Education / Christian Formation

“It Takes A Village to Raise a Child”

Are you familiar with the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child?” This statement best describes the “recipe” of raising our children and youth with solid multigenerational support from their Christian community.

GodVentures

The preschool and elementary age children have their classes held in the GodVentures building. The building is aptly named as it embodies the spirit of the program delivered to this age group. The Logos series is currently being utilized for Sunday morning programs by enthusiastic adult lay volunteers. These teachers, however, are now exploring options for new program materials and are moving in the direction of a lectionary based curriculum.

A nursery is also provided with a full-time paid attendant. The nursery is located in the Parish Hall.

Journey to Adulthood (J2A) / Rite 13

The cornerstone of the youth’s faith formation, (anchored in the J2A/Journey to Adulthood Curriculum), is a powerfully and beautifully written liturgy for the Celebration of Manhood and Womanhood. This is also called the Rite 13 Ceremony, as it marks a distinct passage in their journey from childhood into their teenage years. Parents and the entire family are surrounded and supported by their faith community as this transition is made. There is great emphasis in encouraging the youth to see their lives and the decisions they face within the context of their faith and faith community.

The culmination of the J2A program is a spiritual pilgrimage, which incorporates all the skills of adulthood they have addressed in their four years in the program. Our parish has supported three separate pilgrimages, the first one being to Iona, Scotland in 2003, Salisbury, England in 2005, and Rome, Italy in 2007.

Adult Sunday School

The adults gather to discuss topics that are relevant to the group. The aim is to stimulate those in attendance to be authentic and become aware of the possible implications of the topic on their daily lives as Christians. The topic might be a specific book of the Bible, the lectionary for that day, current events, a book, family conflicts and their everyday reactions to the events that impact their lives. Whether we are studying the Bible, such as Mark’s Gospel or Romans, or some other topic such as “World View” or “Anger,” we try to relate our reactions back to our responsibility as Christians in each situation. The class is an open one, with some people there most weeks and others attending on a more sporadic basis. Class size has ranged from about ten to twenty. The group usually displays openness to other opinions and solutions which are less doctrinaire and based more on the great commandment (Matt 22:36..40) as interpreted by the individual.

Children's Chapel

The goals of Children's Chapel are: To teach the children about the Episcopal Church: why we do what we do and what it means; Proper behavior in Church; Bible Study using the seasons of the Church as our guide; Learn how to use the Book of Common Prayer and to feel comfortable with the responses; and For them to know they are part of the St. Matthias’ Family.

On August 17, 2008, Children's Chapel had their First Service. The children were so proud walking in behind their Cross. After this, they said they needed Torches, so battery candles were purchased. Then we had our Crucifer and Torch Bearers. Next, we added an Usher to take up the Children’s offering.

We study Bible stories; responses in the Prayer Book; how to find some of the services in the Prayer Book; what the Communion Vessels are and their proper name; the different vestments and who wears the different vestments; proper behavior in Church is stressed; and discussions of stewardship led to each child having their own Offering envelopes.

The Crucifer, Torch Bearers, and Usher rotate so as each child has an opportunity to participate.

During Advent, each child made an Advent Wreath to use at home and a large one was made for the Chapel. During the season, each child lit a candle and their parents were invited to visit with us for the lighting. Discussions were held each Sunday of the names of each candle as it was lit.

The Parish Hall was decorated for Christmas and the children helped host coffee hour. One of the highlights for them was playing the bells and singing in Church.

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