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 Junior Acolytes, and Junior Altar Guild provide wonderful ministries among us.
Upcoming Youth Formation Events:
May 2012
20th @ 9:45-10:15am – Acolyte & Worship Leader Rehearsal: David McClellan and Richard Tussey invite current Acolytes and Worship Leaders as well as those interested in learning more about this ministry to rehearse how we serve the clergy during the liturgy.
June 2012
2nd @ 5:30-8pm – J2A Bingo Night and BBQ Fundraiser! Come play Bingo and enjoy your first hot dog of the summer! Funds raised will benefit the J2A Youth Group as they look toward their Summer 2013 Pilgrimage.
9th @ 10am-2pm - Liturgical Ministries Training: All youth and adults involved, or wishing to become involved, in the following ministries please attend: acolyte, worship leader, Eucharistic minister, lector. The workshop, led by Rev. Dr. William Seth Adams, Dr. Nancy Ruff, Br. David McClellan and Br. Richard Tussey, is designed to get us all “on the same page” – to provide the appropriate training so that everyone serving will be familiar with the liturgical customs of our parish. This one-time training is required for those wishing to serve in these roles. This will be the last training offered until next fall/winter. Only those servers that have completed this training will be included in upcoming server schedules. If you are wondering if you are required to attend, please contact Shantina Steele.
10th – Last Day of Sunday School until September 9th!
- St. Augustine’s has a safe play area for children.
