CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
We Welcome Your Family
Children have an honored place at Good Shepherd. They teach us about spirit
and trust and they deserve our respect. As baptized Christians, children
are full members of the church.
Sunday Morning Nursery Care
Childcare is available each Sunday morning by 9:30 AM and until 11:30 AM.,
all year including holidays. Two Nurseries accommodate children from about
six months through pre-Kindergarten (6 mos – 2.9 yrs; 3 – 5 yrs). They are
located in the lower level. Our experienced and screened care-giving staff
provides a consistent presence throughout the year. If desired, parents
may bring their child into the church for communion or a blessing at the
altar rail.
Church School Classes
Children from Kindergarten through middle school are invited to participate
in Church School. Classes are grouped by developmental age and taught and
assisted by parish volunteers. Classrooms are located in designated areas
throughout the church building and begin promptly at 10 AM on Sunday morning.
In addition to the published curricula, children learn prayers from the
Liturgy. A children’s offering is collected each Sunday to support their
outreach mission: Heifer Project International. Immediately following their
class, children and youth are escorted into the church to join the liturgy
at “the Peace”.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Family Eucharist
Four times a year, on an announced Sunday, a 9:15 AM Family Eucharist is
celebrated in the church. This service uses contemporary language from Rite
Two and is tailored to encourage children’s active participation as they
celebrate with their families. Short songs are sung a capella or with hand
held bells and/or other percussion instruments. A presentation from the
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered in place of the Homily.
Children’s Service
Alternating with the Family Eucharist is the Children’s Service. Many families
choose to participate in this service with their children. On an announced
Sunday, the children gather for their own Liturgy of the Word in the Loring
Room. Songs and prayers are offered in thanksgiving and praise to God. A
presentation from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is also offered. Older
Church School youth read the Prayers of the People, which are composed and
updated periodically by all of the children of the Church School. Children
and adults process into the church at the Peace, to rejoin the congregation
for Holy Eucharist.
Eucharistic Practices for Children
All baptized Christians, including children from the very youngest, are
invited to receive communion. Having children share in the mystery with
us reminds us that no one receives because we understand, but because we
are loved and accepted at Christ’s table. Eucharistic instruction is an
ongoing part of our Church School program. All children are invited to come
to the altar with their parents whether they receive communion or a blessing.
Children who prefer a blessing are asked to cross their hands over their
chest; the priest will then give them a blessing.
Acolytes
Young people from elementary school age and above are invited to serve at
the altar as Boat Bearers,Torchbearers, and Crucifers (cross bearers) during
the 10:00 AM Sung Eucharist. Senior high youth are invited to serve as Ushers
and to read from the Sunday morning Lectionary. Senior high youth may also
serve as Subdeacon and Master of Ceremonies.