Spiritual Growth Through Christian Formation
"Teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do." Exodus 18:20
Wanting a better connection with Christ? Good Shepherd’s Sunday School and other education programs focus on bringing our children, teens, and adults into a deeper relationship with our Saviour. We teach Holy Scripture and Liturgy coming together to give our children a better understanding of Jesus and our lives in Him.
From Adults to Infants there is something for everyone. Look below for more details.
Infants and Toddlers
Our experienced nursery staff and volunteers make sure that your children have a great and toy-full time while you take a few moments to pause and worship during any of our services. Childcare is also happily provided for study groups and all other occasions.
Pre-K through 1st grade
We are excited to be using Godly Play this year. Godly Play is a Montessori-based method of Christian formation based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. Godly Play gives children the opportunity to learn the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence and direction in their lives. In their Godly Play journeys, the children will hear important stories of our faith--starting with Creation taking them through to the Exile and Return. If you are curious about Godly Play, you may read more at http://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/newsite/Main, or join us for a Godly Play session!
Rebekah Blakley and Gina Aguirre – Teachers
Grades 2 & 3
As Sunday school gets underway, we plan on reviewing and memorizing the Lord's Prayer. We will draw the Lord's Prayer and make a prayer ribbon that will help us remember it. After that, we will begin studying some of Jesus' important parables. We look forward to a great year with our class!
Rachel Kossover and Patty Eleeson – Teachers
Club 4/5, Middle School, Senior High
Grades 4/5, Middle School, and Senior High classes are using age-appropriate Bible storying. The purpose of Storying is to create an environment for both leaders and students to experience and join in God’s Story. Although each class will be hearing the same story, the interaction and activities will be geared to the age and interests of the group. More information on the method being used can be found at http://www.echothestory.com/home/.
For thousands of years, stories were the key means for Jewish and Christian people to learn and experience God. Storying is a sequential telling of Bible stories followed by a time of review and dialogue. Founded in the ancient Hebrews approach to the scriptures, storying is a unique learning process, revolving around energetic storytelling, imaginative observation and lively dialogue.
Leaders for these groups are Carol Maddox, Rich Harvey, Cara Ledy, Danette Friedel, Markus Shields, and Karen Bloss.
Youth Groups
High School Youth and Middle School Youth meet in their respective rooms (in the west wing) at 6 p.m. every Sunday night! Snacks, games, discussions, and holiday activities dominate these groups’ and offer lots of time for making new friends and finding old ones.
Small Group Studies
The Tuesday Morning Study Group will be starting a new series called "Fire on the Mountain!" It promises to "spark" some interest in "hot" conversations, peaking with a "scorching" personal discussion. Don't hesitate to come only once, if you want -- just to see if it feels like your kind of group. Whether once or every week, come join us at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in the Library.
Adult Christian Formation
