St. Gabriel’s Church School Mission Statement:
is to nurture and grow the Christian faith of our children through study of the Bible, faith-building activities and good fellowship. We wish to empower our families and children to have faith-filled lives of service and be prepared to share with others the love of Jesus Christ.
Where and when we meet:
Infants and Toddlers are welcome in our church nursery down the hall on the right Sunday mornings starting at 9:45 am to be cared for by two caregivers. If babies become fussy in the worship space parents can bring them out to the narthex to calm them and still listen to the service there.
Children from Preschool to 6th Grade are invited to attend St. Gabriel’s church school on Sunday mornings starting at 9:45 am.
Sunday Morning Church School starts promptly at 9:45 am starting September 12, 2010. Children of all ages start out together, gathering in the large classroom to the left of the kitchen for a teacher and mentor-led group project, and then will adjourn with teachers to their respective classrooms for age-appropriate church school. Preschoolers through 1st grade will adjourn to the small classroom, 2nd-3rd graders will stay in the large classroom, and 4th- 6th graders will go to the youth room. Children will rejoin their families in the worship space right before Communion. Once a month children will come in at the beginning of the service, either sitting together in the provided “soft space” with quiet activities and a worship leader or sitting with their families to experience and participate in the entire service together. All children (including invited friends) within each age group are welcome to participate in church school. Each classroom is staffed with two teachers who have attended Episcopal SAFE training on child safety.
What we teach:
The center of our Sunday mornings is to pray, worship, proclaim the Gospel, and teach the promotion of justice, peace and love: Christian education for everyone flows out of these basic tenets. Our primary textbooks are the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.
Preschool through 1st Grade Godly Play Designed by an Episcopal priest, Godly Play follows the church calendar and uses story props and storytelling to help children come to know God and to make meaning of their lives. Rather than telling the children what they need to know or entertaining them, Godly Play shows children how stories of God’s people connect with the child’s own experience and relationship with God. It respects the innate spirituality of children and encourages the curiosity and imagination in experiencing the mystery and joy of God.
2nd through 3rd Grade Seasons of the Spirit Using a creative curriculum that follows the lectionary readings and church calendar, Seasons presents age-appropriate lessons that explore meaning and mystery in the Bible, are grounded in thoughtful theology, empower children to be transformed in Christ, nurtures the imaginative spirit and integrates opportunity for worship, learning and serving. It uses a creative, holistic approach to faith formation and faithful living, emphasizing sacred rituals, prayer and service.
4th through 6th Grade Seasons of the Spirit Also following the lectionary readings and church calendar, this Seasons curriculum speaks to this older age group’s way of learning and understanding of God by using more discussion, group activities and direct readings from a contemporary- language children’s Bible.
In addition to class time, our church school program includes special activities and units geared to Episcopal Church worship, including music and singing, Advent traditions, a Christmas and Epiphany pageant, Shrove and Lent preparation, Holy Week/Easter instruction, Palm Sunday egg hunt, Communion classes, and service projects for our church, our community and the world.
Our church school leaders and teachers:
St. Gabriel’s Church School Committee includes the church school and family ministry coordinators as well as other committed volunteers and exists to manage church school curriculum, to support teachers and parents as spiritual mentors, and to provide worship, service and fellowship opportunities for children and families in order to help St. Gabriel’s church school fulfill our church school and family ministry basic mission. Meeting at least four times a year and working together throughout the year, anyone is welcome to join in this important ministry.
Teachers and Classroom Helpers teach in a month-long rotation for our three age-appropriate classrooms. We know that volunteers’ time is valuable and so we allow for flexibility in teaching schedules. Since new church school volunteers work with more experienced teachers as part of a team, previous teaching experience is not expected. All teachers/helpers attend a SAFE class teaching child safety. Our church school coordinators and clergy provide support and encouragement to our teaching staff, and the church provides curriculums, library resources and supplies. We always welcome college youth or adults interested in joining in our Church School teaching ministry. Please contact one of our church school teachers or coordinators if you are interested or have any questions.
Church School Coordinator Whitney Joshi wrjoshi@stgabrielonline.org
Family Ministry Page Clothier pageclothier@stgabrielonline.org
