CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Our Sunday school program runs from the middle of September to the middle of June, meeting each week at 9:45 am in the parish hall. We have 6 full time volunteer teachers, pre-school through high school, along with a few parents who help out as assistants. We welcome new ideas, help and support for our mission.

For more information contact the Sunday School Superintendent, Mary Wonderlin.

Preschool-K

Children three years old through kindergarten meet downstairs in the parish hall where they have a short service with songs, prayers and Bible stories. Preschool children learn about the wonders and joy of God's love through stories, art, crafts, games and activities. Living the Good News, along with supplementary materials, is used to learn how to live in today's world through Christ and the Church at all grade levels.

Elementary School

Our elementary age children continue their Sunday School journey in a more structured class, that includes...

Holy Communion Class

We are very proud of our Holy Communion Program which has been in place since 1988. Baptism is the gateway to Christian life, and we are nourished by the Eucharist.  Some parents prefer that their children begin taking communion when they are a little older and more aware of their spiritual life.  Our program for all second graders is intended to give them a deeper appreciation for communion. The lessons cover Baptism, Community, Jesus’ Life, Prayer, Forgiveness, Stewardship, The Last Supper, The Way of the Cross, and Mission.  The whole parish family takes an active role in supporting our young people by greeting them weekly, supporting their various experiential events, and lending a hand to their teachers. Many members have sponsored a candidate through the weeks of preparation. These sponsors pray for the candidate, show interest in their lessons, and receive Communion with the candidate and their family on their Solemn Communion Day. The program culminates with a ceremony of the lighting of a candle in memory of their Baptism and a procession inspiring them to go forth to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus Christ. This program provides experiential lessons for the young people and supportive education for their parents, the primary and ongoing religious instructors of their children.

Middle and High School

Children in the middle and high school grades serve as acolytes on a rotating basis. Family services are held once a month during the church school year. Each Christmas Eve, our Church School children present a pageant.

Confirmation

Classes are held, as well, to prepare the youth of the parish for confirmation. This group of children is very dedicated, and many have been with part of St. John's Church School program since they were in preschool.

Youth Group

Events for youth in grades 5 - 12 are held several times a year and include social events, education, and service projects. Contact Julia Alford-Peirce for more information.

Our Teachers

Sunday school teachers have organized and sponsored several activities and outreach programs that involve the children at St. John's. Activities have included an annual Halloween Party, Epiphany Party, Lenten Covered Dish Supper, Easter Egg Hunt and Coffee Hour Socials. Our annual Advent and Lenten projects teach the children about reaching out to help others in need.

Our Church School teachers are dedicated and work hard to help the children of our Church learn about God, Jesus, His People and our Church Family.