SPIRITUAL FORMATION

During baptism, the congregation promises to do everything we can to help those being baptized grow into the full stature of Christ. Our discipleship formation (what many used to call Christian education) program supports this commitment, seeking to enable participants to know and respond to God as revealed through his Son, Jesus Christ, through Holy Scripture, and through the traditions of the church. 

We engage discipleship formation as a formative process in our lifelong journey to live out our faith in community in service to God and our neighbors and offer formation events and programs for all ages.

Adult Formation (Age 13 - 113 years)

Various topics presented by our rector, guests, and parishioners are explored throughout the program year on Sundays during the discipleship formation hour from 11:30-12:30. Check the newsletter or Sunday bulletin to see what is currently offered! Middle school and high school students are encouraged to attend along with their parents.

Godly Play (Age 4 - 8 years)

Godly Play is a curriculum for children modeled after the Montessori method of education. It is based on the assumption that children can—and do—experience God, but at their own developmental levels. Different from many traditional forms of Christian education, Godly Play provides children with the tools to encounter God. In Godly Play, the invitation is given not for play in general but for play with the language of God and God’s people: through sacred stories (Old and New Testaments), parables, and liturgical actions. Through this powerful language, the wondering, and the use of various materials, children develop their own creative capacities for making meaning of their relationship with God. Children in Godly Play grow in their faith while having fun together as a community. Godly Play is taught by volunteers and is offered during the discipleship formation hour from 11:30-12:30. All children’s classes meet downstairs. 

Children’s Chapel (Age 4 - 3rd grade)

We offer Children’s Chapel during the worship service on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. Children experience a condensed version of the liturgy where they are invited to sing, read, pray, and act out the liturgy for a better understanding. Children go downstairs with our volunteer leaders at the beginning of the service, then return to the sanctuary during the Peach so they can join their families for the Eucharist.

A note on child safety

We take the safety and security of your children very seriously. Please know that all our childcare volunteers, vestry members, and all staff are required to complete training according to the Safe Church, Safe Communities curriculum, a sexual abuse prevention program provided by the Episcopal church. All staff are required to provide references and successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning work at Grace.