Community & Christian Formation Programs
Christian Formation Mission Statement:
The mission of the Christian Formation program (Sunday School) is to inspire a lifelong desire in the hearts and minds of our young people to know the love of God by following the teachings of His Son, Jesus Christ.
In cooperation with parents and the entire congregation
of Calvary, we will assist young people in living their baptismal covenant through:
- Practicing regular prayer and worship;
- Instilling knowledge of the Scriptures;
- Imparting the meaning of the liturgy and sacraments of the Church;
- Living daily lives while integrating faith into all that we do.
Children's Nursery
8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Second Floor, Room 212
Infants and toddlers experience the love and comfort of the church family while being cared for during classes and services.
Christian Formation Classes
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., Second Floor
Godly Play:
Level I: Four-Year Olds & Kindergarten
Level II: 1st - 3rd Grade
A program designed to teach children the art of using parables, sacred stories, and individual reflection to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.
Intermediate:
4th & 5th GradeA two-year program focusing on the liturgical seasons of the church, the Holy Eucharist, the Bible, church history, the Book of Common Prayer, Calvary history, and the Episcopal Faith.
Youth:
Level I: 6th - 8th Grade (Jr. HIgh)
Level II: 9th - 12th Grade (Sr. HIgh)
Using two sets of curriculum, Confirm Not Conform, and Making It Real & Relevant, the youth classes go in depth in Bible exploration, foundation and theological study. Stewardship, and church history are used to help youth explore scripture and learn how to apply the Christian message to their daily lives. Students also continue their education in preparation for confirmation. At the age of 13, we celebrate the Rite of Pilgrimage. Confirmation is offered once a year, usually in the Spring. Youth Sunday has traditionally been celebrated at Calvary on Mother’s Day, a time when Calvary ’s youth participate in almost all aspects of the service: ushering, greeting, chalicing, acolyting, and one of the seniors offers the Sunday sermon at all three services.
The Elementary Choir
A choir program for grades k-5 as part of our Christian Formation meets from 9:35 – 9:55 each Sunday in Room 203. The choir will be learning some of the hymns used
in the service, preparing for psalm leading, and preparing pieces to be performed in the service on various occasions, including the Christmas Pageant. Registration will be
on Sunday, September 6th at 10:00. Mary Redden will be directing. She would also welcome any Youth who would like to be class helpers.
Youth Ministries
Rooted in the belief that Jesus models how to be in relationship with one another, Calvary offers spiritual, social, and service oriented activities for teenagers. There are many opportunities for adults to join us, participating and serving as mentors. Throughout the year, some of the typical activities include: Progressive Dinner, Hunger Walk, Wayside Christian Mission, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, lock-ins, service projects, etc. In the spring of 2010, the youth met for a movie night in the South Tower, sold tomato plants to raise money for the Calvary Food Closet, hosted a fundraising Chili Contest for Choices, sponsored a bake sale (again raising funds for the Calvary Food Closet), and hosted hospitality. Plans are underway for this summer to have a swimming party and picnic at Lakeside Swim Club, a meet and greet event to welcome the Erdman family, and plan a time to help cleanup the community through Metro Parks.
Anna & Mark Fleshman and Beth Vail, Youth Leaders
Callie Hausman, Director of Community & Christian Formation
Adult Formation
Adult Forum: Sunday 10:00 a.m. t0 11:45 a.m., Parker Hall
The Adult Forum includes subjects from theology, Bible study, current events, and practical life issues and experiences. These offerings are facilitated and taught by clergy and laity. Suggestions for topics are always welcome.
Special Events
Lenten Event
Advent Event
Christmas Event
Greening of the Church
All Saints Event
Easter Event
Parish Picnic
All Saints Camp Retreat
Epiphany Extravaganza
Earth Day
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) is being offered at Calvary for the first time this year. EfM operates under the premise that we are all called to serve as ministers in the church. Through small group study, theological reflection, and prayer, we hope to generate a deeper sense of community and vocation for all members of the Body of Christ. Seminars include studies of the Old Testament, New Testament, Church history and theology. Beginning in September, meetings are held throughout the year on Monday evenings. Registration for newcomers is held annually in August.