Religious Education and Christian Formation

Heather Gaume, Director of Christian Formation

One of our most important missions is the nurturing of our children's understanding of God's love and teachings and the development of their own relationship with Him. Our children are included in all aspects of our parish life. Children of any age are always welcome to attend the Worship Service with their families.

Our Nursery care for children ages 0-3 and Joy Jungle for ages 4 and up begin at the same time as our Worship Service, at 9:30 a.m. All children ages 4 and up join either parents or Sunday School friends in church at The Peace, usually around 10:15, to participate in the Holy Eucharist. Following the service, we all gather in the Parish Hall for refreshments before our Education Hour begins at 11 am. Adults are welcome to stay in the Parish Hall to attend the Adult Forum, while children attend Sunday School. 

Joy Jungle - A brightly decorated space that includes a stage, puppets, an open space for active worship, music and games,  and a place to show Christian movies and CD's.  Here we encourage children in artist creations that follow the seasons of the church year not covered in the curriculum, explore lessor know Bible stories, practice for performances such as the Christmas Pageant, prepare service projects, and learn to have fun together.

Classes

For children ages 0-3, our clean, bright Nursery provides a safe, joyful place for play, snacks and rest. Our caring and attentive staff is Red Cross certified in emergency first aid and child and infant CPR, as well as being certified in safety and sexual ethics by the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Toys and bedding are sanitized regularly, and we have a comfy, relaxing lounge area for nursing mothers.  Coordinator:  Paula Rogers,

For children ages 4-7, we follow Godly Play, a Montessori religious curriculum that provides children with the telling of the Bible's Sacred Stories, as well as training in the Liturgy and the Church's calendar cycles. Children then have the opportunity to respond to those stories through a variety of art media and their own hands-on retelling using the story figures, sets and props. The rhythm of Godly Play mirrors the Episcopal Worship Service.

Watch a YouTube video about Godly Play.

For children ages 8-10, we follow Seasons of the Spirit, a more lectionary-based curriculum that provides children the opportunity to read Scripture and relate it to their daily lives. It also includes sacred music, drama and art activities designed to foster a deeper look into what it means to be a Christian. Read more about Seasons of the Spirit.

For children ages 11-13, we follow Rite 13, a two-year course in spiritual conversation, Bible readings and discussion, marking the beginning passage of adolescents into adulthood.
 

For youth ages 14 and older, we encourage them to participate in the adult forum and take part in whole life of the parish, including serving on committees, being worship leaders, etc.