All God’s Children … Big or Small
What? St John UMC "Playing with God" family retreat at Birchwood Camp
Where: Birchwood Camp, Chugiak, AK [directions here]
When: 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. [rain or shine...and please pray for sun!]
How: Socializing with old and new friends over games, food, singing and water activities!
Please bring a potluck dish to share [salad, side dish, hot dish or dessert] and a camp chair per person. Hotdogs and condiments provided.
Please also bring reusable plates, cutlery and reusable water bottles to minimize our impact from disposable items.
Approximate schedule:
2:00 p.m. - camp opens: limited parking available near Caribou and Fireweed cabins, and plenty of parking in the main lot [under partial construction]
2:00 - 3:30 Boating available at Boat Dock. Potato sack races on the Ball Field
3:30 - 5:00 Swimming available at Swimming Area
4:00 Music starts at the Fire Circle near Swimming Area
5:00 Supper begins with Potluck and Hotdogs at the Fire Circle
6:15 Clean up and praise God for new friends
6:30 Head home
Birchwood camp store will also be open from 4:30 onward in lower Fireweed Hall for Birchwood t shirts, coffee mugs, etc.
Please be mindful that Birchwood is a natural environment - please leave no trace and kindly pick up any trash you find, And be on the lookout for the largest of God's Alaska creatures [bears and moose].
Returning September 2025
A Call for Acolytes
Do you want to help bring in the light of Christ during worship? Children Pre-K through 6th grade are invited to acolyte. Parents, if your child would like to learn to be an acolyte and has not been trained, email the St. John office.
Returning September 2025
We strive to be a welcoming and loving place that values all children. We intend to help plant, water, and nurture seeds of faith in children who grow to be Disciples of Christ, guiding those around them to the unity and light of the Lord.
CONTACT
To learn more about children’s ministry at St. John, email children@stjohnanchorage.org or call (907) 344-3025.
SAFE CHURCH POLICY
We believe that children of all ages are best able to grow in faith and healthy relationships only when they feel safe, and it is with that in mind that we abide by our Safe Church Policy for all children and youth activities. It is a policy we follow in making congregations safe places where children, youth and elders may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. All leaders are background checked, there are windows in every room and door and children/youth/leaders are always in groups of three or more. Read our Safe Church Policy here. Questions? Contact Pastor Autumn Krueger, who is our Safe Church Policy coordinator.
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
We partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and are proud of the scouting program which extends St. John’s outreach to children into the larger community. Please call the office for current contact information. You can Click HERE for more info on St. John Scout Programs.
New Horizons Preschool
Our own preschool, located here on the church campus, and operated under the direction and guidance of an independent board accountable to the church, has developed a reputation of being one of the foremost early education programs in Anchorage. Click here for more details and information on registration.