Christian Education

Baptism

Parents and godparents, along with parish sponsors participate in a short course to learn about the responsibilities with being baptized and become familiar with the format of the baptism service.  Education is also available for older children and adults seeking baptism.  Our sponsors continue to make contact with the recently baptized and support them in their commitment to Christ.  Click here for more information on baptism.

Communion Preparation

This group is aimed at 7-8 year olds who meet for three Saturdays in Lent for two hours.  Parents are encouraged to be involved.  To learn more about "Life in the Eucharist", please register your child at the office.  Click here for more information on communion.

Companions' Group

This group usually meet every second and fourth Wednesday of a month, after the morning's Eucharist, in order to learn from each other and grow together.  They read, discuss books and express themselves in a small group setting.  It's goal is to encourage and support each other.

Confirmation/Reaffirmation Preparation

This group will prepare for a 10 week look at the church, its sacraments, mission and ministry with the intention to rededicate the individual's ministry before the Bishop.  Click here for more information on confirmation/reaffirmation.

Marriage Preparation

In order to encourage Christian values in the sacrament of marriage, the pastors and leaders in the deanery provide a weekend workshop for couples preparing for marriage.  The workshop covers pertinent issues related to family background, communication, conflict resolution, children and parenting and the basis of Christian marriage.  The pastors also meet with the couples privately on an as needed basis to provide support for couples preparing or already in this important relationship.  Click here for more information on weddings.

Nursery Care

The nursery off of St. Mark's Hall (the coffee area) is available to children 2 years old and younger and their parents.  Age appropriate toys, a rocking chair, change table and crib may be used.  Sound from the worship service can be turned up or down so that parents can still listen and be part of the service.  It also allows tiny ears to become familiar with the sound and rhythm of the service while providing an alternative setting for child care.  Lights can also be adjusted.  Be assured that babies and toddlers are always welcome in church.  However parents of babies and toddlers are invited to avail themselves of this area as needed.  Please inform Kathy, our Parish Co-ordinator of the need for any additional equipment or problems.

Sunday School

Classes range from nursery to Junior High.

With the encouragement and support of our Sunday school staff, a combined integration/classroom model is in gear for 2010.  Activity based themes using art, drama, music, games, storytelling and puppets will be presented in four week sessions.

Here's our model in a nutshell:

• teach stories about Miracles of Jesus and concepts through kid friendly sessions using music, games, puppets and storytelling plus any other educational media you can find!
• drama, puppet show preparation, art and food preparation may take place on a integrated basis

Click here for more information about the Firelight II curriculum.

Sunday School classes begin in St. Mark's Hall at 10:30 a.m.  The children join their families for Communion.

The co-ordinator, along with the rector and the staff, plan special event days including Good Friday, Palm Sunday and Christmas as well as the picnic in June.

Our Sunday School Picnic will be held June 13, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. on the grounds of St. Mark's, weather permitting.  Our Grade 5-6 class, under the direction of Sunday School teacher, Vickie Corke will be presenting the homily.  A BBQ, ice cream and games will follow.

Summer Sunday School Classes

will run from June 20, 2010 to September 5, 2010.  Last year, we had a wonderful response from our congregation members to "volunteer teach" in order to give our regular teachers a well-deserved break.  A sign-up schedule and teaching packets will be made available shortly.

Vacation Bible School

Each August, our Vacation Bible School seems to become more fun and is a grand success, thanks to all the staff.  Our goal for this week long program is to teach children about God and Jesus through songs, games, crafts and Bible stories related to a common theme.  Our VBS theme for August 16-20, 2010 is "Baobab Blast". The gigantic baobab tree is found in Africa.  It provides basic life needs in nature as well as serving as a meeting place for people to gather, discuss and share stories.  Under an impressive baobab tree our kids will be a part of "God's Great Get-together" to learn more about how to be a valued part of a supportive community.  We are always looking for energetic leaders and enthusiastic children to participate.

WORD! - A Youth Bible Study

Every Sunday morning, the youth (high School students) gather in the Youth Room from 10:30-11:15 a.m. to dig into a subject of interest.  The emphasis is therefore on application of life precepts.  Together we seek to deepen our relationship with God by better understanding of the church's teaching and scripture.

(Serving Together As Teens In Christ)

The youth come together in a common place (usually the youth room) to chill and to further our spirituality.  We usually meet on Sunday evenings, but there are "special" times when we meet at other times.  All youth are welcome to join.  We provide opportunities for developing leadership skills, participating in the church all while having fun.  At the weekly drop-in evenings as well as on Sunday mornings, we participate in musical, education and social activities from a young person's perspective (i.e. we have fun, eat, chat and learn about God).  Our activities include: a 30 hour Famine to support World Vision; the Deanery Youth retreat at Apps' Mills' participation in outreach programs at St. Mark's as well as through the deanery, bowling, laser tag; Pitch and Praise; leadership for the Sunday School and many other activities.