EDUCATION

Education is primary to our obligation of preaching and teaching the Gospel. As children we learn the stories of the people of our faith and our tradition. As adults we continue to learn, examine our faith and our tradition, apply it to our own lives and become better able to articulate it to others.

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION

Our parish community is committed to providing children a safe and nurturing environment in which they can develop or enhance a relationship with God.

NURSERY – Experienced, trained and supervised caregivers stay with infants and young children in our clean, safe and playful nursery.

"Good Shepherd Atrium", "Godly Play Class", "Inviting Word" are curricula for youth ages 3-10. The classes are designed to allow our children to learn and explore the stories of the people of God who have lived as Christians and Jews. Our children experience scripture and discover the richness of our tradition.

YOUTH EDUCATION

The Journey to Adulthood program is divided into two segments: "Rite 13" for the younger youth (beginning in the sixth grade) and the J2A for those about to be confirmed.

Rite 13 celebrates God's gift of manhood and womanhood, affirms the power of creative energy and explores the thoughts and disciplines which allow individuals to effect change in the world. It teaches the principles of freedom, responsibility and friendship.

J2A focuses on the skills and vocabulary which prepare a young person to participate in the adult community. We celebrate the transition from youth to adulthood.

Lock-ins, movie nights, ballgames, retreats and service projects are also an important part of young adulthood at St. Stephen's. Young people are encouraged to bring friends, their own ideas and leadership to all our activities.

ADULT EDUCATION

Adult Education offers a smorgasbord of classes at the 10 o'clock hour on Sundays as well as special programming throughout the year. Regular classes include:

Practical Wisdom Class – a group that uses a text to lead students through the wealth of wisdom texts that can lead to personal transformation.  Examples of the topics covered in this on going group class are Freedom from Fear, Living in the Present Moment, and Addictions or Preferences.

Adult Forum: a variety of speakers address contemporary and traditional topics. 

Family Focus Groups: a time to visit and share concerns of all families as they relate to nurturing a Christian home and family relationships. Facilitated by group members to provide fellowship to parents and other caregivers. St. Stephen's has two family focus groups: one for families with younger children and another for families with older youth and teenagers. The first group meets in the Monro building (in the classroom near the kitchen) and the second group meets in the Chatham Room off Pecore Hall. Both groups meet at 10:00 am on Sundays.

Discovery Class: for those who wish to learn more about the Episcopal Church, our beliefs and how we express our faith, and for those who wish to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church.

For current class listings, click to read The Star, St. Stephen's newsletter.