Beginning Jan. 14, 2024 Ananda Washington will be providing “Circle of Joy Sunday School” every Sunday.

It is our intention and our joy to support parents and their children in participating in Sunday Service.

Who may participate: Children 4-10

When: Every Sunday at Ananda Blue Lotus Temple, 10:15-11:10 (approximate).

Children will stay with parents upstairs until after the first chant, then they go downstairs with teachers to the large classroom. Parents have the option to join us downstairs or stay in the Sanctuary. Children will be brought back upstairs to join their parent/caregivers in the Sanctuary for the “Touch of Light” blessing during the Festival of Light.

Who are the teachers for Circle of Joy Sunday School?

Notes from Ellen Grace, lead teacher and coordinator for Circle of Joy Sunday School: I directed the Kid’s Yoga Camp last summer, 2023, at the Lynnwood Ananda Community. I am a retired Montessori Teacher and a graduate of Ananda’s Meditation Teacher Training.

Partnering with me in developing this year-long program is Sharon Traeger. She is a retired Preschool teacher and a graduate of Ananda’s Meditation Teacher Training and Spiritual Counseling.

Other experienced Ananda Sunday School teachers will be part of a rotating team and will be trained by Ellen Grace. There will always be be an assistant with the teacher.

What is included in the Circle of Joy Sunday School?

  • Getting acquainted games
  • Ananda children’s songs
  • Short yoga/relaxation time
  • Storytime – based on character values, stories from teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and saints like St. Francis
  • Simple fruit snack
  • Art/craft time

For Parents:

We are building a reference library of books and websites that expand on the principles of Education for Life, by Swami Kriyananda. This will include resources from School of Living Wisdom teachers around the world.

Watch for:

  • postings of youtube videos
  • parent workshops with childcare included

Parents are always welcome to observe on Sunday mornings. Please feel free to email me with your questions at: friends@anandawa.org

Blessings!  

Ellen Morris

For Circle of Joy Sunday School

Ananda Washington