Hello again parents,
Unfortunately we experienced flooding in the lower level of our building twice this summer. This is a very unusual experience for us; the church has not suffered flooding in anyone's collective community memory.
We plan to resume the Playgroup on Tuesday, Sept 15. Thanks for your patience, and I will be in touch with further updates as they come along.
Peace to you,
Josh Frank
Youth & Formation Minister
Church of Our Saviour
office: 773.549.3832 ext. 12
cell/text: 773.849.4353
8.27.2009
8.25.2009
In case you are looking for a parish to join... (this is not an ad!)
Dear All - I hope that no one minds this post - it's just informational.
Our playgroup is not connected to any religious tradition, but it is sponsored by The Church of Our Saviour, an Episcopal parish, and our play space is in the church school "atriums". The Playgroup Coordinator is Josh Frank, who is the Youth Minister at COS. Josh has a toddler son who participates in the playgroup.
I'd like to share some info about the very special children's church school at COS, in case you're looking for a truly exceptional program. Children's Formation ("Sunday School") at COS uses "The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd", which is a Montessori based program. It is a gentle and thoughtful program. Please feel invited to explore this special type of "Sunday School" even if you are not affiliated with COS. About it from the COS Newsletter:
Fall Focus - September 2009
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Beginning September 20th at 10:00am with a family breakfast.
What is wonder? Could it be the source of activity? Like a magnet that pulls you forward, is a sense of wonder what moves you to reach?
Wonder is different from just being interested in something.
Wonder causes us to respond.
Wonder is a precursor to faith.
In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd wonder is cultivated at every age by giving children choices that will allow them to reach on their own, and with others, toward God.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children age 3-12 years. It is based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. Drawing upon Holy Scripture, the Church liturgy and Montessori methods of education, the catechist (a carefully trained and dedicated, catechist is Greek for "teacher of faith") is able to foster the child's natural sense of wonder and love for God. Catechists work with small groups of children to help them develop their own unique relationship with God.
Some of the materials available in the atriums draw upon events in Jesus' life, including the Last Supper, the Kingdom parables and the infancy narratives. Other materials include a relief map of the Holy Land, a model of the city of Jerusalem, a liturgical calendar; and replicas of the articles of the Eucharist.
The Atrium is a classroom where Catechesis presentations take place. The term dates back to the early Roman Church where the atrium referred to a room where those coming into the Church were taught. It is "a place of preparation."
The catechist's strive to foster a sense of sacred space within the atrium. The child's experiences in the atrium helps to prepare them for involvement in the larger worshipping community. Some refer to the atrium as a place for conversation with God.
This formation grounds children with Christian roots, strengthens the foundation of their faith, and nurtures their development into a whole, joyful human being.
Atriums open at 10:00 am at Church of Our Saviour.
Families are encouraged to bring their children at that time to have the fullest possible experience. While a presentation takes place at some point, the opportunity for wonder has already begun. We understand all the work that goes into getting a family to church, and deeply appreciate your efforts to respect the atrium, catechists and other children by entering the atrium as close to 10:00 am as possible.
Our playgroup is not connected to any religious tradition, but it is sponsored by The Church of Our Saviour, an Episcopal parish, and our play space is in the church school "atriums". The Playgroup Coordinator is Josh Frank, who is the Youth Minister at COS. Josh has a toddler son who participates in the playgroup.
I'd like to share some info about the very special children's church school at COS, in case you're looking for a truly exceptional program. Children's Formation ("Sunday School") at COS uses "The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd", which is a Montessori based program. It is a gentle and thoughtful program. Please feel invited to explore this special type of "Sunday School" even if you are not affiliated with COS. About it from the COS Newsletter:
Fall Focus - September 2009
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Beginning September 20th at 10:00am with a family breakfast.
What is wonder? Could it be the source of activity? Like a magnet that pulls you forward, is a sense of wonder what moves you to reach?
Wonder is different from just being interested in something.
Wonder causes us to respond.
Wonder is a precursor to faith.
In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd wonder is cultivated at every age by giving children choices that will allow them to reach on their own, and with others, toward God.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children age 3-12 years. It is based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. Drawing upon Holy Scripture, the Church liturgy and Montessori methods of education, the catechist (a carefully trained and dedicated, catechist is Greek for "teacher of faith") is able to foster the child's natural sense of wonder and love for God. Catechists work with small groups of children to help them develop their own unique relationship with God.
Some of the materials available in the atriums draw upon events in Jesus' life, including the Last Supper, the Kingdom parables and the infancy narratives. Other materials include a relief map of the Holy Land, a model of the city of Jerusalem, a liturgical calendar; and replicas of the articles of the Eucharist.
The Atrium is a classroom where Catechesis presentations take place. The term dates back to the early Roman Church where the atrium referred to a room where those coming into the Church were taught. It is "a place of preparation."
The catechist's strive to foster a sense of sacred space within the atrium. The child's experiences in the atrium helps to prepare them for involvement in the larger worshipping community. Some refer to the atrium as a place for conversation with God.
This formation grounds children with Christian roots, strengthens the foundation of their faith, and nurtures their development into a whole, joyful human being.
Atriums open at 10:00 am at Church of Our Saviour.
Families are encouraged to bring their children at that time to have the fullest possible experience. While a presentation takes place at some point, the opportunity for wonder has already begun. We understand all the work that goes into getting a family to church, and deeply appreciate your efforts to respect the atrium, catechists and other children by entering the atrium as close to 10:00 am as possible.
8.20.2009
Toddler Music Class Providers
Merry Music Makers
3717 N Ravenswood
Suite 212
Chicago, IL
773.929.4666
Suite 212
Chicago, IL
773.929.4666
Musical Magic
2255 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL
773.529.5600
Chicago, IL
773.529.5600
Suzuki-Orff School of Music
1148 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL
312.738.2646
Chicago, IL
312.738.2646
Chicago Center School of Music
770 N Halsted
Chicago, IL
312.226.2030
Chicago, IL
312.226.2030
Music Together
4881 N. Paulina #2B
Chicago, IL
773.944.0499
Chicago, IL
773.944.0499
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL
773.728.6000
Chicago, IL
773.728.6000
8.17.2009
Invitation to Community Families: Vacation Bible School!
Hello parents and friends,
Charles Murphy and I will be leading this year's creative, fun, and energetic Vacation Bible School in just under two weeks! Each day the children will be presented with a bible story and music, and will work collaboratively to create a short skit to perform for parents at the end of the day. There will be story telling, music, art, games, and more. Charles is a gifted musician that often leads music for children and families during worship and other events at St. Chrysostom's Church, where he is the Youth Minister. His songs are unique to this experience and are one reason the kids from last year's VBS remember the bible stories (and even the tunes and some of the lyrics to the songs that accompanied the skits!).
Peter Civetta has been a huge help in guiding me through the structure for this type of summer program and I look forward to offering it myself this year.
The cost is $175 (never to be prohibitive, and we can pro-rate it for those not able to attend all five days).
We do need to have a firm number of registered children in order to make our final plans. Please send me an e-mail or give me a call to let me know your child is attending, then I'll have you fill out the registration form and return it to the church ASAP. Thanks!
Peace to you,
Josh Frank
joshfcos@sbcglobal.net
Youth & Formation Minister
Church of Our Saviour
office: 773.549.3832 ext. 12
cell/text: 773.849.4353
Charles Murphy and I will be leading this year's creative, fun, and energetic Vacation Bible School in just under two weeks! Each day the children will be presented with a bible story and music, and will work collaboratively to create a short skit to perform for parents at the end of the day. There will be story telling, music, art, games, and more. Charles is a gifted musician that often leads music for children and families during worship and other events at St. Chrysostom's Church, where he is the Youth Minister. His songs are unique to this experience and are one reason the kids from last year's VBS remember the bible stories (and even the tunes and some of the lyrics to the songs that accompanied the skits!).
Peter Civetta has been a huge help in guiding me through the structure for this type of summer program and I look forward to offering it myself this year.
The cost is $175 (never to be prohibitive, and we can pro-rate it for those not able to attend all five days).
We do need to have a firm number of registered children in order to make our final plans. Please send me an e-mail or give me a call to let me know your child is attending, then I'll have you fill out the registration form and return it to the church ASAP. Thanks!
Peace to you,
Josh Frank
joshfcos@sbcglobal.net
Youth & Formation Minister
Church of Our Saviour
office: 773.549.3832 ext. 12
cell/text: 773.849.4353
School Admissions - Magnet, Private, Charter etc.
Bubbles Academy is offering a thoughtful parent class (8 weeks!) on how to navigate the selective school admissions process at area private and public selective enrollment schools. You can bring your kids to play while you attend the class.
8.15.2009
August Events
Sat Aug 1 at 11am - Ravinia - Russian American Kids Circus, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
Aug 3-9 from 10am to 3pm - Millenium Park - "Rock n' Roll Week"
Aug 7 -9 - Kidzapalooza
Sat Aug 8 at 11am - Ravinia - Ella Jenkins, childrens' music legend and educator in her 85th birthday performance, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
Sat Aug 15 at 11am - Tiempo Libre, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
Thurs. Aug 20, 5-8 p.m. - Children’s Wear Fashion Cafe, where local kids’ clothing designers (Benny and Moon, Chapter One Organics, CourtneyCourtney, more) band together for a sale.
Stock up for the school year! Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., at Michigan Ave. (312-744-6630).
Fri Aug 21 from 11am - 3pm - Millenium Park - "Labfest" by the MSIC
Mon Aug 24 - Fri Aug 28: Vacation Bible School at COS (the playgroup location). Open to non-parish families. See separate post from Josh Frank.
Sat Aug 29 at 11am - Ravinia - Ralph's World, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
Aug 3-9 from 10am to 3pm - Millenium Park - "Rock n' Roll Week"
Aug 7 -9 - Kidzapalooza
Sat Aug 8 at 11am - Ravinia - Ella Jenkins, childrens' music legend and educator in her 85th birthday performance, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
Sat Aug 15 at 11am - Tiempo Libre, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
Thurs. Aug 20, 5-8 p.m. - Children’s Wear Fashion Cafe, where local kids’ clothing designers (Benny and Moon, Chapter One Organics, CourtneyCourtney, more) band together for a sale.
Stock up for the school year! Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., at Michigan Ave. (312-744-6630).
Fri Aug 21 from 11am - 3pm - Millenium Park - "Labfest" by the MSIC
Mon Aug 24 - Fri Aug 28: Vacation Bible School at COS (the playgroup location). Open to non-parish families. See separate post from Josh Frank.
Sat Aug 29 at 11am - Ravinia - Ralph's World, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.
8.11.2009
Drug Expiration Dates - Usually No Big Deal?
I just read a piece in the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide that suggests that most drugs are effective for years beyond their expiration dates. See what you think...
Drug Expiration Dates - Do They Mean Anything?
Drug Expiration Dates - Do They Mean Anything?
8.10.2009
Transportation Service for Preschool and Older
Kids care transportation 773-343-0378
I saw that a family in our preschool used this service and the driver and vehicle that dropped off this child at school always appeared to be careful and timely. I cannot personally endorse them beyond this observation but I think such services are hard to find, so I am posting their phone number here.
I saw that a family in our preschool used this service and the driver and vehicle that dropped off this child at school always appeared to be careful and timely. I cannot personally endorse them beyond this observation but I think such services are hard to find, so I am posting their phone number here.
8.02.2009
Eating Out with Kids
Metromix has a list of restaurants with Kids Menus at:
http://chicago.metromix.com/facets/restaurants/feature.features.kids_menu
http://chicago.metromix.com/facets/restaurants/feature.features.kids_menu
And here are some more:
Park Grill has a 99¢ Kids’ Menu in the winter!
What: Tots choose from grilled cheese, spaghetti, cheeseburgers, and more priced just under a buck with the purchase of an adult entree.
Why: Eat on the cheap after ice skating out front.
When: Thru Mar. 31. Sat., 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: 11 N. Michigan Ave., b/t Monroe & Randolph Sts. (312-521-7275).
SUSHI SAMBA has a kids' menu!
Japanese/Brazilian/Peruvian faves includ baby bento boxes, veggie skewers and sushi bites. 504 N. Wells @ Illinois 312-595-2300
WISHBONE lets kids eat free on Tues nights! With a $7 or more adult meal. 1001 W. Washington bw Halsted and Racine, or 3300 N. Lincoln @ Belmont
Big Jones (5347 North Clark Street, at Summerdale Avenue, Andersonville; 773-275-5725), where kids under 12 eat free every day, 4-6 p.m.
Itto Sushi (2616 North Halsted Street, between Diversey Parkway and Wrightwood Avenue; 773-871-1800), which serves tot-friendly maki (carrot, avocado) on mini cartoon-adorned plates
Park Grill has a 99¢ Kids’ Menu in the winter!
What: Tots choose from grilled cheese, spaghetti, cheeseburgers, and more priced just under a buck with the purchase of an adult entree.
Why: Eat on the cheap after ice skating out front.
When: Thru Mar. 31. Sat., 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: 11 N. Michigan Ave., b/t Monroe & Randolph Sts. (312-521-7275).
SUSHI SAMBA has a kids' menu!
Japanese/Brazilian/Peruvian faves includ baby bento boxes, veggie skewers and sushi bites. 504 N. Wells @ Illinois 312-595-2300
WISHBONE lets kids eat free on Tues nights! With a $7 or more adult meal. 1001 W. Washington bw Halsted and Racine, or 3300 N. Lincoln @ Belmont
Big Jones (5347 North Clark Street, at Summerdale Avenue, Andersonville; 773-275-5725), where kids under 12 eat free every day, 4-6 p.m.
Itto Sushi (2616 North Halsted Street, between Diversey Parkway and Wrightwood Avenue; 773-871-1800), which serves tot-friendly maki (carrot, avocado) on mini cartoon-adorned plates
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