Our understanding of Christian Formation is based on The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, put forth by an initiative of The Episcopal Church which defines Christian formation as “the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others and all creation. In this process we are transformed into the people God wants us to be.” The charter further states:
Formation is unceasing – serving the individual’s emerging understanding of identity, community, authority and purpose in Christ throughout their lives.
Formation is dynamic - encompassing learning, action and reflection.
Formation is formal and informal – informing, forming and transforming both the individual and the community.
Formation is hospitable – welcoming the “new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.” (Col. 3:10).
Here at St. Augustine’s we seek to follow this definition by providing the following formation opportunities for our young people:
Nursery (ages newborn to 3) 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: We provide childcare on Sunday mornings and for other major parish events. Childcare will include playtime and activities which will teach and express our Christian faith. Please contact the Church office to see if childcare will be available for a specific event or program.
Godly Play (ages 4-11), 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: This Montessori-based program seeks to instill in our young people a love for the stories of our faith. Built upon an understanding that children guide their own formation, we create an environment where they are invited to enter our Christian stories, ask questions, and make the stories their own. Each class period includes a Godly Play story that coincides with the church calendar followed by discussion in the form of “wondering” about our story. Following the “wondering” we choose an artistic way to further integrate the story which may include working with clay, painting, coloring, or a specific craft activity designed to enrich the story.
J2A (ages 12 & up) 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: This portion of our new Journey to Adulthood program seeks to honor the transition from childhood into adulthood within the context of the Christian Community. Celebrating the individuality of each young teen and their creative potential we explore Biblical stories of God and God’s people. The Rite 13 liturgy (Celebration of Manhood and Womanhood) is the community expression of this and serves as a rite of passage from childhood towards adulthood.
Other Youth Ministries: In addition to these opportunities, our Choristers (youth choir), Junior Acolytes, and Junior Altar Guild provide wonderful ministries among us.
Upcoming Youth Formation Events:
February 2012
- February 19th @ 5-7pm – Family Fun Night: Please join us for Family Fun Night on Sunday February 19th where we will make tacos together and watch “Despicable Me” rated PG. “When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better.” Please send me an email at formation@whidbey.com to let me know you will be coming!
- St. Augustine’s has a safe play area for children.