Job Description
Vibrant suburban parish seeks a Summer Children’s Leader to provide children with a lesson during our 10am Sunday morning service. Patience for, experience with, and love of children are the key qualities that will make a candidate successful in this role. Typical lessons include a story and activity, such as a game or craft. The Summer Children’s Leader will work with the Rector to choose and/or design a curriculum for the summer. The Summer Children’s Leader will work with the parish’s Administrative Assistant to coordinate adult volunteer helpers.
About St. James the Less:
St. James the Less (SJtL) has been an active parish for 65 years. It is located in Northfield, IL, a residential suburb 19 miles north of Chicago. We have nearly 200 members, including 30 children and 24 youth on our rosters. On an average Sunday, 5 to 10 children are present. Children age 3 may be in the Nursery. Children attend worship with their parents, process out with the Summer Children’s Leader at the Gospel reading, and return at the Peace for Eucharist. Youth serve as acolytes during worship but could also be an assistant during the children’s lesson! Starting on June 11, we worship outside for the summer. Please explore our website: www.stjamestheless.org.
Responsibilities and Duties include:
- With the support of the Rector, plan a 20-minute lesson for children during the worship. Prepare materials, which are provided by the church.
- Arrive on Sunday morning in time to set-up materials for the lesson and stay until clean- up is complete.
- Worship starts at 10am. Lead the children out during the Gospel reading and return during the Peace for Eucharist (about 10:15-10:35am). The lesson includes a story and activity, such as a game or craft.
- Complete a background check and safe-church training (paid).Qualifications:
- Patient with children and wants to provide opportunities for their authentic selves to be expressed and validated.
- Comfortable telling Bible stories and talking about moral values.
- An ability to communicate effectively with children.
- Creative, collaborative, and self-motivated.
- Organized and punctual.
Education and Experience:
- Experience with children required.
- Episcopal background and ministry experience is a bonus.
- High School Diploma and some undergraduate study preferred.Dates, Hours, and Compensation:
- May 28 through July 30.
- Sundays, about 9:40-11am, plus preparation.
- About 2 hours/week, includes preparation, set-up, and clean-up.
- Compensation is $50/week.To inquire or apply, please contact The Rev’d Megan Miller at megan@stjamestheless.org.