Contact the AVC
Feel free to give us a call at 978-281-0376 or send us an email to avchurch820@gmail.com, or submit the contact form below.
Children’s Church
Sunday Mornings @ 10:00 a.m.
- Every Sunday, we hold Children’s Church concurrently with our worship service.
- Children begin with adults in the Sanctuary for the first portion of the Sunday worship service.
- Following that, the children leave the Sanctuary for Children’s Church, which is led by Peg Koller, the Coordinator, or a Team member: Peg Ris, Jim O’Neill, or Barbara O’Neil Smith.
- Each worship service includes “A Story for the Child in All of Us,” a discussion point during Children’s Church.
A Story for the Child in All of Us
This Week’s Story
Story for the Child in All of Us: “Everywhere, Wonder” by Matthew Swanson
“Open your eyes and open your window and let your story out into the world. It is a little gift from you to me.”
In this heartfelt picture book, “Everywhere, Wonder“, by Matthew Swanson, readers are taken on a stunning journey into the imagination of a young boy—who explores everything from the pyramids of Egypt to a dusty footprint on the moon—and then back out again to the wonderful world right in front of him. From a lost balloon to an endless road, there are stories to discover, to dream about, and to share.
Everywhere, Wonder explores the wonder in the world, while encouraging young minds to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, and creatively share their stories with others.
Previous Stories
A Story for the Child in All of Us: “I’ll Fix Anthony”
Mother says deep down in his heart. Anthony loves me. Anthony says deep down in his heart he thinks I stink.Anthony's younger brother puts up with a lot. Every time he wants to play with Anthony and his friends, or even go into the playroom, Anthony starts to clobber him. There's nothing he can do now...but just wait until he's six! Judith...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch”
In "Somebody Loves You, Mr Hatch" by Ellen Spinelli, on a wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. “Somebody loves you,” the note says. “Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room. “Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town. “But who,”...
A Story for the Child In All of Us: “In God’s Name”
Everyone and everything in the world has a name. What is God s name? Like an ancient myth in its poetic text and vibrant illustrations, this modern fable, "In God's Name" by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, is about the search for God’s name celebrates the diversity and, at the same time, the unity of all the people of the world. Each seeker claims...
“The Rabbit Listened” – A Story for the Child in All of Us for Easter 5A
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A moving and universal picture book about the power of listening to show empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small. ONE OF THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, The Wall Street Journal, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers...
A Story for the Child In All of Us – “You’ll Be There”
This gentle and affirming story, "You'll Be There" encourages readers to remember a loved one in small and meaningful ways through their own life experiences. Our loved ones are always with us, and we can remember them not only with past experiences, but with future ones as well. Whether it's making a snowman just like they used to, or watching...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “The Colt and the King”
Threads of love and joy are woven into this Palm Sunday tale, "The Colt and the King" told through the eyes of a young colt called upon to carry a king. The animal is fearful when he is led through noisy streets to the olive grove. But Jesus comforts him: "In his voice was a river of quiet; in his touch a shelter of peace." His fear leaves him...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “Our Little Kitchen”
In this lively, rousing picture book from Caldecott Honoree Jillian Tamaki, "Our Little Kitchen," a crew of resourceful neighbors comes together to prepare a meal for their community. With a garden full of produce, a joyfully chaotic kitchen, and a friendly meal shared at the table, Our Little Kitchen is a celebration of full bellies and looking...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “It’s Okay to be Different” by Todd Parr
With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible. It’s okay to need some help. It’s okay to dance by yourself. It’s okay to be...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “Splat the Cat and the Big Secret”
Shhhhh! Can you keep a secret? New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton shares the story of Splat the Cat and The Big Secret, and this time, a frazzled cat who has a secret of his own. When Splat overhears his parents planning a trip to Cat Kingdom for his sister’s birthday, he’s overjoyed. There’s just one problem—it’s a secret! Can...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “One Dark Night”
In "One Dark Night" by by Lisa Wheeler (Author), Ivan Bates (Illustrator), evenings at home with Mouse and Mole are always safe and cozy, until one dark night they venture outside for a moonlit walk and find something waiting for them. With its satisfying ending, this adventure is a perfect read-aloud for every night.
A Story for The Child In All of Us: “The Invisible Web”
In “The Invisible Web” by Patrice Karst with illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoof, we see that everyone of us is connected to those we love by Invisible Strings. Since everyone we care about is connected to countless other people, ultimately we are all connected by love… in a universal Invisible Web. “It breathes as we breathe, pulsating all...
A Story For The Child In All Of Us: “Sally Goes To Heaven” by Stephen Huneck
"Sally Goes to Heaven" by Stephen Huneck, is a wonderful, joyous book to help provide gentle insight into the natural cycle of life of a pet, or to share with young children who have recently experienced the loss of a beloved animal. In this book, Sally passes away and goes to heaven, where she lives happily and helps her family on Earth find a...