PARISH PROFILE

- education at st. james’ church -

TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE & LOVE OF GOD AS REVEALED IN JESUS CHRIST

Education for All Sizes

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

St. James’ offers multiple programs to engage and enlighten our parishioners from preschoolers to adults. Our purpose is to involve children and adults in a common religious experience in the Anglican tradition -one that is grounded in Scripture, Liturgy and Prayer and in which the religious values of contemplation, community, and communion with God predominate. 

ADULT EDUCATION

St. James’ offers programs to engage and enlighten fellow parishioners. On Sundays, we provide multiple offerings for the 10 am Sunday School hour.  Some classes are led by the clergy and some are led by lay members. Our priests use a variety of formats for adult Sunday School.  We also have some invited speakers, usually around theme topics. 

Our strong Adult Education Committee works with our clergy to present a variety of programs that will attract a cross-section of parishioners and will engage participants in discussion and learning. St. James’ also offers Christian education programs on weekdays and evenings, including four different Bible studies, Education for Ministry, and a monthly luncheon Book Talk. The Adult Education Committee also oversees yearly adult confirmation classes.

THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

In 1985, St. James’ was one of the first churches in the nation to embrace The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as our principal approach for Christian formation of our children. The Catechesis is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Its primary aim is help children and adults draw close to God through contemplation of scripture and liturgy.

Catechesis occurs in a Montessori prepared religious environment called an atrium. The adults who work with children in the atrium are called catechists.  St. James’ has a Parent –Toddler atrium for children age 3 years and younger, two Level I atria for children 3 – 6 years of age, a Level II atrium for 6 – 9 year old children and a Level III atrium for 9 – 12 year old children.  Each atrium lifts up a different aspect of the Gospel which speaks to the particular needs of that age.   

St. James’ hosted the first regional formation course for adults offered by The United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This course, held over six summers and attended by participants from 12 states, set afire the spread of Catechesis in the Episcopal Church. Since that first course in 1990, St. James’ has continued to be a leader in the formation of catechists. Our Director of Children and Family Ministries, Mary Nell Prichard is nationally recognized for her work as a formation leader.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR OUR YOUTH

St. James’ encourages all 6th graders to participate in a yearly confirmation class which concludes in the spring with confirmation by the Bishop. The offerings for grades 7-12 have been redesigned and will be based on the Journey to Adulthood curriculum.  Our mission is to help teens feel loved by our congregation and by God. A history of low attendance and lack of engagement by St. James’ youth propelled this change. Our present curate was recruited in part to head up the new program, and he has dedicated time, energy and talent to create a sustainable program that engages our youth.

OTHER CHURCH PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

St. James’ offers a Sunday nursery program for ages birth to 2 years, in a safe and rich learning environment with an abundance of love and respect for every child. 

A weekly Music and Movement, or M & M's class, taught by a local musician enlivens the week for babies, toddlers, parents and grandparents. 

St. James’ Children’s Garden offers children and families a sacred space to plant and tend vegetables, fruits, and flowers every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. 

The planned new children’s outdoor chapel will be in this garden.

JAM, or Jesus and Me, offers first through fifth graders a monthly Sunday afternoon session for fun and fellowship. 

During the COVID-19 crisis, our ministry to young children and their families has broadened to help children maintain their connection to the church, to create new rituals, and be reminded of the love of Christ in their lives.

THE CHILDREN AND FAMILY COMMITTEE

This committee focuses on children from birth through the sixth grade.  Committee activities for the kids include a Fall kick-off party, the Christmas pageant, Shrove Tuesday and Easter festivities, casual cookouts and home gatherings.  This Committee supports the Catechesis program and helps young families connect to our church.