them bloom in the spring!
Christmas Pageant 2020
View Our Children's Online Pageant
The children and their parents have created an online Christmas Pageant that brings the story of Jesus' birth to you.
The children of Abingdon church tell the story of God's love for us in the words of the great hymns. Join them in celebrating the Greatest Gift of all!
Click here to go to YouTube or Facebook to view the Pageant.
Worship for Families with Special Needs
Rhythms of Grace
Rythms of Grace is temporarily suspended due to Corona Virus restrictions.
Please join us when we are able to gather.
Join us in the Church for Rhthms of Grace, a church service designed for families who have members with special needs.
Rhythms of Grace recognizes all learning styles and honors the sacred spirit within each of us. We joyfully welcome children and adults of all abilities. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends are all invited to take part in this familiy service.
Expect to make a joyful noise and get a little messy!
At each meeting, we explore God's Word in a vaiety of ways, combining storytelling, music, therapeutic play, hands-on arts and crafts, and the celebration of Holy Communion.
This church service is accepting of behavioral and developmental differences. It is traditional and predictable so everyone feels comfortable. If your family would like to attend church together in a relaxed atmosphere of acceptance, please come and experience Rhythms of Grace.
When: Third Sunday of each month
Time: 1:00pm
Where: Abingdon's Church building (straight ahead as you come in the driveway)