At St. John’s we seek to support your whole household in faith formation. Below are some ways your family can engage in deepening their faith lives. You can learn more by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletters. There is a weekly e-news with parish wide information and a monthly e-newsletter focused on ministries with young children and their care givers.
Sunday Morning 10:00 a.m. Formation Hour (September through May)
Infants-Age 3
Nursery
The nursery is available on Sunday mornings for infants and toddlers. Three trained attendants care for children in the nursery on the second floor of the Parish House. During the program year nursery hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the summer, the nursery is available from 10 a.m. until noon.
PreK-Grade 2
Godly Play
Using Godly Play, children reflect on sacred stories using creative storytelling and responses. This interactive approach helps kids explore scripture and our liturgical actions in imaginative ways.
Grades 3-5
Spark Lectionary
This class focuses on one of the readings for the Sunday and help kids make connections between the lesson and their everyday lives. The curriculum comes from Sparkhouse Media.
Grades 6-12
Youth Group
Middle and high school youth will gather weekly in the Youth Room on the second floor of the Parish House. Rev. Shawn and other adult leaders support their formation through prayer, conversation, and fellowship.
Children’s Chapel
During the 11a.m. service most Sundays from early September through late May. children from birth through Grade 5 are invited to participate in a special liturgy just for them. Clergy and lay helpers will lead children in a song, homily, and prayer time in the Children’s Chapel space on the second floor of the Parish House. Children are invited to gather by the stairs in the front of the altar during the gradual hymn before the Gospel is read. They will return to the sanctuary during the Peace. Parents are welcome to accompany their children, and encouraged to do so for those younger than three. Children are always welcome to stay and worship in the sanctuary.
Ministry Visits & Exploration Sundays
Once a month our PreK- Grade 5 Church School classes will combine to host a Ministry Visit. Leaders of various ministries of St. John’s will spend the 10:00 a.m. formation hour with our young people sharing what they do and why. Children will learn more about the breadth and depth of our community, and hopefully find ways they can be a part of a ministry that interests them.
On months with five Sundays, the fifth Sunday isan Exploration Sunday. PreK-Grade 5 classes combine at 10:00 a.m. to explore part of the church on a mini-field trip. Kids will learn more about the sacred, quirky, and unique aspects of our parish home.
Middle and High School Youth
The youth at St. John’s gather regularly to learn and grow together in faith. Group outings, service opportunities, Confirmation classes, and pilgrimages are also part of youth formation at St. John’s. Many of our middle and high school youth serve as acolytes and are involved in other ministries of the church.
Seasonal Offerings
At various times throughout the year, families are invited to participate in intergenerational offerings to mark significant moments in our lives as Christians. These include Advent wreath making, the Christmas Pageant, and special Holy Week offerings for families.
To learn more about ministries for families with young children contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
To learn more about ministries with middle and high school youth contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
