St. George's Episcopal Church in Maplewood, NJ

Father Poppe explaining the meaning of the bread and wine at the Family Eucharist.

Family Eucharists

Family Eucharists are under the direction of the Rev. Bernie Poppe, Rector. He can be reached at 973-762-1319 Ext. 4, or via . You may also send questions to Jane Cates, Church School Director, via .

On the second Sunday of each month, St. George's celebrates a lively Family Eucharist for small children at 9:15 a.m. The music, readings and homily are all child-friendly, and the children learn about one of the central rituals of the church through an instructed Eucharist.

Family Eucharist

Musical accompaniment is by the Joyful Noise band, featuring Father Poppe on guitar and parishioners playing piano, violin and occasionally banjo or drums. The songs are simple and easy for children to learn.

Family Eucharists are usually followed by a festive "Cocoa Hour" downstairs in the Parish Hall, and sometimes a seasonal craft project.

All children are welcome, regardless of church membership. There is no Children's Chapel or Church School on second Sundays.

Services on holidays and the Sundays closest to feast days feature Biblical reenactments and modern parables:

Christmas Pageant

Christmas Eve

St. George's is proud of its welcoming and inclusive Christmas Pageant, fondly known as "The Most Laid-Back Christmas Pageant Ever." Any child who wants to participate can show up at the 4:00 p.m. Family Eucharist on Christmas Eve, pick up a shepherd's turban, angel's halo or animal ears at the door, and help tell the story of the birth of Christ. Children too small for a walk-on part may be accompanied by a parent.

See photos from Christmas Pageants in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Epiphany: The Magi watch as Father Poppe
and the children check out frankincense.

Epiphany

On the second Sunday in January, the Three Magi in their regal robes make an appearance at the Family Eucharist to answer the children's questions about where they are going, who they are looking for and the meaning of their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

See photos from Epiphany services in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The youth groups stage the annual
Purim Puppet Show.

Purim

On the second Sunday in March, parish youth stage a puppet show to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim. Everyone gets to cheer the brave Queen Esther and drown out the name of the evil Haman with noisemakers.

See photos from Purim services in 2006 and 2008.

Palm Sunday

A Family Eucharist is always held on Palm Sunday, whether or not it happens to fall on the second Sunday. A special four-legged guest takes part in the service, portraying the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem as the children reenact the first Palm Sunday procession.

See photos from Palm Sunday services in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Good Friday

At 4:00 p.m. on Good Friday, the children travel the Stations of the Cross in a service designed to help them understand the Crucifixion.

The Centurion at the cross on Easter, answering questions about the miraculous events he witnessed.

Easter Sunday

The Easter Family Eucharist (held slightly earlier than usual at 9:00 a.m.) begins with a "Search for Jesus." Along the way the children talk to a Centurion at the cross and an angel by an empty tomb, and have an opportunity to ask questions about the miraculous events each has witnessed. Then the children decide whether it's time for the "A" Bugs, which have spent all of Lent sleeping in the Baptismal font, to emerge from their cocoons as "Alleluia Butterflies."

The Easter Egg Hunt

After the Easter Family Eucharist, there is a traditional Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn (or indoors in case of inclement weather). The children search for candy-filled plastic eggs prepared and hidden by the youth groups.

See photos from Easter services in 2005, 2007 and 2008.