Church School – Learning Together

Sunday Formation

10:15–11:00 am
 Education Wing
Entering God’s Story
Age Pre-K 3 –1st grade
Our children will be introduced to God’s story through Godly Play, a practical and innovative approach to religious education that helps children develop spiritually by experiencing God in the midst of play.  In Godly Play, we follow the shape of worship through a greeting at the threshold, a gathering together, a hearing of the Word through story telling, “wondering” questions with time for response, prayer and sharing a feast together, and dismissal.  Foundational stories of faith are shared using natural element materials made out of wood and a desert box of sand to reveal God's stories before the child.  Wondering questions enliven each story, and allow for further exploration with time for individual response through the Montessori style of work or play.  The child further explores the story by using the story manipulatives to retell the story or by spending their time of response creatively through other classroom materials.
Exploring God's Story
Grades 2 -5
Children are forming a sense of community and belonging as they venture through the older elementary ages.  Children who join the class, Exploring God’s Story, will first build their community through a snack and time for conversation together.  Using the Shine curriculum, they will engage the lesson for the day, through imaginative, interactive storytelling and creative response time within their gathered community.  The story is further engaged through games, craft activities, lessons through media, and song.  Ultimately, children learn that the expression of faith, through exploring God’s story together, leads to lives of compassionate peacemaking and service to our neighbor.

Thursdays at Christ Church

5–8 pm  –  Undercroft and Education Wing

Classes begin September 22

Community Dinner
6 :00 pm - 6:45  pm (all ages)
The Christian community first formed around the dinner table and we continue the tradition.  Join us any Thursday evening for a wonderful community dinner served family style for all to enjoy.  Our children are invited to join the kids table or sit with parents, while older youth inevitably gather at the youth table!  With but a few exceptions, every Thursday evening through May at 6 pm a community dinner is served – and our children are welcome at the table.  
Enriching God's Story
Grades Pre K-3 –1st grade
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Thursday lessons utilize additional Godly Play stories that enrich
the stories shared on Sunday mornings.
Our children will be introduced to God’s story through Godly Play, a practical and innovative approach to religious education that helps children develop spiritually by experiencing God in the midst of play.  In Godly Play, we follow the shape of worship through a greeting at the threshold, a gathering together, a hearing of the Word through story telling, “wondering” questions with time for response, prayer and sharing a feast together, and dismissal.  Foundational stories of faith are shared using natural element materials made out of wood and a desert box of sand to reveal God's stories before the child.  Wondering questions enliven each story, and allow for further exploration with time for individual response through the Montessori style of work or play.  The child further explores the story by using the story manipulatives to retell the story or by spending their time of response creatively through other classroom materials.
Enriching the Sacraments
Grade 2nd -3rd and up
5:00 –6:00 pm
We gather throughout the year to explore and deepen their understanding of God’s gift of Holy Communion.  Together with our children, beginning with Jesus' baptism and our own, we will explore the essential stories of Jesus and his disciples that lead to his last supper with them and the gift of Holy Communion for us today.  We hope that this enrichment experience will transform our children’s experience of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and help them to understand it better.
A parental note: For some of the children, this may serve as a first communion class. For others, it will provide an opportunity to explore together the pieces and meaning of our liturgy. In our tradition, however, all baptized children of any age are encouraged to participate in and receive Holy Communion. If you have any questions regarding your child’s ability to receive communion, please speak with Fr. Drew or Mtr. Maureen
Meet the Saints
Grades 4th–5th
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm
A study of the lives of the saints,  exploring different named saints in The Episcopal Church's calendar. Children will encounter the saints at their own level, not just by studying but also through games, creative artistic response and other media.  We'll be looking at all the different ways that the love of God in Christ has been made manifest in different times and places by vastly different people: in martyrs, monks, and musicians; through peasants, poets, and politicians.