Christian Education
"She will feed him with the bread of learning, and
give him the water of wisdom to drink."
(Sirach 15:3)
Whether you call it Sunday School, Christian Education, or Christian Formation, setting time aside to learn the powerful message of Christ’s love, and how it applies to our lives, is meant for God’s Children of All Ages!
On Sundays, during our program year that runs from mid-September through mid-May, St. Luke’s offers Christian Education for all ages. Summers offer fellowship opportunities to continue church relationships.
Adults:
- Summer (June – August): The Parish Hall is open between church services for informal fellowship with the Pastor and Deacon. Come chat about the Gospel, share your stories or seek guidance.
- Academic Year (September – May): Adult Forum sessions will be held from 9:15-10:00 AM in the parish hall. Feel free to stay until the start of church to continue the conversation! The 10:00 AM ending time is designed to give participants in the 10:30AM service opportunity to prepare.
Our new Forum format features a rotating cast of speakers, or discussions of Bishop Scanlan's weekly videos, a TED talk, or a thought-provoking question followed by group discussion. Join us!
Child care is available – quiet activities in the Children’s Corner of the parish hall, or upstairs in the Nursery or the Children & Youth area.
- All Year: After the 10:30 AM service, a coffee hour with refreshments (beverages and typically a light lunch fare) is held for the same benefit: fellowship, socialization, and advice.
- Education for Ministry: For those wanting a more in-depth experience, Education for Ministry (EfM) is available - sometimes here at St. Luke's and other times through a cooperative effort within the Diocese. EfM is a 36-week, small-group program designed by The School of Theology, University of the South, for lay persons to explore their faith and learn to apply those insights to our own lives. Find out more about the program on their web site, efm.sewanee.edu/. Contact our Church Administrator for information about joining St. Luke's group.
Special Events:
Intergenerational programs are held several times throughout the year, for example, on the Baptism of our Lord, Pentecost, and the Stations of the Cross in Eastertide. These activities are a special time when young and old share the Good News together.
Children and Youth:
- Summer (June – August): Come upstairs at 10:15 AM on Sundays to sing with guitarist Grandpa Bob. Stay for guided free play and snacks; then we will join the larger parish family downstairs at the time of The Peace.
We host a Vacation Bible School (VBS) event once each summer. Past themes have included: This Zoo is Not For You, The Maker Made Me (Lego VBS), and Superhero Training Camp.
- Academic Year (September – May): Join us upstairs at 10:15 AM on Sundays to sing with guitarist Grandpa Bob and stay for Children & Youth Chapel. We rejoin the larger parish family downstairs at the time of The Peace.
* Safe Adults Only: At least two (2) Safe Church trained and certified adults are always with the children and youth as mandated by the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna. All take the Episcopal Church’s child protection training and pass criminal and child-abuse background checks every three years.
* During Adult Forums (9:15-10:00 Sunday morning), children may enjoy the quiet activities in the parish hall Children’s Corner, or are welcome to come upstairs for informal activities.
- All Year: We welcome Children in the Church. Children and youth are invited to Deacon Eric’s “Kids Come-Up” story reflection every week.
* Children are always welcome to attend “big” church with the congregation. There are many benefits of families worshiping together. If you would like something to keep young hands busy while in church, stop by the table at the sanctuary door: you will find bags with coloring pages & crayons, and quiet activities to enjoy while you are here.
Children and Youth Chapel
Our Chapel is a cozy space upstairs, where children and youth can grow in faith. We believe children and youth need connection, care and consistent relationships, and we are proud to host a wide range of ages. Chapel is an abridged, child-friendly emulation of the Rite II liturgy.
Key moments in a Chapel service:
* Choose a helper to care for the candles on the altar.
* Sing an Opening Song and pray an Opening Prayer.
* Then, the Story! Using props, costumes, activities out of the Surprise Box or Godly Play, we share the same Gospel reading that parents are hearing downstairs (this helps families have fuller discussions and Christian lives as they explore parallel themes). Our stories are always age-appropriate and interactive.
* Recite the Children’s Creed (I believe in God above, I believe in Jesus too…).
* Invitation to offer Prayers of the People.
* Sing a Closing Song.
* After this service, we move to the work room for a craft, worksheet or other artistic expression to reflect on the story. We serve a snack (let us know about any allergies!), and we come downstairs to join the larger parish family at The Peace.
For details on all of our programs, check out our Calendar and Events, or contact our Church Administrator.
