Christian formation, perhaps more than any other aspect of our parish life, is the place where the diversity we so value at St. Paul & St. James is lived out visibly – in adult, youth, and children’s programs. This diversity enriches our experience off unity in the Baptismal Covenant, an important part of our congregation’s spirituality.
The church’s music programs intentionally provide opportunity for fellowship and growth in the Christian faith, in addition to enabling our people to share their musical gifts. Music and Me is a music readiness program offered for girls and boys, ages 1 - 5, with their caregivers. The Chancel Choir (for adults and youth in grade 10 or higher) and St. Paul & St. James Ringers (for adults, youth, and children in grade 3 or higher) are intergenerational opportunities for Christian formation.
Many are interested in the work of our nationally recognized programs for children; Children’s Mission, led by Gretchen Wolff Pritchard.
Also available at St. Paul & St. James are the products of Beulah Enterprises, toys and other creative materials for children to use in imaginative play. View the Beulah web site and communicate with coordinator Nanci Henchcliffe.
Children
Few of our kids see each other anywhere outside of our building during the rest of the week; they come from an enormous range of neighborhoods and schools, family configurations and income levels. None of this seems to bother them at all; they are prepared to get to know each other, and enjoy each other and what our programs have to offer.
Structure is essential: if newcomers ask, “What do you have for my five-year-old?” and “Is there a youth group that includes 7th graders?” we must be able to say more than simply, “Oh, kids are just part of the church.” At the same time, we want to avoid locking people into particular roles and boxes because of their age. We want to see children as individual brothers and sisters in Christ, not just as members of organized groups.
Learn more about Program Areas for Children.
The 8:30 service has its own population of children, representing about 4 families, who participate fully in the relaxed and friendly liturgy but do not tend to take part in age-based organized programs for children and youth.
Youth Ministry
Our “Titans” youth group is designed for youth in grades 5-12. The bi-weekly meetings held after the Sunday services provide young people an opportunity to share a meal together, play games and enjoy other activities, explore topics of interest, and become more familiar with aspects of Christian life and teaching. The group also participates in some of the St. PJ’s special seasonal activities, like Mardi Gras, and goes on some trips.
Adult Ministry
Adults are enthusiastic participants in various small group at St. Paul & St. James.
An Adult Bible Study, led by Rector Barbara Cheney and Associate Rector Harlon Dalton, meets on Sunday mornings between services, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Since 2002, LifeCycles has been important avenue for the Christian formation of adults in our parish. LifeCycles is a small-group process of ongoing spiritual formation within a ministering community. It is a way for adults to deepen their faith, discover and use their gifts in ministry and be transformed by Christ. Read some thoughts shared by one LifeCycles group.
On the fourth Sunday of each month, following the 10:30 a.m. worship service, a Forum B usually led by a layperson offers an opportunity for fellowship and discussion.
The Forum series in the spring of 2004, on end-of-life issues caused the Minister of Spirituality and Aging to develop a resource for end-of-life planning that St. Paul & St. James now distributes without charge. PDF files of that planning document can downloaded.
Seasonal celebrations
Our yearly cycle of seasonal celebrations includes Palm Saturday on the eve of Holy Week, All Saints’ Saturday in November, and the Christmas Pageant. These traditional occasions serve as major focus points for energizing member families and connecting with potential new members, including children and families affiliated with the Children’s Mission.
All Saints’ Saturday in 2003 was exceptional because of its special focus on the immersion baptism of an adult the following day. We underlined the diversity and inclusiveness of St. PJ’s: the children truly ministered to an adult by actively welcoming her into a community in which they felt a strong sense of ownership and empowerment.
Van transportation
Van transportation is provided for families and individuals who do not have cars, for the 10:30 service and such extra occasions as Saturday church school events, pageant rehearsals, some weekday church services, and some other parish celebrations and events.
