Christian Formation for Children and youth


program season: September - May (after Labor Day thru before Memorial day)

Sundays 9:15-10:15 a.m.*

Ages 0 - Grade 12


Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” We, too, welcome children into our Christian family, cherishing them and nurturing them so they can come into a fuller relationship with Christ and the church. Our programs do not simply provide information about God, but create an environment for encounters with God through worship, biblical exploration, prayer, and fellowship.


Register for Formation for Children and Youth: HERE

Register for Children's Christmas Pageant: HERE


*Christian Formation classes will not be held on the Sundays of December 27, January 3, Palm Sunday, or Easter Sunday.


  • BEULAH LAND

    AGES 0 to 3.5 with a caregiver

    Nursery (Red room), 9:30 to 10:15 AM

    Our youngest children and their caregivers gather for a short time (about 15-20 minutes) of singing songs and experiencing a colorful felt board Bible story. The Beulah Land curriculum is designed to help the very young develop and nurture a visual vocabulary of faith and tells of the wonders of God’s love for us. Several faith themes are repeated throughout the Beulah Land stories: “God has never stopped loving us,” “God’s love is always enough and more than enough,” and “Hear the story and let it change you.” After the story time, parents often sit and chat together while their children play. It provides a wonderful environment for parents and children to get to know each other better. Our Beulah Land Storytellers are Heather Bishop, Leandra DeFeo, Joanna Kline, and Linda Leonard.



  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

    Ages 3.5 - Grade 7: Levels 1, 2, and 3

    2nd Floor classrooms, 9:15 to 10:15 AM

    Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program of Christian faith formation where children and their teachers (called “catechists”) listen to God together and experience the joy of God’s gift of love through multi-sensory Scripture presentations, contemplative work, and times of prayer. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in a room prepared for them called an “atrium,” a specially prepared space containing hands-on materials that the children can work with and use. The children also gather around a prayer table each week to listen and talk to God.

     

    Level 1: The Good Shepherd Atrium (Ages 3.5 by September 1st to kindergarten)

    Catechists: Kellie Gentry, Jennifer Schley-Johnson, Huntley Skinner

     

    Level 2: The True Vine Atrium (Grades 1-3)

    Catechists: Kaye Cook and Kali Reynolds

    Level 3: The Believers Atrium (Grades 4-7)

    A blended curriculum using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Rite13

    Catechists: Jeff Gentry and Judy Norton

  • YOUTH Class

    Grades 8-12

    Youth Room (below Chapel, entrance by the st. Francis Statue), 9:15 to 10:15 AM

    The Youth class meets weekly to explore the Bible and our place in the world, utilizing the Bible Project videos and curriculum. Youth enjoy a variety of monthly outings together. 

    Teachers: Nick DeFeo and Scott Harlan


    Occasional youth events include service projects, game nights, and outings.