The goal of our church school program is to enable our children to learn about the Bible, Christ and our Church through experiences as part of a loving Christian community beyond their immediate family. We hope to achieve this by offering a curriculum which includes outreach activities, special parties and events and age-appropriate exploration of our Christian faith. For more information about any of these programs please contact our Coordinator for Youth and Children’s Formation, Polly Tangora.

Church School Classes

Church school begins each fall. Sunday classes are held between the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services from approximately 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Children 3 to 6 years-old are invited to participate in classes during the 9:00 and 11:00 services as well.

Nursery and Childcare

Open 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

The nursery provides free child care for children under 4 during all Sunday services. Clyde Propst organizes and supervises this program with help from paid caregivers and volunteers from the congregation. The nursery provides our younger members an inviting place to be when they are not participating in the service. Clyde has furnished the nursery with attractive toys and art materials that provide an interesting and safe environment for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

The Preschool/Kindergarten Group (3 to 6 year-olds)

Meet in the Level I Atrium from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

The Preschool/Kindergarten Group offers a first experience with group activity and religious instruction. The curriculum from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd provides a prayerful approach that focuses on helping each child develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Based on Maria Montessori's theories of learning, the "Atrium" is organized to allow the children to independently explore activities that help them to deepen their understanding of God's presence in their world and how we worship. Activities are chosen which are approachable at a variety of levels. An activity that provides simple "doing" by the 3 and 4 year olds, often takes on deeper meaning and contemplation when done by the 5 and 6 year-olds.

The Primary Group (6 to 9 year-olds)

Meet in the Level II Atrium from 10-11:15 a.m.

The Primary Group continues the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program; using presentations and materials from the second level of the curriculum. At this level children are ready to reflect in more depth about the parables of Jesus and understand more a “cosmic” view of God’s work in the world. This reflective approach invites the students to create their own prayers and responses to God’s word as read from the Bible, and to consider how this is lived out in the liturgy and our world.

The Intermediate Group (9 to 12 year olds)

Meet in the Level III Atrium from 10-11:15 a.m.

The Intermediate Group provides the older children with a place to examine their own developing beliefs within the context of the Bible, liturgy and church traditions. This group also uses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum to continue their studies of the Old and New Testament and explore the Episcopal liturgy in greater depth. Presentations also include exploration of prayer, organization of the liturgy and the Episcopal tradition. The children are encouraged to consider how God’s Plan takes shape in our world and how they contribute to that plan. 

Youth and Children's Formation Committee

Without the hard work and commitment from our congregation, our Church School program would not be able to continually expand and improve. We are very fortunate to have members of the congregation who are willing to make this service their ministry. Teachers and committee members meet regularly to share expertise and give support to make Youth and Children's Formation a strong part of the life of our church. Special thanks to all who spend time on a weekly basis planning, preparing and showing up to love and share God's word with our children. Anyone interested in joining is welcome. For more information about any of these programs, please contact Polly Tangora, Coordinator for Youth and Children’s Formation.