Children, Youth and Family
When parents bring their children to the font for
baptism, they are entrusted with important responsibilities.
They are the first priests in the lives of their children and the
Children, Youth and Family ministries of
Our call is to nurture the spiritual and whole lives
of children, youth and families in this faith community.
Our goal is to help connect church to home and what happens in
worship to what we learn in Sunday school, confirmation and beyond.
Our prayer is that God gives us creative energy to support family
faith formation and the vibrant intergenerational community we are
blessed with here at
For more pictures from CYF activities at St. John's,
visit our page at Shutterfly. Become a member of the site to add photos
you've taken at events! The site is secured with password protection.
Families can contact one of the pastors for the password.
To view the St. John's CYF Shutterfly website,
click here.
Sunday, September 12: Fall Kick-off Sunday
A new year of Sunday school and confirmation begin on
September 12. We will pray
for teachers and families during worship and then head to our new
classes for songs, prayer and learning.
Mark your calendar and join other
Sunday, September 19: A Hunger Awareness Craft for All Ages
Everyone is encouraged to gather in fellowship hall after worship for an intergenerational Sunday school craft. More information is provided on the “All Together” page.
Let’s Pack the Church on Sunday, September 26th!
It is going to be an energetic morning at
Last fall our worship attendance increased by 80% on
Pack the Church Sunday because
we invited friends, neighbors, coworkers and family to worship with us.
This is a great opportunity to invite people you know into the
Visit the “All Together” page for more information and ideas about how to invite people to worship on September 26th.
Vacation
Bible
School
Thanks to all who participated in
Be sure to check the All Together page for intergenerational events and
activities this season!
SPLASH! Birth to
Three Faith Formation
When your child was baptized, you made promises as parents in the presence of God and the congregation. The Church also made promises that day. We vowed to support and pray for you as your child grows in faith. SPLASH! is one way we can keep that promise as your child develops and you grow as parents. This ministry includes:
- Monthly newsletters mailed to your home that help you make faith-filled connections in everyday life.
- An annual CD of age-appropriate music for Christian learning and growth.
- The WE DO! Guide for Godparents, a terrific way to teach godparents and baptismal sponsors about their long-term role.
- A Prayer Partner in the congregation that will support your family with prayers and joy as your child grows.
- An invitation to Sunday School Music (
- A new Sunday School class for 2-3 year olds!
SPLASH! is a great way to celebrate your child's faith formation between birth and Sunday School, making faith connections in the church and at home. You are your child's first priest and we hope SPLASH! will help you imagine ways to nuture faith wherever you are.
"Spark" Sunday
School
We began the 2009-2010 Sunday school year on September 13 with a new curriculum called Spark, a lectionary-based resource. Each week’s theme will reflect the stories we hear during worship and will make connections between church and home. Registration will begin in September. All children are welcome!
We will have at least four family Sunday school days during the year. This is an important opportunity for parents and siblings to participate in biblical exploration together. We hope these events increase your curiosity about faith and scripture while strengthening connections between church and home.
Read the story together as a family before worship! Find out what your child will be learning so you can continue the conversation. For a Spring Sunday School calendar, click here.
Confirmation of
Faith
This three year class invites 6th-8th graders to consider the gift of faith they were given in baptism and how it has grown in their lives. This year we are studying the Old and New Testaments, taking a field trip to the Temple of Aaron and retreating at Camp Chi Rho in January. Students can celebrate confirmation during worship on Pentecost Sunday in 8th grade. Here they are invited to confirm the gift of faith and become an adult member of the church community. For a Confirmation calendar, click here.
Youth Ambassadors
Several congregations in south
- September 20 – Picnic & Games at
- October 10 – Feed My Starving Children & Lock-in
- December 6 – Serve with the Aliveness Project
- February 7 – Tubing & Skiing or Bowling
- Summer 2010 – An Urban Mission Trip to
Contact Pastor Meta with your interest and for more information about
participation!
High School
Opportunities
High School youth are invited to participate as adults during worship and in the life of the church. All are invited to use their gifts by participating in worship on Sunday mornings:
- Usher
- Reader
- Communion Preparer
- Assisting Minister
- Choir Member
- Child Care in the Nursery
- Assist with Processional
High School youth is also encouraged to participate at
- Member of a Committee
- All Together Activities and Retreats
- Prayer Partner Program
- Summer Camp