Children’s Fellowship

The faith formation program for children and youth at Chalmers attempts to provide a welcoming environment where children can engage their faith in meaningful ways. Rooted in Biblical story we use a variety of activities to encourage the children to experience God’s love made known through Jesus. Children are encouraged to ask questions and articulate for themselves the wonder of God’s love in their lives and the world.

The Faith Formation / Christian Education Committee of Chalmers welcomes all babies, children and youth to be part of this ministry as we grow in faith together.

The Rev. Beth Hayward and her many volunteers provide leadership to the children’s program. Sarah Wallace provides care in the Nursery and volunteers are always welcome.

In 2010 we begin a new program with the youth of Chalmers, co-ordinated by Jen Strychasz.

Rite ‐13 is an integrative curriculum from the Episcopalian Church in the U.S.
Rite‐13 is a two‐year program designed to build self‐esteem in the
context of the Christian community.
The goals of Rite ‐ 13 include:
- To celebrate God’s gift of manhood and womanhood.
- To affirm the power of creative energy and to explore the
thoughts and disciplines which allow individuals to effect
change in the world.
- To teach, by word and example, the principles of freedom,
responsibility and friendship.
The life of Jesus was relatively short—only thirty‐three years. Still,
he sets the example for all of our lives, whether we are nine or ninety,
thirteen or thirty‐three. His pattern of building relationships, exploring the
Holy Scriptures, obedience, and sacrifice is the pattern for us all.
In offering Rite‐13 we hold three main objectives:
1. building a community
2. establishing relationships which honour each individual's gifts
and talents
3. to unfold a basic understanding of the call of God on all of us.
as we support and nurture one another along the way.
In working with young teenagers, it is important to remember that
these young people often experience themselves as "shut out" from the
normal discourse of the Church. They have difficulty finding the relevance of sermons aimed at adults, snippets of the Bible lectionary readings, and prayers which seem to have very little to do with the most salient feature of their lives: growing up! They are no longer the adorable little ones we love to see in their Sunday best; nor are they adults. Nevertheless, they are full members of the Church because of their baptism. They are already members of the mystical Body of Christ. The joy of our sacrament is available to them. The Scriptures are spoken to them. The Church is their Church, now and always.

         Children's Fellowship Classes

The Church School Program will be using the Seasons of the Spirit Curriculum with supplements from many other sources. Children's Fellowship focuses on major Bible stories while relating the stories to the children's experience. Art, drama, music, storytelling, and cooking are some fo the activities used with this group. The program will consist of the following groups this year:

Nursery Care For infant through 3 years Sarah Wallace provides care in the Nursery beginning at 10 am each Sunday. She is joined by a volunteer each week. The schedule in the Nursery is adjusted to meet the particular needs of the children gathered.

Primary Class For children ages 3 to 6 years. The Primary Class will be led by a caring group of volunteers including retired teachers, students and parent volunteers. The goal with this age group is to provide a welcoming environment where children are encouraged to engage the stories of our faith while being made to feel they are special and valued members of the church.

The Primary Schedule is:

10:30 ~ Gather in Worship with family

10:45 ~ Circle Time with Junior Class and A Place

11:00 ~ Snack Time

11:10 ~ Story and Activity Time

Junior Class For children in grades 2 through 5. The Junior Class will be led by the Rev. Beth Hayward. This age group will engage in Biblical story, faith in action, global and local justice issues through a wide range of activities: drama, music, science, art, sport etc

The Junior Schedule is:

10:30 ~ Gather in Worship with family

10:45 ~ Circle Time with Primary Class and A Place

11:00 ~ Story and Activity Time

(A light snack will be provided for this age group but we will not normally stop for a structured snack break)

Rite - 13 For youth in grades six and up. Rite - 13 is co-ordinated by Jen Strychasz and involves lots of volunteers. The teens will explore a wide range of faith issues plus local and global mission, as they continue to develop an inquisitive faith rooted in tradition and real life experience

Please click here for the Spring 2010 Schedule of Rite - 13.