SUNDAY SCHOOL – For children aged 3 years old through 12, St. Peter's offers the rich experience of Godly Play.
Godly Play respects that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond.
In Godly Play, a special environment is prepared for children to work in with adult guides. Two adults (a storyteller and a doorperson) guide the session making time for the children to do the following:
On the first Sunday of the month families are in church for the entire service, affectionately called, "Family Service." On this Sunday the children lead the worship ministries and the rector’s talk is designed to engage them in reflection and conversation.
YOUTH – St. Peter’s clergy and committed members of the laity are dedicated to working with parish youth (8th grade through high school) through annual summer service trips—both locally and further afield, often joining up with other youth organizations to accomplish a worthwhile project for non-profit organizations of various kinds. Young people are invited to assist church members with parish outreach activities. The youth also gather for fun and fellowship at times throughout the year, and participate in diocesan-sponsored youth events. Demographics determine the numbers of youth in any given year and at present our numbers are such that we hope to seek opportunities to join in anticipated regional diocesan youth gatherings or partner with neighboring churches.
ADULT FORMATION - Please come back for more information while our new rector begins plans for 2020.
Godly Play respects that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond.
In Godly Play, a special environment is prepared for children to work in with adult guides. Two adults (a storyteller and a doorperson) guide the session making time for the children to do the following:
- Be greeted individually by name and enter the space when they are ready.
- Get ready for the presentation (a story or lesson). By being "anchored" in the circle, the storyteller models a quiet and calm demeanor so the children can be ready for the story.
- Hear the Word of God through a presentation based on a Sacred Story, Parable or Liturgical Action.
- Respond to the presentation through shared wondering.
- Respond to the presentation with their own self-selected "work," either expressive art (drawing, painting, building with clay or legos), journaling, or working with the other materials in the room.
- Prepare and share a feast. More than just a snack, the "feast" builds community as the children say prayers, learn to serve each other and then wait to eat together. The feast also has an indirect connection with Holy Communion and lessons that will be centered around it.
- Say goodbye with a dismissal and an individual blessing and leave the space to rejoin the church community.
On the first Sunday of the month families are in church for the entire service, affectionately called, "Family Service." On this Sunday the children lead the worship ministries and the rector’s talk is designed to engage them in reflection and conversation.
YOUTH – St. Peter’s clergy and committed members of the laity are dedicated to working with parish youth (8th grade through high school) through annual summer service trips—both locally and further afield, often joining up with other youth organizations to accomplish a worthwhile project for non-profit organizations of various kinds. Young people are invited to assist church members with parish outreach activities. The youth also gather for fun and fellowship at times throughout the year, and participate in diocesan-sponsored youth events. Demographics determine the numbers of youth in any given year and at present our numbers are such that we hope to seek opportunities to join in anticipated regional diocesan youth gatherings or partner with neighboring churches.
ADULT FORMATION - Please come back for more information while our new rector begins plans for 2020.