Christian Formation for Children

September through May

Our Sunday school program is called Christian Formation and takes place from 10:05 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The curriculum we use is The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and is currently used for 3 through 12-year-olds.

In order to register your child for Sunday morning Christian Formation, please download the Children's Christian Formation Sign-Up Form and turn it into the church office.

Ages 3 to 6

In Level I, the three- to six-year-old child spends three years enjoying and nurturing a relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd. The particular aspects of the parable of the Good Shepherd such as knowing the sheep, calling them by name, searching for a lost sheep, and the unconditional love of the Good Shepherd meet the specific needs of this age child.

Geography lessons establish Jesus as a real person in time and place. The words of the prophet Isaiah are used during Advent to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Presentations concerning the historical life of Christ and his teachings through parables help the child explore the mystery of God.

Infancy narratives announce the Incarnation with words from Scripture and figures representing the people. Over three years, the children learn:
The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
The Birth of Jesus
The Adoration of the Magi
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

Paschal narratives are introduced with:
A model of the city of Jerusalem
The Last Supper
The Women at the Tomb

Before Easter, a special Liturgy of the Light, taken from the Easter Vigil, is celebrated. Parables that reflect on the Kingdom of God are presented to nurture the child’s natural sense of wonder. The parables used are of the Mustard Seed, the Pearl of Great Price, the Leaven, the Grain, and the Hidden Treasure. These are vehicles for pondering the beauty of the Kingdom, how small it begins, how slowly it grows, how magnificent it becomes, and how valuable it is.

Through their work with the altar objects, children become familiar with the articles of the Eucharist. As a result, they enjoy this relationship with God in a particular way during the liturgy.

The children also enter into the mystery of Holy Eucharist through the most important gestures (hand motions) of the priest such as the preparation of the chalice, the Invocation of the Holy Spirit, the Offering, and the passing of God’s peace. The Parable of the Good Shepherd is used to introduce the idea of Christ’s presence in the bread and wine, linking scripture and liturgy through visual imagery. This lesson is titled the Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd.

Baptism is introduced using the powerful image of light to symbolize the gift of Christ’s risen life. Subsequent lessons explore the gifts of water, the Word, and chrism, along with prayers and gestures of baptism.

Explanation and use of the liturgical colors and calendar orient the child to the church year. A prayer table reflects the liturgical cycle with appropriate colors, songs, prayers, and sacred objects that enhance the rituals and celebrations of our church seasons.

For 2007-08 we offer the following atria (classrooms):

Three-year-olds
Room 119
Teacher: K.C. Chambers

Four-year-olds
Room 134
Teacher: Lynn Ragland

Five-year-olds
Room 117
Teacher: Pam Palmer

Multi-age (3-5)
Room 217
Teacher: Elizabeth Nash

Ages 6 through 9

The six to nine-year-old child enters a period of moral development and global thinking. To help the children in their formation of their concept of right and wrong, we study moral parables in the Level II atrium, such as The Good Samaritan, the Insistent Friend, The Ten Bridesmaids, and the Wedding Feast. Through examination of the History of the Kingdom of God, children begin to explore the vast nature of God's kingdom across space and time.

The children continue with additional geography study, learn the books of the Bible and the type of literature each represents, and additional gestures used during the Eucharist.

Children are also beginning to make connections between the various pieces of information they've received so far. We study many of the same themes as the 3 to 6 year-olds, but with special emphasis on their moral content and common threads.

At this age, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd studies several Bible lessons to deal with our sins or “blocks” from God and each other. These include the Parable of the True Vine, in which the children are encouraged to recognize the blocks in their own lives, how they are called to remain in the True Vine (Jesus), and how removing blocks will keep the children connected to God. The Found Coin shows us that God diligently searches for us whenever we are lost from Him, whatever the circumstances, and that He rejoices when He finds us. The Forgiving Father helps us see how God is constantly faithful in his forgiveness. We learn that God watches and waits for us to choose to return, and once reconciled, we again have full access to the abundance of God’s gifts. The Centurion’s Servant reminds us that God’s healing is for all and that God wants to heal unconditionally. We also look at the Maxims (brief instructions Jesus gave) to help identify block.

Children who choose to may participate in a special series on Wednesday evenings through Lent during which we offer additional meditation on these themes and a Rite of Reconciliation presentation. In order to fully participate, a commitment to be present for at least three of the meditations must be made. A retreat takes place over a weekend, beginning on Friday evening and culminating with the Rite of the Penitent on Saturday afternoon and a special celebration of the Eucharist. The group is recognized the following Sunday during the 8:45 a.m. service.
For 2006-067 we offer the following atria (classrooms):

Six-year-olds
Room 114
Teacher: Joanne Sowell

Seven-year-olds
Room 115
Teacher: Karlen Garrard

Eight-year-olds
Room 116
Teacher: Kirk Anderson

Multi-age (6-9)
Room 216
Teacher: Joanna Williams

Ages 9 to 12

The 9 to 12 child continues to look at the History of the Kingdom of God, in even more depth. At this age, children are eager to participate in solving the problems they see in the world. They begin to explore what role God has given them to play in His great plan.

Children in this age group study the most important events of the Old Testament, using typology to understand what meaning and application they have for us today. In addition, they look at the call, message, and struggles of the major prophets. The sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist are explored in greater depth, and joined by the remaining rites of the church.

Outreach Projects
Throughout the year, these children take on various outreach projects. These projects have included a baked goods and hot chocolate sale, making cards and writing notes for our parishioners serving in the military, raising money for children in South African, and responsibility for directing the St. Luke’s Toy Drive.

In April, the Rite of Passage for the fifth grade class occurs. This is to mark their journey from the children’s program into the youth program and is done with the Youth. Afterwards, all rising sixth-graders are invited to attend a social event offered by the EYC that afternoon.

Multi-age (9-12)
Room: Murray Hall
Teacher: Pamela Anderson

Multi-age (9-12)
Room: Outside Murray Hall
Teacher: Jean Hastings

June through August

Our Sunday school program is called Christian Formation and takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

During the summer, an atrium is open for our children in Room 121. Level I and Level II materials will be available for the children. Catechists will be available to assist the children and to do some essential presentations.

If you have never seen a working atrium or think you might be interested in helping in an atrium, this would be a great time to visit.