Christian
Ed Philosophy
The Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education suggests
that "Christian Education is everything and
anything happening anywhere that helps the Christian
community grow in its life in Jesus Christ and in
witness to Him." Based on this concept, the
opportunities for growth, nurture and discipleship at
St. Paul's Church are designed to include, but are
not limited to, learning in the formal classroom
setting. A holistic approach to the ministry of
education is taken wherein all members of the parish
family are presented with the challenge to grow in
all areas of their lives...studying the Word of God,
worshipping Him as a community and as an individual,
reaching out to those in need, sharing fellowship
with other Christians, and proclaiming God's love in
all areas of their lives. The entire Christian
community, in addition, accepts both personal and
corporate responsibility for Christian nurture.
Formal
Learning Opportunities
We offer First Communion instruction during Lent for
children who are six through nine years of age. This
is a six week course which meets once a week. The
children then join the congregation for their first
communion at an appropriate time following Lent.
Nursery
The nursery is staffed by our nursery attendant and
one parishioner each week. The nursery opens at
9:20AM each Sunday for infants and toddlers through 2
years of age in a setting of warmth and Christian
love. During evening services, and throughout the
summer, the nursery is open for all infants and young
children.
Preschool
- 3rd Grade
Children who are 3 years of age through third grade
gather together to learn in our Worship Centers at
9:45AM on Sunday mornings. The Worship Center offers
a hands-on learning environment which actively
involves the children. Preschool children remain in
Worship Center throughout the 10AM worship service.
4th
Grade - 5th Grade
Children in Grades 4-5 gather for Church School at
9:45AM. The children in Kindergarten through fifth
grade then process into the worship service during
the Offertory anthem and stay in church for the
remainder of the service. They attend class every
Sunday.
6th
Grade- 12th Grade
Students in Grades 6-12 attend classes every Sunday
except the first and fifth Sundays of each month.
They attend Church School beginning at 9:45AM and
then process into the worship service during the
Offertory anthem and stay in church for the remainder
of the service.
Other
Activities
Children and youth of all ages gather for Basketball
Fellowship at Central United Methodist Church.
Basketball Fellowship takes place at 1PM on the first
and third Sundays of each month throughout the school
year. Check the calendar for extra opportunities to
gather together for basketball.
Young
people in 7th grade through 12th grade participate in
the youth group on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30PM.
Throughout the year, there are several opportunities
for the youth to gather together for special events.
Our youth have participated in Nightwatch at the
Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and
attended workshops at the (National) Cathedral of St.
Peter and St. Paul in Washington D.C. Each season,
the Rector leads an Inquirers' class for anyone
sixteen years of age or older who desires to be
confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. This
class is also designed to meet the needs of those who
wish to explore the possibility of becoming a part of
the church as well as those who wish to participate
in a "refresher course."
Working
in partnership with the Music staff of St. Paul's
Church, the Christian Education leadership strives to
provide opportunities for God's children of all ages
to "learn by doing." Choir rehearsals are
planned so as to include a time for education in the
faith. Special events and intergenerational
activities unite members of the St. Paul's family,
strengthening bonds of fellowship as well as helping
participants to grow.
