Christian formation is a life-long process, and Saint Paul’s
offers many opportunities for growth in faith development.
Our Nursery embraces infants, toddlers and two year
olds as they begin to know God’s love through the nurture of a
trained nursery staff.
Godly Play, a Montessori-based program, welcomes children
three years through first grade. Children hear scriptural stories, using
beautiful wooden objects, and then are invited to respond to the story
with art. The children participate in the Feast, and close their time
together with prayers and a blessing. All teachers are trained in the
Montessori method with an emphasis in Godly Play.
Living the Good News is the curriculum that second
and third graders experience. This curriculum helps primary children
to connect scriptural stories with events in their daily lives. Through
games, crafts, songs and prayer, these children have a great opportunity
to grow in their faith.
Pockets is the curriculum that is used with fourth
and fifth grade children. These children are engaged in conversation
as they read scriptural stories, and then examine how these stories
relate to their daily lives. This group, often called I-SPY (Saint Paul’s
Youth), perform puppet shows, and have developed many of their own outreach
projects.
Faith/Life is the material that youth (SPY) in grades
six through twelve participate in with emphasis on scripture and life
experiences blended together. The youth group meets for bible study
on the 1st Sunday of the month. We also get together for outreach &
fun activities during the month. The highlight of the year is our mission
trip was we travel to different parts of the country to help others.
A Children’s Liturgy, for three year children
through first grade, is held during the first part of the Holy Eucharist
at 10:30 a.m. At the Passing of the Peace, these children join their
families in the church for Eucharist.
Children’s Choir, for children in second grade
through seventh grade rehearses at the beginning of the 10:30 a.m. worship
service, and they often sing in the context of worship. On regular rehearsal
Sundays, these children and youth join their families at the Passing
of the Peace.
Adult Forums give participants an opportunity to hear
and have conversation on many varied topics that raise awareness and
help to enhance faith development.
Adult Opportunities other than Sunday Morning are
offered in a variety of small weekly study groups. Presently, we offer
two classes of intense Bible study, using Kerygma and
Disciple as study guides. A study group for women uses
Beth Moore’s books. Confirmation
classes are offered to assist newcomers to grow in their faith, as well
as the already confirmed to continue their ongoing formation. The
Lenten Lecture Series invites noteworthy guest speakers to
a weekly gathering where everyone is challenged in heart and mind to
look at theological themes that inform and encourage and call people
to action in God’s world. Parishioners, as well as many individuals
from the community, participate in the lecture series.
Saint Paul’s employs a full-time Director of Christian Formation,
and a part-time Director of Children’s Music.
