Overview of Sunday School at St. George’s
St. George’s has strong commitment to Christian Education and is blessed with a growing number of children. The teachers of St. George’s Sunday School continue to guide the youth of our parish through their life with Christ. Sunday School classes are held from September to June, with class composition determined by children’s ages and grade levels so that content is developmentally appropriate to each group.
Pre-School – Grade 3: Classes for children in pre-school to third grade meet weekly. Children attend the 10:00 a.m. service with their parents from the procession to the Gloria in Excelsis, then leave with their teachers to attend Sunday School. Following their lesson, the children return to the service to receive communion or a blessing. The Episcopal Children’s Curriculum (Pre-School/Kindergarten and Primary Levels) is used for these age groups. This curriculum seeks to support and strengthen the ministry of teaching in Episcopal congregations. Each class level’s curriculum includes lessons related to The Old and New Testaments, the Sacraments, and The Church. The Pre-School/Kindergarten level (Stories) focuses on stories about key people in the Bible, stories of experience with the sacraments, and stories about the early Church. The Primary level (People in Relationship) emphasizes the relationships of people in the Bible, with special attention given to the life of Jesus and his relationships with people.
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Grades 4 – 8: Recognizing that participation in the liturgy is also a significant part of Christian Education, the classes for older children meet bi-weekly from the sermon until after The Peace. This allows for upper elementary and middle school students to participate in the service as choristers and acolytes. The class for grades four and five uses the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum, Intermediate Level. Old Testament Units teach the concepts of covenant, prophecy, psalms and wisdom. Lessons about the life of Jesus focus on miracles, parables, and the coming of God’s kingdom. The Sacraments and Church history are also included in this curriculum. The class for middle school students uses the Living the Good News Curriculum for Young Teens. This Episcopal lectionary-based curriculum is designed to help students use their faith as they confront the challenges of growing up. The curriculum focuses on the day’s lessons, particularly on the Gospel and its relevance to the lives of young people. Forgiveness, repentance, faith, temptation, and mercy are just a few examples of lesson themes. Special attention is paid to understanding the seasons of the church year, feast days, and on being attentive to the liturgy itself.
Youth Group: The Youth Group is also an integral part of Christian Education at St. George’s. The youth group, for youngsters in grades six through twelve, meets late on Sunday afternoons twice a month throughout the school year. In addition to fellowship, music, games, and outreach projects, Bible Study is generally part of each youth group meeting. Under the guidance of the youth group leaders, the youth group develops and leads the parish in a youth service each year.
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