Christian Education

Education at Christ Church is a very important part or our Christian life. This page is designed to inform you about our Christian Education programs and help you consider ways in which your family can become involved. We provide nursery care for our youngest members, a church school program for children 3 years old through 5th grade, and junior and senior youth groups. There are also other opportunities for active participation in our worship life.

The Christian Education Committee meets periodically to discuss and plan events. Please check the church calendar for specific dates and locations. We consider all families of Christ Church as members of our Christian Education team, so parents are encouraged to attend as often as possible.

Christian Education Team Members

  Father Jim Corl 682-5795
  Melinda Sorrentino, Church School Director 682-6225
  Peter & Tricia Stegemann, Jr. Youth Group Contact 682-1791
  Renee Tembeckjian, Sr. Youth Group 682-1887
  Bobby Brenner, Sr. Youth Group 682-4446	
  Maria Dawson, Vestry Liaison to Christian Ed. 682-3360

Our Nursery Care program provides a warm, safe, nurturing environment for the youngest members of our Church. It is available every Sunday from 8 am until noon. Our staff ensures plenty of care and attention. Parents may attend services knowing their children are safe and happy in a comforting environment.

The Nursery is located on the first floor of the Hospitality House, which is next door to the church. If you or your child have any special needs, please let the staff know. We want to be sure your child is comfortable and secure with us.

Our Church School program is designed to allow children to learn about God and Jesus, along with developing meaningful relationships within our church family. Each Sunday, the children return to church during the Peace so that they may participate in the Eucharist with their families.

The Church School program is operated by loving and motivated volunteers who work as teachers, assistants, and coordinators. Parents are also encouraged to take an active role in the church school program by attending Christian Education meetings and volunteering when able.

Church school includes a forty-five minute class and a large group assembly time. Class time includes lessons which are guided by the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum (ECC). Bible stories, group discussions, crafts and projects are all examples of activities which occur in the classroom setting. The assembly time consists of singing, celebrating birthdays, sharing good news, and sharing prayers as the children learn the meanings behind the symbols and traditions of our church.

In addition to the curriculum based lessons, there are also a number of activities that the involve the entire church school as a group. The children are involved in stewardship activities involving the local food pantry and Alterra Senior Home as well as our annual Children’s Service in which they participate in nearly every aspect of the church service.

Your input and participation to the church school program is always welcome here at Christ Church. It will be a pleasure to be a part of your child’s church school experience!

Our Junior youth group welcomes all students in 6th and 7th and 8th grades. Classes meet each Sunday in the Parish Hall for assembly and in Hospitality House for lesson time. In addition, various social activities are planned which take the children outside the church setting.

Our Senior youth group is designed for students in grades 9 and up and meets each Sunday at 10am in the Parish Hall. The class sessions focus on thoughtful and age-relevant topics, which are intended to support and challenge the formation of young adult Christians. We also hope to support and develop their preparation for formal Confirmation classes, which occur during their high school years.

All special youth group activities are intended to blend fun, fellowship, and a sense of Christian purpose. Adults from our parish lead these special events, which are sometimes coordinated with other nearby parish youth endeavors.

We all believe that the present and future health of the church is vitally linked to the youth we prepare to lead it. Our kids need the prayerful and active support of their parish family as they grow into dynamic and committed young Christians.

Questions? Ask Peter & Tricia Stegemann (Junior Youth Group), Renee Tembeckjian & Bobby Brenner (Senior Youth Group)

In addition to the programs described, there are other opportunities for service and learning within our church community.

Crucifers and acolytes participate in our Sunday worship by serving at the altar and assisting the Celebrant.

The Teen Choir and Cherub Choir are another important part of our worship life. Teen Choir students practice each Sunday for 15 minutes immediately after church, while parents attend coffee hour. Cherub Choir (for younger singers) typically meets one evening during the week to practice. Both choirs offer occasional anthems during worship, and also participate in other services during the year, particularly during Advent.

Occasionally, a young person may be interested in and ready for other kinds of worship assistance, such as reading scripture (lector) or serving as an usher. Formal preparation and personal maturity is an important part of this calling, and we offer training and encouragement to those who wish to try it.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact the following individuals: