Children and Youth Ministry

Our mission is to create a setting where each child may encounter the eternal truths of God's kingdom and the unfathomable love of Christ. Our Christian education program is founded upon the belief that Christ calls children as Jesus' disciples to a life-long journey of growth and transformation. Our ministry to children intends to begin that journey in a safe, creative and expressive environment where the mystery of God is experienced through the wonderful truths of scripture, the encounter with Biblical stories and personal creative and artistic expression.

Children ages 3-10

The philosophy of our program for our youngest children shifts the emphasis from learning about God in a classroom-like setting to learning about God by experiencing God in a worship setting (the Atrium). The curricular model we use is called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Levels I and II. The children are greeted and gather; interact with the storyteller; wonder and share in the story; retell the story; respond artistically to the story; re-gather for a small snack; pray. Through this process, the Atriums become places for celebrating the Word of God by listening, reflecting and praying together. The children are introduced to the liturgical seasons, the Eucharist, Biblical stories and parables of Jesus in a manner appropriate for their particular development level. Through the process of seeing, experiencing and working with these mysteries, they become deeply rooted within the child and are intended to permeate the child's life. The “feast-time” at the end is a time for the children to experience the solemnity of community sharing as embodied in the Eucharist.

Youth ages 11-15

Youth in this age group open with prayer and sharing; read a story from scripture; respond to the story through discussion and art and close with prayer. The classroom becomes a place for studying the stories of the Bible and God's people. Through reading, reflecting and working with the stories the youth experience the story's mystery and meaning for them. Engaging the creativity within each young person is essential for the process. Community is experienced through the sharing of food and thought. This class uses the Episcopal Children's Curriculum as well as drawing upon other resources.

Adult Education

Christian education for adults occurs in a variety of ways at St. John's Church. From time to time, Sunday Forums are led on a variety of topics. On Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. a series centered on some aspect of Biblical Studies that takes in the Hurll Room.

Alpha

Alpha is a ten-week course that helps participants understand the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. Each week a meal is shared, talks are given followed by small group discussion. It is a wonderful opportunity to grow in understanding of Christianity while meeting other people.