The Church School at St. Peter’s is a place where a child can begin to explore and grow his or her faith, come to know others—children and adults—who are on the same journey and acquire a foundation in the history of God’s saving work among God’s people.

 

Under the nurturing guidance of dedicated teachers and aides, Christian Education for young children takes place each Sunday from 10:15 until 11 AM (allowing families to worship at either the 9:15 or 11:15 service).  With nursery care for infants and toddlers as well, Church School provides safe and caring space for everyone from the newly born through 6th grade. 

Preschool through second grade students and teachers learn to know the love of God while using Godly Play, a curriculum with Montessori roots.  Godly Play invites those who enter into it to observe the rhythm of our liturgy and to absorb the rich heritage of our story as set down in scripture.  Children are invited to respond to each story through play and art.  St. Peter’s has three Godly Play “Worship Centers” located in the Undercroft.

Grades three through six use both traditional and rotation-style materials that allow students and their teachers the opportunity to explore what it means to be a Christian in today’s world using both the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer as well as other creative resources.  Enthusiastic and caring teachers explore a wide range of topics while weaving our sacred story and traditions into a joyful Sunday-morning experience.

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have the opportunity to work on and receive their religious medals through special a special series of classes offered in winter or spring.  The God and Country medal program is open to any Episcopalian Girl Scout or Boy Scout.  For more information, contact the Church School Coordinator.

The Children’s Library in the Undercroft has a collection of books for children and young people.  Many non-fiction resources are also available for borrowing as well.  Looking for a good children’s Bible?  Check out our samples before choosing one for your home.  Rotating educational displays for each season also can be found in this space (Undercroft, Room 4).

 

You are invited to choose the Sunday service that best meets the needs and schedule of your family.  Please pick up a copy of the “Welcome” brochure for more complete information regarding St. Peter’s Sunday services.  Children are most heartily welcome at all services.  We offer child care for infants and toddlers at each Sunday service as well (should you need it) and at most special seasonal liturgies too, (check service listings for times).  Unique services particularly geared for families are offered periodically throughout the year.  It is our hope that all families (of one or many) find energy and renewal, comfort and healing, enlightenment and joy at worship here.

 

In addition to Sundays, other opportunities to experience fun and learning exist throughout the year; a few of these are described below:

Family retreat days offer preparation time so that families may enter Advent and Lent in a quiet space and with intention.  Evening gatherings for storytelling, games and fun bring us together in fellowship and good spirit.  These activities are often incorporated into seasonal parish-wide gatherings and provide both teachable moments and fellowship and fun. 

The Christmas pageant is an opportunity for the youngest among us to teach us all about the wonder and joy we experience as we celebrate Christ’s birth.   Many of the children will lead the congregation in worship again at the end of program year in June.

Each year the children participate in a Lenten Mite box outreach project.  This traditional discipline focuses the children on the needs of others while imparting an important lesson in stewardship as well.  Past recipients of the mite box collection have been Church World Service, Heifer Project and our parish’s companions at St. Peter’s School in Kothapallimitta, India.

 

 

Joining the Church School at St. Peter’s enables children to have a safe and

sacred place to seek answers, discover truth and know love—

to grow in the grace of God daily. 

Come be a part of it!

For more information about Church School at St. Peter’s,

contact Katherine Bickerton at 973-538-0555 ext. 20 or

kbickerton@stpetersmorristown.org