Christian Formation Class Schedule and Registration Form for 2011-2012

Christian Formation Focus - August 2011

Formation is one’s life-long growth in Christ

The kids return to school this month so it must be time for St. John’s Christian Formation programs 

to begin again. The programs for this academic year will begin on Sunday, September 11th for all,

At St. John’s there is a place for everyone:
 

Nursery: Our child care providers are in the nursery from 7:45 until 11:45 each Sunday morning to 

keep a watchful eye on children who may not be ready for Sunday school yet or whose parents choose 

to have their children in the nursery instead of in worship with them.
 

Children: 2 classes of Godly Play on Sunday mornings are offered to best meet the needs of the 

students age 3 to 5th grade in our parish.
 

Godly Play Classic for children ages 3 to kindergarten. These students meet in room 102 in the 

lower level. They will hear the basic stories of Godly Play which are also the foundational 

Christian and Episcopal stories important for all of us to know in our hearts and minds. This class offers 

shorter class segments following the developmental readiness for these younger children and age 

appropriate response materials.
 

Godly Play Extreme for children 1st through 5th grade. These students will meet downstairs in room

105. In addition to the foundational stories, they will hear more about individuals in the old and 

new testaments as well as some of the saints we recognize throughout the liturgical year. The older

students in this class will be invited this year to tell a story to the rest of their class if they 

choose.

Teens: 2 teen classes of Journey to Adulthood for students in grades 6 to 12 will be 

offered on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings as part of EYC (Episcopal Youth Community). Journey 

to Adulthood is a complete youth ministry program of spiritual formation for 6th to 12th grades. It 

encourages relational ministry with many adults from the congregation. It uses Bible study, prayer, 

rites of passage, outreach ministries and both serious and playful activities to underscore the 2 

guiding principles:

1) Manhood & womanhood are free gifts from God and
2) Adulthood must be earned.
 

Rite 13: The first 2 years for students in grades 6 to 8 celebrate the individuality of each young 

teen and their creative potential, while exploring Biblical stories of God & God’s people. The Rite 

13 liturgy is the community expression of this and serves as a rite of passage from childhood 

towards adulthood.

J2A Pilgrim Year: The next segment for grades 9 to 11 helps teens create and 

understand the importance of Christian community as they develop critical thinking and other skills 

they will need in adulthood. The group will make a spiritual pilgrimage during the summer of 2012 

to mark the end of J2A.
 

EYC: the Sunday evening program will meet weekly unless a Diocesan youth event occurs or it is a 

holiday. Sunday evenings will continue to blend Journey to Adulthood classes, service projects, and 

fellowship for all 6th to 12th graders. About twice a month groups will gather in their respective 

Journey to Adulthood classes.
 

Adults: the 9 am education hour will also offer a program in the Parish Hall. A schedule of topics 

will be available on the information table.

I hope everyone at St. John’s will get involved in one of the Sunday Christian Formation classes 

offered this year. Additional assistance and leadership is always welcome. Let me know if you would 

like to help!

Please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a phone call if you have any questions about 

the programs at St. John’s.

See you at Church!

Peace,

Diane Bjorklund,
Director of Christian Formation

Primary office at Home: 233-4715 Email: DianeBjorklund@mchsi.com