The Church School begins an exciting new program year on Sunday, September 12th. We’re using a new Episcopal curriculum called Weaving God’s Promises, published by More-house Education Resources . This meaningful and engaging curriculum teaches children of all ages how God’s promises of salvation are inex-tricably woven into our lives. Each lesson includes a Bible story, as well as information about Episcopal Church his-tory, seasons of the church year, church practices, use of The Book of Common Prayer, our Anglican and Episcopal tradition, and the principle sacraments of our Church: Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. It has a variety of stimulating activities—arts, crafts, games and more. It’s bound to be a hit with our kids!

However, curriculum is lifeless without teachers. We have a great Teaching Team busy preparing to teach: David Ad-ams, Daria Durling, Sarah Downing, Charlie Montgomery, Mary Schoppmeyer, and Racheal Scott. We’re so grateful for their commitment to the Christian formation of our chil-dren, and for their faith that undergirds their willingness to take part in St. John’s Teaching Ministry. Many thanks go to Charlie Montgomery who worked hard at recruiting this excel-lent team.

Each class session follows the model of Holy Eucharist as set forth in The Book of Common Prayer:

 Gathering—Simple story-related activities focus the children on the lesson to come, creating fellowship and building relationships.

 Telling the Sacred Story (Liturgy of the Word)—Telling the biblical story allows the children not only to absorb the story but all to feel its power.

 Prayer (Prayers of the People)—Children give thanks to God for God’s presence with us.

 Sharing (Holy Communion)—A time for fellowship and snack with a time of sharing the story that has just been told is followed by a time of activities to supplement and enhance the biblical story.