Activities for Children and Youth

Welcome! and thank you for your interest in Holy Comforter's Children and youth Christian education programs. Our goal is to build a committed, caring community comprised of members of the congregation, parents, youth leaders and the clergy, whose purpose is to instruct, mentor, celebrate and support each child and/or youth in the development of their full potential as joyful children of God, in service to the world. These goals are achieved through age-appropriate Christian education programs, outreach projects, special youth activities and retreats, intergenerational fellowship programs and participation in worship. Our church has a strong group of paid staff and volunteer lay leaders, all dedicated to seeking for themselves, and bringing others, to the Kingdom of God. Special attention is given to providing the children/youth with a positive impression of coming to church, and developing the feeling of being part of an extended family. Please join us!

Sunday Morning

Cribbery

Childcare is provided for infants and toddlers under age 3 in a welcoming, comfortable, carpeted and air-conditioned space by a paid staff member during the 10 a.m. service. This allows parents time to focus on their own worship and prayer comforted by the knowledge that their child is engaged in active play and interaction with other children and with caregivers.

Pre-school

For ages 3-5, our pre-school program runs from 9:50 to 10:50 a.m. The program introduces children to the Old Testament stories of God's love and relationship with the colorful characters of the Old Testament and to the story of Jesus' birth and life, using multi-sensory, interactive activities, games and songs. After class, the children are brought into the church service to join their families for Communion. Throughout the year, special events and children's worship services are also scheduled.

Children's Chapel

This program, from 9:50 to 10:50 a.m., is for children in first through sixth grades. Led by trained adult and youth volunteers, Sacred Squares gives children of diverse ages the opportunity to become familiar with and participate in the rich worship practices and rituals that make us Episcopalians -- but in kid terms. Carpet squares become pews, Sunday papers become our bulletins and talented youth and adult members of our congregation perform for us and lead us in song. In addition, the Gospel is presented each week using interactive, multi-sensory activities, including drama, art and music.

Journey to Adulthood

A program for youth in grades 6 or 7 through 12, the groups meet alternating Sundays. Divided into three two-year components, this program strives to build community among the youth, while preparing them for confirmation, adulthood and their own ministry within the church. Over the course of the six years, youth learn the necessary skills of adulthood: listening, assertion, negotiation, research and information management, partnership and leadership and practice their newly acquired skills in the context of the supportive parish community. Young people meet twice a month at 9:50 a.m., then join the church service as a group for Communion. Students are given the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding confirmation at the end of the fourth year of this program (end of 9th or 10th grade). Confirmation is viewed as a step along the way, rather than the end goal of Christian education.