Education
Adult Education
Priest in Charge of Education: Fr. Richard Leslie
Cursillo
This three day "Course in Christianity” is designed for individuals who are seeking spiritual renewal. Led by a team of laity and clergy, the weekend involves "talks”, group discussions, worship and prayer. Individuals wishing to attend must be "sponsored” by a former participant and recommended by their parish priest.
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Godly Play Sunday School
In addition to nursery, toddler, and Youth Group, we have two Godly Play rooms. Our Godly Play Sunday school is all about stories. The teachers use beautifully crafted figurines to teach our children the stories of the Bible.
The goal of Godly Play is to enable children to use sacred story, parable, liturgical action, and silence to become more aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives and in the community of children gathered for worship.
Every Sunday the biblical story is followed by a time of reflection when the worshipping community of children and teachers engage in open, shared dialogue about the story with one another, guided by the storyteller. There are “wondering questions" put to children. Some examples of these are:
I wonder what you like best about this story?
I wonder what is the most important part of the story?
I wonder who you are in the story?
Such questions are always open-ended and allow children to participate in the reflective process without fear of right or wrong answers. Wondering together is the community’s way of remaining open to the Holy Spirit and allowing the story to become part of our lives. This time of wondering shapes and deepens our knowledge of God and what God expects of us.
This time of reflection is followed by a time of active response. Children choose from a variety of good quality art materials such as watercolors, clay, tempura paints, felt, shells, wood, markers or colored pencils. They create their own responses to the lesson. Some children prefer to hear another story or will take down a story from the shelves and work with it on their own. The teachers’ primary concern is that work is a result of the child’s own creativity.
Following their work time the children return to the circle on the floor. We pray together and then go to the sanctuary for our communion feast. Children leave the circle one at a time so the storyteller has the opportunity to share personal words of affirmation and blessing. Godly Play supports children as they find their own place in the Great Story and discover their unique identity as a child of God.
This method was developed by the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, a Montessori teacher and priest, and is used by churches of many denominations throughout the US and many other countries.
Youth & Familiy Ministries
All God's Children Services
Four Sundays a year St. Mary’s celebrates a special service for children at 10 a.m. These festive services provide an opportunity for all ages to worship together. They include simple hymns and songs, self-generated prayers, the children’s choir, and a homily designed especially for children.
Children's/Youth Calendar
A special calendar of children’s and youth activities, programs, and events is made available to all parents and interested parishioners. It is included in the red newcomer packets and available at the Welcome Table during coffee hour.
Summer of Fun
For 13 Sundays this summer during the 10 o’clock service, the children of St. Mary’s will enjoy a variety of "classes” taught by a variety of folks while our regular teachers get the summer off.
Parish Camp
Held in late June at the All Saints Camp Ground in Big Sur. A chance for young and old alike to bask in the sun, hike, swim, sing and worship together under the redwoods.
Forms for 2011:
Homecoming Barbecue
At the end of the summer an all parish barbecue is held following the All God’s Children service. Hamburgers and hotdogs are provided while members of the parish provide food to share. Children enjoy a jump house, cotton candy, and other surprises.
Christmas Party
A Christmas party for all ages is held on the Saturday before Christmas in Edwards Hall. Parishioners bring food to share for the potluck supper. Games, cookie decorating, and a special visitor are planned for the children. Christmas carols are sung by all.
Rhiannon Spainhour and Beckett Barrett: Mary and Baby Jesus
Christmas Pageant 2007
