Christian Formation

The goal of the St. John’s Christian Formation program is to teach our children about the Christian faith and the Christian way of life. Our teachers help the children to grow in their faith in God through their learning and active participation in lessons about the Episcopal ministry and fellowship activities for the greater community.

Sunday School Program

Class sessions are held on the first, second, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the month, starting at 10:00 A.M. Children join their families for Holy Communion during the Peace Exchange in the service. All Christian Formation members attend the full “Family Eucharist Service” on the third Sunday of the month.

Baby Care is provided for infants and toddlers by Bushra Khawaja, a paid experienced adult and mother, in a specially equipped room with interactive age-appropriate activities and learning games. 

Preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grade students meet in the Primary Grade Classroom on Level One for interactive lessons and activities which follow the liturgical calendar. The age-appropriate lessons focus on the Gospel and Old and New Testament readings. Interactive games, crafts, and role-playing enhance the understanding of the Sunday lessons and highlight the ministry of Jesus Christ and the story of God’s people.

Students in third grade through fifth grade meet in the Intermediate Grade Classroom on Level One for interactive lessons, activities, and projects which follow the liturgical calendar. The age-appropriate lessons focus on the Gospel and Old and New Testament readings. Interactive resources, games, role-playing and projects enhance the understanding of the Sunday lessons and highlight the ministry of Jesus Christ and the story of God’s people.

All age and grade level classes participate in “outreach” activities for the greater communities,

which include:

  • Meal Preparation for St. Paul’s Men’s Shelter, Paterson

  • Souper Bowl Sunday – Soup Collection for Center for Food Action

  • Teen/Child Angel Program – “Holiday Gifts” Outreach Project

  • Linus Fleece Blankets – Create and Donate Outreach Project for Infants and Toddlers

  • Backpack assembly for children with incarcerated parents as part of the Newark Diocese prison ministry program

Sunday School Director

Lynda Hammond: LyndaHam@optonline.net 

 

St. John’s Episcopal Christian Formation: Youth Group & Confirmation

Middle School students meet in the Youth Room on Level One at 10am. The lessons follow the lectionary Bible readings. The classes will prepare the students for confirmation, giving them a foundation in faith related terms and concepts. The class uses the Sparkhouse Digital Youth materials. There is time for fellowship amongst the middle school students. The students join their families for Holy Communion during the Peace Exchange in the service.

High School students meet in the Youth Room on Level One at approximately 10:30am following the Peace Exchange in the service. After starting their morning in worship and having already heard the Word and the sermon, the teens will discuss what they heard and any questions they have about their faith and their relationship with God to get them ready to express their faith as adults.

The youth groups will assemble backpacks for children with incarcerated parents as part of the Newark Diocese’s Prison Ministry, prepare dinner for St. Paul’s Men’s Shelter - Paterson, host coffee hour, assemble care packages for college students, and stuff the plastic eggs for the annual Easter egg hunt.

Confirmation is open to any 9th-12th grader or adult who has not already been confirmed. Reception is available for those who have been confirmed in another denomination but now want to be received into the Episcopal Church. Classes are twice a month on Sunday at 11:30am from October – April.

Confirmation

The sacramental rite in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (BCP, p. 860). 

Reception (Christian Commitment)

Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop.

Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

The Book of Common Prayer refers to those persons already baptized who are presented to the bishop in the context of a service of Baptism or Confirmation to reaffirm their baptismal vows. These might be persons returning to the church after a period of unbelief or those who have entered a new level of spiritual life.

Interim Youth Minister

Stephanie Doyle: sdoyle0325@gmail.com