Youth & Families
Sunday School
We want our children to grow up knowing the love of God and the stories of God’s people. We are moving away from formal classes offered separately from other activities and seeking to integrate this learning and experience into our worship time. Once a month, our children are invited to help tell that Sunday’s story in church, and to respond to the story through various activities such as artwork or writing or doing an outreach project with adults. We hope to continue to use these two curricula as we seek a new coordinator of Children’s Ministries.
Godly Play (for Jr K- 5th grade)
Godly Play introduces children to the Bible and to a relationship with Jesus using rich stories, simply told and reflected on in a variety of ways. After hearing the story, children are invited to wonder about it, and then to respond to what they’ve taken in by playing with the materials for that story or another, or doing art work or some other activity.
Rite 13 (for middle schoolers)
Rite 13 invites our young people to encounter Jesus and his Way of Love using their heads and their hearts. The curriculum is part of the Episcopal “Journey to Adulthood” series that helps our youth navigate the complexities of their lives as well as the promise of a rich faith life. It recognizes that a journey is a process, and so is maturing in the knowledge and love of God. Rite 13 will take place in the our Parish building, with two adult mentors with the youth each Sunday.
Holy Communion and Sacraments
Sacraments are one way that we experience God’s love in church. At Christ Church, the sacraments of baptism and holy communion are open to all. We welcome children to our communion table – in the Episcopal Church, all the baptized of any age are invited to receive the bread and wine. Periodically Rev. Kate offers a Holy Communion Workshop for children to better understand what happens during the eucharist. Though our church does not have a formal ritual of First Communion, a special Rite can be offered on request to celebrate this milestone in a Christian’s life.
Confirmation Classes for Youth
Confirmation is a ritual that invites young people, usually around the age of 15-16, to make a commitment to following Jesus. Preparing for confirmation involves formation, not just information, and should be fun and joyful. We conduct confirmation classes when a person or group is ready to begin this process, sometimes partnering with other Episcopal churches in our region to prepare for confirmation. Please contact our rector to discuss confirmation.
Special Events for Children
We hold special workshops and events for children at different times of the church year:
- A Holy Communion Workshop helps children to understand the meaning of the Christian Eucharist, as well as the “how-tos” of receiving bread and wine. Great for parents who want to know more too.
- The Christmas Pageant involves the children in the re-telling of the great Christmas story. There is a part for every child who wants to participate, no matter how young or old. The pageant is performed at our Christmas Eve Family Service.
- Our Palm Sunday procession always involves a donkey leading us through the streets around the church. Our children come early to help decorate the donkey and walk with her to remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. It is one of our most joyful annual events.
- Holy Week Walk for Kids invites children to take a guided tour through the events of Holy Week and Easter, sitting as the disciples at the Last Supper, getting their feet washed, enduring the trials of Jesus, contemplating the crucifixion and burial, and experiencing the surprise of the empty tomb. These events are narrated in different locations, as the children offer their own profound reflections.
Youth Making Change
Our young people are keenly aware of the challenges our communities face, and like to make a difference in the world. We welcome our youth to participate in our Plentiful Pantry and other outreach activities. When we have a formal project done together, we enjoy ice cream or pizza and a chance to reflect on where we encountered God in our work. We also participate in regional youth activities organized through the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:30