Christian Formation at Calvary Episcopal Church
 
Sunday Morning Schedule
Nursery Care available during the 9 a.m. service,
the 10 a.m. education hour, and the 11 a.m. service
Children's Classes ­ 10 a.m.
Rite 13, J2A and YAC ­ 10 a.m.
Adult Forum ­ 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Classes
 
Nursery
For families with infants and young children
Calvary offers child care for younger children whose parents are attending classes and/or worship. Children of any age are part of our community and we welcome them as full participants in our common life. We encourage families to worship together, and to feel free to come and go during the service to meet children's needs. The nursery is provided to help meet the needs of parents and children. The nursery is available for children under three during the 9 a.m. service and the Christian Education hour, and up to age 6 during the 11 a.m. service.

Children's Classes
For Preschool through Fifth Grade
We are excited to continue with "All Things New," published by Morehouse/Living the Good News. This curriculum seeks to help children become intimately familiar with the great stories of our faith found in the Bible, as well as to help them understand Episcopal prayers, sacraments and traditions that are such a rich part of our spiritual heritage. The curriculum facilitates learning through the use of storytelling, reflection, art, music, movement and developing faith skills.The Fall unit is Heritage: People of God, which will run from September 16 to December 2, and will include stories about Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, Esther and others. Beginning December 9, the Winter unit is entitled Emmanuel: God With Us. This unit includes the stories surrounding Jesus' birth and baptism, the first disciples, and Jesus' early miracles and parables.

In addition to these great stories, the children will participate in activities designed to help them learn about prayer, hearing and sharing faith stories, and stewardship. The children will receive papers to take home which are designed to help families discuss the stories and lessons during each week. Parents will also receive "All Things New at Home," a calendar resource with simple tips for parents designed to foster discussion of the weekly lessons at home.

For young people ­ Sixth through Twelfth grade
Calvary Church joins many parishes in the Episcopal Church in using the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program of spiritual formation for young people. This program incorporates Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministry, and both serious and playful activities. The core messages of this program are:
1. Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God.
2. Adulthood must be earned.

Sunday morning classes, along with Sunday afternoon youth group, make up the J2A program at Calvary.
Rite-13 ­ Grades Six and Seven
Goals
To celebrate God's gift of manhood and womanhood
To affirm the power of creative energy and to explore the thoughts and disciplines which allow individuals to effect change in the world
To teach, by word and example, the principles of
freedom, responsibility, and friendship

J2A ­ Grades Eight and Nine
Goals
To celebrate the transition from youth to adulthood
To train young people in the skills of adulthood
To explore the mystery of our faith heritage
To establish our experience in the strength of
community and liturgy
YAC ­ Grades Ten through Twelve
Goals
To lay a foundation of spiritual disciplines to carry us along our faith journey
To achieve clarity about what we believe at this point
in our lives
To exercise responsibility, partnership and leadership
in the life of the congregation through undertaking
various ministries

NOTE: Christian Education programs at Calvary are designed to reflect the interests and concerns of the parish. From time to time, changes may be made in response to emerging
topics or needs. Watch the bulletin and Agape for current information.
 
Calvary Church is indeed blessed to have an active and committed group of people who share their gifts as part of the Christian Formation Committee (CFC). I am grateful for their creativity, effort and faithful service in producing the Christian formation offerings each semester. The CFC and I invite your suggestions and feedback so that we may continue to meet the spiritual formation needs of Calvary's parishioners of all ages. ­Gregg Morris, Coordinator for Christian Formation
 
Christian Formation Committee
Jim Bauerle, Anna Brophy, Kate Burroughs, Lara Cosentino,
Melissa Crimmins, Ruth Fowler, Mary Grant, Judy Johnstonbaugh,
Matt Muldoon, Charles Quillin, Trish Schauf, Nana Wilson
 
Return to the Christian Education Home Page