"We are the future of the church."
Children's Chapel service
Life at Emmanuel
Christian Education
An exciting new Christian Education program for all ages is being launched in September 2010. Emmanuel has been described as a “thinking person’s” church. Our Christian formation programs at all levels strive to inspire a thoughtful approach to spiritual growth, to provide forums in which to ask and answer questions about our faith and our role as Christians in the world today, and to renew the inner spiritual light in each of us.
We learn together and from each other.
Children
Emmanuel is a family friendly Church offering Christian Education for children from age 3 through Grade 6. (Professionally staffed child care for children under age 3 is also provided on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m.) Each Sunday morning, the Church School students, especially those aged 3 through second grade, process from the 10:00 a.m. chuch service to the parish hall for a “Chapel” service led by our teachers. The Children's Chapel includes scripture readings, story telling, singing, and an opportunity to learn more about the Episcopal faith tradition and our style of worship. Older children and youth are welcome to assist in the Chapel program. After the 40 minute Chapel time, the children return to the church to sit with their families and to share in Holy Communion with the rest of the congregation. Several times per year, the Worship Committee schedules Church School Leadership Sundays, when the students are invited to lead us in our worship services by serving as ushers, doing readings, and performing songs.
Children's Education is offered on Wednesday evenings, as well. Each Wednesday, the whole parish community is invited to gather for dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by age-appropriate instruction. Classes are offered for children aged 3 through kindergarten, 1st through 3rd grade, and 4th through 6th grade, as well as for youth and adults. The youngest children learn through introduction to the classic Bible stories. The older children follow the new "Weaving God's Promises" lectionary-based curriculum that helps them apply Jesus’ teachings to their life in the world today. This new curriculum was launched by the Episcopal Church during the summer of 2010. Emmanuel is excited to be one of the first congregations in the country to use it.
“Church is the place I like best next to home.”
—Student in Kindergarten/First Grade Class
Youth
Beginning in the fall of 2010, youth education classes for students in grades 7 and up will be offered on every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m., preceded by dinner at 6:30. In addition to offering weekly youth classes, Emmanuel's young people are encouraged to become confirmed members of the Episcopal Church. Confirmation Classes are offered every other year. The most recent group to be confirmed spent a year preparing for this major milestone in their lives, discerning what it means to be an Episcopalian while also exploring and learning about other religions through field trips and a spiritual retreat.
“When I see 15 or 20 raucous, happy kids burst in [to Church] during “The Peace” each week followed by a handful of dedicated volunteer Church School teachers, I feel happy and I feel a sense of hope for the future."
—Parishioner testimonial
Emmanuel's Youth Group is not only focused on the classroom. The Youth Group also meets periodically for field trips, such as attending a recent performance of “Jesus Christ, Superstar” at the North Shore Music Theatre. In addition, the youth of our parish are actively involved in our worship services, many serving as Acolytes or readers, singing in the Choir, or helping to teach Church School classes.
Adults
Like Emmanuel's younger members, the adults in the parish have a strong desire to deepen their faith and understanding. Our new Wednesday evening education program at 7:00 p.m., with dinner preceding, includes adult education every week. Sessions are led by the Rector, seminarians, guest speakers, and parishioners. Topics include world religions, deepening our spiritual life, understanding the Anglican Communion, as well as Bible study.
Monthly sermon reflection sessions are offered during coffee hour following the 10:00 a.m. service. During Advent, Lent, and other times during the year, additional adult education programs are held on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Recently, parishioners have participated in programs as diverse as an "Introduction to Hebrew Scripture" and “Pursuing God with U2,” a program exploring the religious themes and symbolism in the music of the rock band U2. During Lent 2010 Emmanuel joined with parishes throughout the Mystic Valley Deanery to offer a joint program titled "Stories of Healing & New life: Lenten Wednesdays in the Mystic Valley." Details can be found here.