St. John’s quality education programs are building a strong congregation and stimulating the imaginations and spiritual lives of its members while creating a dynamic opportunity for reaching out to southwestern Chicagoland. Join us and support our:

* Scripture based Sunday worship

* Sunday Church School Programs

* Curriculum Materials

* Mid-week worship

* Lenten Programs

* Bible Studies and Worship Workshops

· ages 3-6: a series of presentations  helps develop a loving relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

· Adult Programs, scheduled throughout the year, encourages a continuing spiritual growth and maturity of our high school, college, and older members.

· ages 12-15: prepares young adults seeking to affirm their baptismal vows and Christian life.

St. John’s Church School Program is expanding in response to the needs of our children and expectations of parents .  Our current program, using Montessori techniques, includes:

Education Opportunities

The Inquirers

Adult Opportunities

The Sheepfold

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Christian Education

The Vineyard

· ages 6-9: deepens and expands their relationship with Christ, the True Vine.

The Prophets        

· ages 9-12: builds a foundation based upon the Old Testament stories, God’s active participation in the world.

About the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

BAPTISM

 

In the Episcopal Church, children become full members of the Church at their Baptism. Baptism is “full initiation into Christ’s Body, the Church.  Children are welcome as members of the worshiping community. We offer special “Children’s Chapel” in the church school but children may attend the entire service or part of it, as their parents desire. Baptism is a journey in which we grow towards maturity in Christ.

 

EUCHARIST

 

As full members of the Church, baptized children may receive Holy Communion. Each of us understands Communion at our own level. None of understands its Mystery completely.  Even a small child understands at a profound level the difference between being included or excluded at the family meal.  Instruction for receiving is available on request, but is not required. Children who do not receive will be blessed at the altar rail.

PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

 

The pre-school child comes to worship with a limited time span, seemingly endless energy, and curiosity about the world. The Holy Communion portion of the Eucharist does not require a long attention span, especially if the child anticipates a blessing or receiving Communion. Energy can be channeled into standing, kneeling, singing, coming to the altar, holding one’s hand in prayer. The “Sunday Paper” and a crayon may help, or a favorite doll or toy from home. Curiosity and wonder is a child’s gift to adults; in worship and life.

 

PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN

 

School age children have greater capacity to listen, read, and organize information. Adults can help children towards greater participation by: sitting near the front and in the same place weekly, (this is so they can find you more easily when they come in) help them find the right page, (the Children’s Communion” book may be helpful or the BCP) encourage their singing, answer their questions quietly, express your gladness that they are with you.

 

TEENAGERS

 

Teenagers, particularly those in senior high school are regarded as adult participants in the liturgy. They are ready for roles as acolytes, choir members, lectors. It is a time when they move from a child’s understanding of worship to an adult’s. Continued church attendance is important for this age group.  Encourage young people to participate. Include them at the Peace, in conversation before and after the service; remember they are also member’s of Christ’s body. Discuss worship at home, let them express their doubts, ask questions, give their reactions and suggestions.  Bring them with you.

Making Room for Children

This Christian formation process rests upon the belief...

 

!           That God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six.

!           That the child's spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means

!           That the growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child

!           That children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship.

For more information, call (815) 834-1168

Joining in worship at the Sunday Eucharist is the most important way we learn what it means to be Christians. Children, like adults learn by worshiping Sunday after Sunday.

 

They learn they belong to Christ and are always at home with his Church.

 

They come to know the traditional and beautiful prayers of the liturgy, taking them into their memories and their lives.

 

They build a fund of memorable shared experiences and Christian community that shape their growth and serve them as adults.

 

They are enriched by the beauty of the music as an expression of praise and response to God.

 

They hear stories from the Bible, read and interpreted and begin to understand how God speaks to us through Scripture and Sacraments.

 

They celebrate the Sacraments as signs of God’s love and favor towards us.

 

They discover their value and identity as children of God and disciples of Christ.

WORSHIP AND LEARNING