Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV)
Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others and all creation. In this process, we are transformed into the people God wants us to be. The Episcopal Church has gracefully articulated how we answer God’s call in this Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation.
~Formation Charter, Episcopal Church Lesson Plans That Work
For Youth
At St. Andrews Kids Rock!
In 2010 we established our All God's Children Service designed to engage children, especially appropriate for children with special needs. The service is a lively combination of music, prayer, Bible stories, movement and Holy Communion, and a safe place for kids to be kids. The only noise we frown upon is “Shhhhhhh”.
Sunday School at St. Andrew follows our all God's Children Service, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday at 9:45 AM. We gather in our parish hall for a children's snack time (their own coffee hour), before we break out into age appropriate groups for approximately 35 minutes of instruction by volunteer teachers and assistants.
Our current curriculum, An Illustrated Compassion: “Learning to Love Like God” turns to scripture for examples of God's compassion throughout the Bible, and encourages our kids to ask what it might look like for all of us to lead more compassionate lives.
In the summer we hold a multi-generational Vacation Bible School, a theme based fun-filled program during the summer months, to keep the families connected with the congregation during a time when many do not attend church. Vacation Bible School includes games, snacks, crafts, skits, and of course Bible lessons.
Children ages 4 to 16 are welcome.
For Adults
All of us are on a journey to – and with – the Holy. At St. Andrew’s our journeys of discernment and discovery focus on God, the Episcopal Church, and ourselves and our community. We ask questions of God and of one another, and we listen and learn together. Some learning is through formal classes, led by clergy and laypeople. During Advent, Lent and other times, we seek God together.
Learning happens through conversations about the Bible and other readings. Some people take advantage of programs offered in the Diocese, such as Education for Ministry. There is something for everyone, and always something new to discover. Where is God working in your life? What would you like to ask God?
Preparation for Confirmation
In the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, young people can be confirmed as early as the eighth grade. Teens prepare through a series of lessons, discussions, a service project and a retreat with other youth from the Diocese. They learn that in the Episcopal tradition, the Church is something much bigger than any one congregation and that their beliefs are valued and their questions respected.
See the Rector for additional information.