Education at St. Philip's

Learning about God and God's love are important aspects of faith. St. Philip's offers many educational opportunities for children, youth and adults. Prominent among these are:

Sunday School

Our vision: That children and youth feel, know, and share God's love.

Classes for children 2½ years old through 12th grade are offered on Sunday mornings from 9:35 – 10:25 a.m. Children are encouraged to worship with their families at either the 8:30 or 10:30 worship service. (A staffed nursery with paging service is available at the 10:30 service for children 6 weeks to 3 years of age.

In Sunday School, children grow in faith as they experience the Bible stories of God’s love. Caring volunteers share their faith with children as they learn together through storytelling, music, games, drama, art, and acts of helping others. Service projects throughout the year enable children to live out their Christian faith in meaningful ways.

• Rainbow Kids (2½-year-olds – Kindergarteners) gather to learn more about God’s love through singing, storytelling, puppet shows, art projects, and more.
• Children in grades 1-5 have a B*L*A*S*T! as they grow in their faith through a variety of experiences: drama, games, arts & crafts, science, music and service projects.
• Youth Live for grades 6-12 meets in Fellowship Hall and the Youth Room for worship, presentations and discussions relating to faith.

Families are asked to register their children for Sunday School. Forms are available in the church office or the Welcome Center.

Communion Class

Classes for children wishing to prepare to receive first communion are offered on a regular basis at St. Philip's. Realizing that children vary in their readiness for communion, parents are encouraged to consider the following about your child's readiness:

• Is the child asking questions about Holy Communion?
• Is there a verbal desire being expressed to receive communion?
• Does the child participate in the worship service? (sings the liturgy, says the Lord's prayer...)
• Does the child talk about feeling left out when other family members commune?
• Does the child understand being wrong and being forgiven?
• Does the child affirm that "Jesus love me" and "God loves me?"
• Is the child familiar with some of the stories of our faith and the stories about Jesus?
• Does the child desire to attend first communion class?

If you answered yes to some of these questions your child may be ready to receive communion. For more information, contact the church office.

Intergenerational Classes

Believing that generations learn from one another, St. Philip's offers opportunities at various times throughout the year to learn together. In Advent, for example, there is a fun Sunday morning event for all ages with music, food and crafts, as well as a special Wednesday night event called "Hanging of the Greens" during which time people of all ages decorate the church for Christmas. All are warmly encouraged to attend these special occasions.

An important part of our ministry to our children and youth are providing them and their families with meaningful tools to enrich their faith. "Baby Bibles" are given to families with new babies, and a variety of story Bibles and translations are given to children at various ages.