Announcement from our recently hired Christian Formation Director
Hello families! First, let me thank the Vestry and Rector for their confidence in me to lead our congregation forward as Christian Formation Director. Youth Christian Education, including Sunday school and church camp, was a very important part of my upbringing, and I want to build upon what we already offer at St. Stephen’s to create a program that covers youth 0-18.
I have spoken with congregants who have been involved with youth Christian education for many years, either as teachers or parents of participants, and with Fr. Paul. Based on those conversations, the plan for St. Stephen’s is to offer four distinct groupings and associated curricula: child care for 0-3 year-olds, Godly Play for 3-8 year-olds, and new, dynamic curricula for 8-12 year-olds and 13-18 year-olds, such as Journey to Adulthood and Rite 13. We will hold Confirmation classes as needed. We will continue to grow the acolyte program. We will continue to hold the Christmas pageant and plan other opportunities for active youth participation in the services throughout the year. Finally, we will attempt to hold 2-3 intergenerational opportunities each year.
I hope over the summer to formally and/or informally chat with those of you with children who would want to be involved in these Christian Education opportunities. I will be at coffee hour most Sundays and I am always available by email: mreeves.ststephensmidd@gmail.com.
I would like to hold a group meeting after the 9am service on July 2 with parents and others who want to be part of the program to plan a summer outing, plan fall leadership, and determine the best time and day for the two older youth groups. I will also be looking for volunteers to help teach the regular classes and supervise activities. We will start the curricula once we go back to two services on Sundays, September 10.
Please send me an email if you have any questions or if you want to communicate with me but can’t join the meeting.
Michael Reeves
