Christian Education Ministry
Mission Description:
We are all learners and disciples. We have one teacher – Christ the Lord. From pre-school through adulthood, it is the duty of every parish to provide the opportunities for religious formation. This begins with the parish’s programs for children, continues through the Confirmation program for young teens and also the prayer and other formation programs offered to our middle and high school youth. Finally there are opportunities for adult education, guest speakers and our parish Lenten program. We are always in need of those willing to give their time to the children and youth programs as teachers/mentors. All are invited to attend any programs.
The Church School
If you are looking for a safe, welcoming space in which your children can learn about Christ, where they can pray, grow and mature as believers, then please call us or come by on a Sunday to visit our Church School.
Church School meets every Sunday. Drop-off is at 9:20 a.m. upstairs in the library. This gives the children a chance to chat, put on their name tags, and to put a sticker next to their name for attendance.
At 9:25 a.m., we begin our CIRCLE OF PRAYER. The children pray together and then begin their lessons.
Preschoolers:
The youngest children play in the nursery, listen to Bible stories, and work on crafts.
Kindergarteners and Grades 1-5:
We use the Bible-based Episcopal curriculum that follows a three year cycle of Old Testament and New Testament stories so that most of the Bible is explored over the course of the entire program. At about 10:15 a.m., (just as the Liturgy of the Word has been completed in the church service) the teachers escort the children into the church where they sit together in the front pews for the remainder of the Mass.
Grades 6-8:
St. John’s Youth Group meets several times throughout the year to carry out various service projects. For example, they have baked apple pies to distribute to seniors in the community and made blankets for Project Linus.
On Sundays, middle schoolers are encouraged to help out in the nursery, as well as with the elementary-aged class. They also have the opportunity to participate in the church service as acolytes, readers, and gift bearers.
Confirmation:
Any young person who has reached high school age and is willing to commit themselves to a program of prayer and study with the rector is welcome to be a part of the Confirmation program. Holy Confirmation marks that moment when a person takes ownership of his or her Baptismal Covenant.
Teens meet weekly and cover areas of scripture, the sacraments, worship, church history and Christian life. The material is presented in a relaxed fashion and covers topics found in My Faith, My Life: A Teen’s Guide to the Episcopal Church.
Confirmation may only be administered by the Bishop, and so the actual ceremony is always set up in accordance with the Bishop’s schedule.
Youth/Teen Christian Education
The mission for the St. John’s Youth Group is to involve as many young people as possible in fellowship activities, to instill a sense of community by in reach and outreach activities (meals to parishioners in need, midnight runs, volunteer opportunities at the community center, for example) and to be a safe, non-judgmental area to gather and express ideas with your peers.
A few activities are offered each season to give the youth an opportunity to make a connection to the church in a new way. St. John’s Youth Group is open to all students who are interested in joining, regardless of religion or church membership.
Adult Formation
Since education is a lifetime process, our parish offers adults a variety of programs for intellectual and spiritual growth. Guest speakers are brought in from time to time. A special program for spiritual growth is provided each year during the season of Holy Lent. There are other opportunities for lectures and discussions and Bible study. Please see the parish events page for information regarding the next series of event.