Following Christ is a journey in which we are constantly called to learn and grow. At St. John’s, we are committed to education and to providing opportunities for individuals of all ages to grow and mature into their best selves.
WHAT WE DO
FOR CHILDREN
During the school year, St. John’s offers a dynamic church school program on Sundays at 9:00 am for children 3 years old through 5th grade. Well-trained volunteer teachers lead the children in lessons and activities based on the week’s Scriptures and the timeless stories of our Christian faith using the Godly Play curriculum.
FOR YOUTH
St. John’s offers Journey to Adulthood (J2A), a spiritual formation program for middle- and high-school students during the church school hour. J2A uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministries, and both serious and playful activities to underscore its two guiding principles: first, adulthood is a free gift from God; and second, adulthood must be earned.
FOR ADULTS
At St. John’s you will find a rich array of opportunities to grow through spiritual education and formation, spanning lively presentations and discussions, Bible study, in-depth theological education, book studies, seasonal offerings, and much more. Our most popular offering for adults is our Adult Education Hour on Sundays at 9:00 am from September through early June. We also offer a vareity of Adult Forums open to both parishioners and the broader community. Visit our Facebook page or calendar for upcoming topics and speakers. And see recordings of past sessions on YouTube.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
PARTICIPATE
Visitors and parishioners are welcome to attend any of our spiritual education and formation offerings. The only programs that require a commitment to attend multiple sessions are confirmation classes, offered over a four-week period, and Education for Ministry (EfM), a four-year theological education program.
VOLUNTEER
All of our education programs depend on parishioners who are willing to contribute their time and talents to build up the Body of Christ at St. John’s. We welcome you to get involved with any of the following education ministries.
Ministries
Adult Education Hour
St. John’s adult education hour offers a chance to grow together in our faith through a variety of stimulating presentations, conversations, and other offerings. Join us on Sunday mornings as we deepen our understanding of self, community, and discipleship through speaker series, adult confirmation classes, seasonal topics, and other discussions on diverse and pertinent topics. Contact the Rev. the Rev. Sarah Reynolds, Associate Rector for Adult Formation and Education.
Bible Study
Join fellow parishioners and friends for an in-depth Bible Study online on Mondays at 7:00 pm, and Wednesdays at 10:00 am. Seekers and doubters are most welcome. Contact St. John’s Office Assistant for details.
Church School
Join the fun and dedicated group of volunteers who teach church school classes on Sunday mornings from September to June. The team is comprised of teachers who love helping children and young adults from 3 years to 12th grade learn about Christ’s teachings, and grow in community, character, and creativity. Teachers
work in teams and training is provided. Rotational schedules are available. Contact Dawn Molloy, Director for Children, Youth, and Families Ministry (CYF), or Marny Helfrich, Assistant to CYF.
Education for Ministry
A multifaceted exploration and pilgrimage that help us explore the universality of God and God’s presence through study, reading, and conversations conducted individually and within our group, to discern a theological understanding based on reflection that empowers us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves in and through our own ministries. Contact Barbara Ordway, parishioner.
Journey to Adulthood (J2A)
Journey to Adulthood is a spiritual formation program for students in 6th through 12th grades, which includes the modules Rite 13, J2A, and 4Ward. Through fun and food, friendships, Bible Study, service projects, outings, and prayer, young people learn what it means to be an adult in Christian community. The program includes exploration of the “3 S’s” (self, spirituality, society), confirmation at the National Cathedral, and a high school pilgrimage. Contact Dawn Molloy, Director for Children, Youth, and Families Ministry (CYF), or Marny Helfrich, Assistant to CYF.
Norwood Parish Library/Library Council
Your library supports many ministries at St. John’s by providing information and inspiration. Join the Library Council to help select new adult and children’s materials, learn cataloging, advise readers, and research faith formation questions. Training is provided and time commitment is flexible. Contact David Talbird, parishioner.
Spiritual Practices Ministry
Join us as we grow this ministry! Our vision is to provide a rich offering of creative, meaningful personal worship experiences for members, that will nourish souls, foster community, and fortify each of us for serving God in the world. We are currently gathering open-hearted, faith-centered friends who have a passion for developing a deeper prayer life in this manner. If you are interested in exploring centering prayer, labyrinth walks, contemplative nature hikes, prayerful art-making and other spiritually supportive practices, as well traditional Anglican disciplines, please contact Ann Ramsey-Moor or Walter Smith, parishioners.
