Children and Youth Programs

St. Michael's Church School
St. Michael's Episcopal Nursery School

Adult Programs

St. Michael's Book Group- Spring 2008

St. Michael's Church School
The goal of children's ministry at St. Michael's is to bring each child nearer to the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ. We firmly believe in the innate spirituality of children, and hope to provide an environment in which that spirituality can deepen and flourish. Our focus is on scripture, worship and service. Children are considered active participants and vital members of the parish community.

Church School is currently available for children - approximate ages 3-12. Classes are loosely grouped by age, allowing flexibility for children to begin and move through the program at a comfortable pace. Time is allowed each week for children of all ages to gather together in a sacred space for prayer, scripture and singing. Larger themes are frequently introduced at this time. The children then meet in smaller classes for further exploration of the lessons and related activities. Learning is accomplished by a variety of hands on and participatory activities. Questioning and discussion are strongly encouraged.

St. Michael's presently uses the "Godly Play" curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 5. The middle school youth group is using "Rite 13", a Journey to Adulthood program.

Church School meets at 9:30 AM on Sunday and lasts approximately one hour. Children then join in the remainder of the 10:00 AM worship service and the celebration of the Eucharist. For older children, there are opportunities for continued growth and involvement in parish life, particularly in the areas of acolyte service, choir and preparation for Confirmation.

St. Michael's Episcopal Nursery School
St. Michael's Episcopal Nursery School is a small, child-centered pre-school emphasizing social, behavioral and academic development through play. Our purpose is to foster the concepts of respectful, thoughtful and conscientious behavior within each child. We endeavor to provide a loving, warm, intelligent environment that reveres and exalts the imaginative and creative life of the young child providing age appropriate materials and activities to that end.

A process-focused curriculum allows for an unhurried, whole-child approach to learning, which we believe, acknowledges, supports and respects each child's individuality: preserving a sense of innocence, wonder and enthusiasm, while developing the skills that are fundamental to intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual growth.

The nursery school is located in two classrooms on the lower level of St. Michael's Church. Both rooms are well furnished with age appropriate manipulatives and toys that allow for an explorative, self-motivated and self-directed approach to learning.

We at St. Michael's believe that childhood is a very special time of life where imagination and creativity abound. In our efforts to supports this concept, we provide a deliberately small, organized and serene environment where children are able to move from one activity to another, learning at their own pace and in their own way.

Our belief is that the seed is planted in the 2-day class and that the flower blooms at the end of the 3-day class: with a wonderful unfolding and growth process taking place along the way. We often use the analogy of "building a sandcastle" to illustrate the essence of our philosophy. A child builds a castle in the sand and the sea washes it away. Yet the process remains part of the child's learning experience forever.