Children and Family Ministry
As families come to worship at St. John’s, we want family members of all ages to know that they are warmly welcomed and loved at St. John’s.
Our Children and Family Ministry strives to serve our parish family by providing opportunities for Christian growth, service, and fellowship through pastoral ministry, programs and special events. These are just a few examples.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the preschool-early elementary (4 year old through 4th grade) children’s Christian Formation at St. John’s. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is structured on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. Our role as adults is to protect and nurture this bond. In the Catechesis we present age-appropriate themes from the Bible and our liturgy with manipulative materials the children use to internalize and ponder the great mysteries of our faith.
Instead of a “classroom” environment the children learn in an “atrium.” The atrium is a place where the child comes to know God and begin to connect the story of salvation history with their own their life as a Christian. The atrium is a place to begin to experience God, meditation and prayer.
Bible-in-Life: Anglican Edition. Teaching a Biblical Anglicanism with a Great Commission Emphasis. 5th grade through the 12th grade. This material makes generous use of both the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.
Vacation Bible School – Vacation Bible School is a fun-filled 5 day program for kids 3 years through the 5th grade. Many hands come together to provide an excellent week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Watch the website beginning in late spring for more details on the next VBS offering.
First Communion Instruction – Children ages 6 and up are invited to attend First Communion classes, along with their parents. Children are prepared to receive their first Holy Communion. These classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis. If you are interested in First Communion classes, or you have questions, please contact either Fr. Estes or Fr. Klein.
Inquirers’ / Confirmation Instruction – Classes for those who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, as well as those who are inquirers, or who simply want to learn more or to take a “refresher” course, are taught annually at St. John’s, leading up to our annual visit from our Bishop. For more information about Confirmation, see the Confirmation page on this site, under the ‘Pastoral’ heading. Or contact one of our Clergymen or our parish office. We would love to have you join us!
