Welcome to St. Edward’s Christian Formation Programs
“Christian Faith Formation in The Episcopal Church is a lifelong journey with Christ, in Christ, and to Christ.”
– The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, approved by the 2009 General Convention
Greetings to our Youth!
During this time of COVID-19, when we are unable to meet at Church, we have some great “at-home” Christian Formation activities for youth, listed below with links to click for the activity sheets.
Throughout this summer, for each Sunday, we will post an audio introduction as well as a one-page lesson with the Biblical story, scripture, discussion questions, and a couple of suggested activities, including a few outdoor lessons and activities to learn about God in nature.
Feel free to send comments, questions, and/or suggestions to Leslie Arnold, Christina Formation leader.
Sunday, June 21st: Third Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 7
An audio introduction to the lesson by Leslie Arnold. Click here.
God Knows Us lesson. Click here to download the pdf.
Trinity Sunday – June 7, 2020
Here are some fun learning activities to celebrate Trinity Sunday, for all youth!
Trinity Sunday Youth Lesson (click here)
Trinity Pyramid Instructions (click here)
Trinity Pyramid (click here)
Enjoy this lesson!
Pentecost – May 31, 2020
We celebrate Pentecost on Sunday, May 31st, and to help our youth recognize this joyful time, I have assembled two separate “lesson and activity ideas” in separate infographics.
One is designated for children 3-11 (click on ages to the left)
and the other is for older children, ages 12-17 (click on ages to the left)
You may opt to share the discussion questions with your children and/or complete the suggested activities.
Please know that the text content is derived from the Christian education page of The Episcopal Church site.
2020 Absalom Jones Contest
Greetings Parents of St Edwards Youth,
All of you have children who are eligible to enter this writing contest that invites students throughout our diocese to participate in the 2020 ABSALOM JONES CONTEST. Students may compose a brief essay, poem, video, letter, song, vlog, or even an original artwork for entry!!! (Max word count is 200)
As an English teacher myself, I know this is the time of the year when students often encounter more demands from teachers to compose essays, complete artistic projects, and/or conduct research. For this reason, youth might be motivate to enter this contest to not only fulfill a school requirement but to also win a monetary prize and be honored at a reception in Harrisburg.
The contest has two categories grades 5-8, and 9-12. :
The website (link below) details the vent, and attached are two documents (available on the site) : a flyer description and the contest rules/application.
Deadline for entry is January 25; winners are recognized in February.
I am also willing to review and help youth revise their works.
Leslie, Christian Ed Director
Click this link for the entry form.
Click below to learn more about the February Celebration event.
https://diocesecpa.org/event/ube-absalom-jones-service-the-rev-martini-shaw-preaching/
The children had a fun class on December 15th, 2019 in which they read aloud a Christmas play, “Christmas Hope” in a combined gathering in our Christian Ed wing lounge area. They did a great job and the costume contributions were made possible through the artistic “angel wing” making of Christina McLaughlin and the headwraps were provided by Brian Newsome, who purchased them on a prior trip to Africa. Treats and hot chocolate were provided after the service.
The teachers for the 2020 Christian Education Year are:
Preschool – K: Peg Reiley and Leslie Arnold
Grades 1-3: Beth Hake
Grades 4-6: Joe and Christina McLaughlin
Jr-Senior Youth: Dottie Gschwend and Brain Newsome
The St. Edward’s Christian Formation ministry offers faith formation opportunities for people of all ages on Sunday mornings, September through May. Classes are not held on monthly 2nd Sundays.
Children
Classes for children are held during the 10:15 service, immediately following the children’s homily.
Pre-K-K (ages 3 1/2, 4 and 5) A modified Godly Play format actively engages the children as they listen to a Bible story and express the story through hands-on activities.
Grades 1-3 The Episcopal Childrenʼs Curriculum (ECC) is used as a guide for topics. Children in this class enjoy Bible stories, conversation and activities especially planned for them.
Grades 4-6 Using the ECC as a guide, discussions and activities center around faith and life issues relevant for the children.
Grades 7-12 The teens have an opportunity to gather for casual conversation about matters of faith, life experiences and topics brought to the table by the teens.
Special topics: In addition to the individual classes, the children, teens and teachers meet several times a year as one large class for special topics.
Outreach Ministry: The children are engaged in outreach ministry through a local food bank. We visited the food bank to “see and learn” more about this ministry. The children are integral in planning their participation and service in the food bank ministry.
Adults
Please visit the Adult Forum page for more information on this class.
CHILDREN & YOUTH POLICIES INFORMATION AND FORMS
Click here to view/download the St. Edward’s Children and Youth policies.
Click here to view/download the St. Edward’s Youth Permission Slip Form.