St. James’ Sunday School

Calling all youngsters from infant to teen!

The Sunday School Program is coordinated by Ms Jo Marley.  Class groupings include  Nursery and Tots ( infants to 4 yrs), Primary (ages 5-9 yrs ) and Intermediate (ages 10 to teen).   

Sunday School classes are held in the Parish Hall during the regularly scheduled  Family Service.  When lessons are completed, the children leave the Parish Hall to join their families in church for Holy Communion.

The 1^st Sunday of each month, the Sunday School children assist with various roles during the entire Family Service. They serve as Acolytes, Readers and Ushers. They present the Communion Gifts, collect the Offertory, ring the bell and act as Greeters. This involvement helps them to gain experience and to feel comfortable being active participants in the worship service.

This year we are using the ECC -Episcopal Children’s Curriculum which is published by Morehouse.   The curriculum runs on a three year cycle: the Shell Year, the Chalice Year and the Cross Year.  For 2007-2008, St. James is using the Shell Year materials which focus on Old Testament, New Testament, Sacraments and Church practice.  We are very excited about this program which will provide the resources to help “OUR” children in their growth as Episcopalian Christians .  Thanks to all our teachers and assistants!

 

St. James’ Youth Group

“Youth Of Thunder”

 

Jesus had a nickname for James and James’ brother, John.  He called them the "Sons of Thunder".  Throughout history, St. James is sometimes referred to as the "Son of Thunder".   Thus, we call our youth group “Youth of Thunder” (YOT).

 

Since “YOT Club” sounds like “yacht club”, the St James youth can imagine themselves as sailors and fishermen like the disciples were. They are young people who are learning to navigate through life with Christ as their captain.

 

The YOT Club of St. James has been meeting since 10/21/07.  Our group is all about fellowship, doing for the community, and service projects.  Young people from 4^th grade to 12^th grade are invited to join our merry group!

 

·       Our Halloween 2007 meeting was a HUGE success - with costumes, and decorations, and ending with a nighttime tour of the St. James Cemetery. 

·       Our Holiday Bizarre fundraiser bake sale brought in money to help pay for future activities. 

·       We went caroling in Advent and participated in an outdoor Crèche Display on Christmas Eve.

·       In January2008, we attended the Bishop’s Ball.

·       During 2008, the YOT Club has chosen to contribute to the Gifts for Life Program of the Episcopal Relief and Development. We will be donating for the purchase of 1) Maternal & child health care, 2) Drought resistant seeds, 3) and then, a goat! - all to make a personal difference for people living in extreme poverty around the world.

·       We will volunteer at the St Mark’s Soup Kitchen in Philadelphia during the spring 2008.

·        The group will maintain a Rummage Table at this year’s Monthly Fleamarkets at St James. Proceeds will be used to fund the above projects.

·        We are planning to participate in the Pa. Diocese Youth Ministry FUNDAY on April 12, 2008.

We are continuing to meet and plan other activities for the year ahead.