Sunday Church School Programs
We offer a curriculum which includes outreach activities, special parties and events, and age-appropriate exploration of our Christian faith.
During the school year, Church School classes (ages 6 – 12) meet from 10:00-11:00 am, between services. Children 3 to 6 years-old are invited to participate in classes during the 9:00 am service.
If you have someone at your house between 3 and 12 years old who might be interested in joining our church school classes, it would be of great help if you would let us know, so we will be expecting them.
Atrium Groups
Based on Maria Montessori’s theories of learning, the “Atrium” is organized to allow the children to independently explore activities that help them to deepen their understanding of God’s presence in their world and how we worship.
Atrium 1 Group
- Age Range: 3 to 6 years
- When: Sundays, 8:45am – 10:00pm
The Preschool/Kindergarten Group offers a first experience with group activity and religious instruction. The curriculum is from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which provides a prayerful approach that focuses on helping each child develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Activities are chosen which are approachable at a variety of levels. An activity that provides simple “doing” by the 3 and 4 year olds, often takes on deeper meaning and contemplation when done by the 5 and 6 year-olds.
Atrium 2 Group
- Age Range: 6 to 9 years
- When: Sundays, 10:00am – 11:00am
The Primary Group continues the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program using presentations and materials from the second level of the curriculum. At this level children are ready to reflect in more depth about the parables of Jesus and understand more a “cosmic” view of God’s work in the world. This reflective approach invites the students to create their own prayers and responses to God’s word as read from the Bible and to consider how this is lived out in the liturgy and our world.
Atrium 3 Group
- Age Range: 9 to 12 years
- When: Sundays, 10:00am – 11:00am
The Intermediate Group provides the older children with a place to examine their own developing beliefs within the context of the Bible, liturgy, and church traditions. This group uses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum to continue their studies of the Old and New Testament and explore the Episcopal liturgy in greater depth. Presentations include exploration of prayer, organization of the liturgy, and the Episcopal tradition. The children are encouraged to consider how God’s Plan takes shape in our world and how they contribute to that plan.
Supplemental Programs and Activities
Children’s Outreach Projects
- Age Range: 3 – 18 years old
- When: Varies
The All Saints Church School encourages children to participate in a variety of projects to benefit others.
Our children often participate with their families in the Food Pantry and Community Kitchen.
On the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend all ages gather to pack “Stockings from Santa” for each child in the Revive Christmas Basket program that are provided by our congregation members.
The Atrium 3 Group is encouraged to take a more active leadership role in outreach, planning, and leading projects. Examples include plant a vegetable garden to contribute to the Community Kitchen and Food Pantry and organize the All Saints Bake Auction each February that raises funds used to support education, medical care, LGBTQ rights, and clean water projects in east Africa.
ASYG – All Saints Youth Group
- Age Range: 12 years and up
- When: 2 Sunday evenings/month
- Special activities may be scheduled on other days.
During the year a variety of special events are planned for and by our young people.
ASYG meets two Sunday evenings per month from 3:30-5:30pm as well as for special programs. For upcoming ASYG dates and events view our calendar here.
Solemn Communion
- Age Range: 8+ years in the third year of Atrium 2 or older
- When: Meets for five 2-hour Saturday sessions and then a day-and-a-half-long retreat
For children who have reached their third year of Atrium 2. Solemn Communion is an opportunity to consider more seriously what it means to receive the Eucharist.
In the Episcopal Church children may receive the bread and wine from the time of baptism. As they grow older, they are able to examine the meaning of this gift more deeply. To do this time is set aside, apart from regular Sunday classes, for the group to come together. They meet for five two-hour Saturday sessions culminating in a day-and-a-half-long retreat. This retreat ends with a celebratory Eucharist planned by the children for their families.
Christmas Pageant
- Age Range: All ages
- When: December
One highlight of the year is our slightly non-traditional version of the Christmas story. While adults take supporting roles in our annual pageant, our children portray the main characters of the story. This encourages them to spend time thinking about the Biblical traditions.
Children don’t have to participate in the church school program to take part in the pageant. Often being in the pageant helps children get started with their involvement prior to joining a church school class or stay connected to the church when they have outgrown church school.
Youth and Children’s Formation Committee
We are very fortunate to have members of the congregation who are willing to make this service their ministry. Teachers and committee members meet regularly to share expertise and give support to make Youth and Children’s Formation a strong part of the life of our church. Special thanks to all who spend time on a weekly basis planning, preparing and showing up to love and share God’s word with our children. Anyone interested in joining is welcome.
