The Level 1 Atrium is a classroom for children ages 3- 6 years old. We came together each Sunday to work with and worship God. The classroom is organized into practical life works, parables of the Kingdom of God, infancy narratives (story boxes about Jesus’s early life), Paschal narratives (story boxes about Holy Week), geography of the Land of Israel, The Gifts of Baptism, the Gestures of the Eucharist, the Nomenclature of the altar, and the traditions of the Episcopal Faith. Our central teaching is the parable of the Good Shepherd, where we meditate on how we are each known and loved by God- the shepherd knows all the sheep by name and the sheep know the shepherd- they recognize his voice. The children worked in all these areas, with a particular emphasis this year on the liturgical calendar and the colors of the seasons, the parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value, Baptism- where we share in the light of Christ, and meditation during prayer table using a chime and making silence. A wonderful tradition the children started this year at the prayer table was to light the candles, turn off the lights, and sing, “The people who walk in darkness, have seen a great light.” It was a wonderful year.
Laura Marshall and Linda Cahill
It has been our pleasure to work with your children this year in the Bridge Atrium. We have enjoyed watching your children learn and grow in their relationship with God, which in turn makes our relationship deepen as well. Some of our lesson discussed this year were the last supper, the wedding feast, the symbols of religion, focusing on the cross, as well as special prayer time at the beginning and end of our class time. The children have a real natural acceptance and understanding of how Jesus is with us and how we help him in his mission. To explore the theme of joining god’s mission we created two banners, which we call our “Helping Hands”. The children each traced and painted their handprints to symbolize their helping hands in god’s mission. They then each wrote a few words describing what they did to help others. They found out they help many people in small and big ways at home and the wider community.
We look forward to next year with more lessons, singing, crafts and activities to help our children grow in their understanding and personnel relationship with God.
Thank-you for sharing your children with us this year!
Michelle, Jean, Linda, and Ellen
It has been a wonderful experience and privilege to work with your third, fourth, and fifth grade children in the Firelight Class. This year we introduced a new curriculum called Most Certainly True! Living the Catechism. It led us into a variety of teaching techniques that really brought to life the many Biblical stories we discussed throughout the year. The lessons discussed this year were Holy Baptism, Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, and Holy Communion. Each week, we would start with a lesson story and then we would do a project that allowed us to truly feel and experience what we had just discussed. One week for Holy Baptism, or “Splash in the Spirit” as we called it, we did a food project where we discussed the importance of water to baptism. Then we made a sparkling fruit and water seltzer and decorated a cookie to be our baptismal reminder. During another “Splash in the Spirit” lesson we learned about becoming part of God’s community and then acted out the “splashing by John”. We made a 4-5 foot Jordan River and we made John’s sandals and rough clothing. Then the entire class acted out the story of John inviting folks to be baptized and his ultimate baptism of Jesus. This is just a small example of the active learning that took place with our children this year in the Firelight Class.
We look forward to next year and having a different set of Biblical lessons to further our children’s understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord, our God.
Elizabeth, Denise, Melissa, Lauren, Gail, Bruce, and Nicole
This is the first year of a two year program of Rite 13. The kids really enjoyed the first year of Rite 13. We've purchased student bibles and have started reading and understanding more about the bible. We had a great time helping the J2A kids raise money through the Pancake Supper. Nine of our students participated in the Rite 13 Celebration of their progression to manhood and womanhood in a ceremony during our worship service. The program has helped the kids learn more about themselves and about how God and Jesus are part of their lives.
Laureen Burgess, Trina Teele, Sally Chagnon and Nancy March
This was the first of two years in the J2A, or Journey to Adulthood, program which is new at All Saints' Church. It is the follow up to the Rite 13 Class. The class is designed to encourage self exploration, and provide a spiritual context in which to examine and participate in adult situations in a thoughtful and realistic manner.
Some of the highlights of this year's class:
The teens were an interesting, thoughtful group, who show acceptance, support, and affection for each other. Next year we will miss Devan Ware, as he and his family are moving back to Georgia this summer. J2A had a fun year, and we look forward to the second part of the program!
Denise Sullivan, Joe McHugh, Angie Ackert Reaney, Bethanne Economeau
The high school class met periodically through the year to discuss scripture and reflect on their faith. We regret that we don’t have a more detailed summary-that’s due to the last minute compilation and not the teachers fault- please find a teenager and ask them about their experience in the church school. Thank you to the leaders, Brian Hunter and Anne Ludlow.