Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, self, others, and all creation. Every experience in our lives can provide us with the opportunity to express our faith; the challenge we face is recognizing these opportunities and learning ways to live a sometimes countercultural life in a secular world. At St. Mary's, we have several ministries dedicated specifically to the formation of children and youth.
Please see below for more information and consider volunteering to help these important ministries. All staff and volunteers are required to undergo training to assure the safety of children.
Sunday School
During the school year, children ages 5-12 gather at 9:45 am on Sunday for a curriculum-based, age appropriate lesson/activity before joining their parents in church at Communion. The curriculum is drawn from the Lectionary and utilizes many online sources from the Episcopal tradition. We also use Godly Play® during certain seasons of the year. We are in need of teachers for this ministry. Please contact us for more information.
Children age 10 and older are encouraged to participate in the service as acolytes or readers.
For Children under the age of 5, childcare is available in the family room located next to the office.
Children of all ages are welcome at any service at St. Mary's and may sit with their parents if they don't wish to participate in Sunday School or other activities.
Episcopal Youth Fellowship
Youth ministry calls for passion, patience, and faithfulness – pointing out the sacred in the midst of the chaos of adolescence and walking faithfully with young people as they transition from child to young adult. The Episcopal Youth Fellowship (EYF) at St. Mary's is open to young people of all denominations in grades 4 and up, and is grounded in the conviction that faith happens in and through the community. Before the pandemic, EYF held various events throughout the year, including fundraisers for animal rescue efforts, summer movie nights on the great lawn of the church, a Halloween party for kids at a local firehouse, and an outdoor Christmas Market. It has since been inactive, but there is funding and support available if there is interest in restarting this ministry.
Please contact us for more information.
