CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
At St. Alban’s we hold as a core value the nurture and education of children in the knowledge and love of Jesus. Our children’s Sunday School program meets during the first 40 minutes of the 10AM worship service. Nursery care is provided by a paid staff member to ensure continuity and consistency for our little ones. Regular classes are offered for Pre-K to 1st grade; 2nd to 5th grade; and middle school and up. The program includes a balance of biblically based lessons, Bible stories, service projects to learn about the needs of others, and training in the Sacraments and worship of the Episcopal Church. In addition to our regular classes the children attend the entire worship service on the 1st Sunday of each month, Family Sunday, and are encouraged to sing in the children’s choir or assist as ushers, lectors, greeters and special service participants on those days. This hands-on experience embodies our belief that children are full members of the church. Three times a year, on 5th Sundays, our rector, Reverend Kathryn, participates in Sunday School by teaching a special lesson. All children are welcome and encouraged to participate in our program and parents are encouraged to support us by bringing your children regularly and volunteering to teach or assist with a pre-planned lesson that is provided to you.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Confirmation is the Sacramental rite whereby someone takes for themselves the promises that were made on their behalf when they were baptized. It is an adult affirmation of faith and can be made, following preparation, by anyone in the 8th grade or above. In the Diocese of Newark our Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Mark Beckwith, has set 8th grade as the minimum age for Confirmation following a 2 year period of intentional preparation. At St. Alban’s we live that out with group class meetings once a month, scheduled by the members of the class and their parents, in conjunction with individual monthly meetings of the candidate and their sponsor. The group classes are designed and written by the clergy to cover Scripture, Sacraments, Worship, Spiritual practices, Service, and Moral decision making in a program that includes fellowship and a shared meal 2 ½ hours once a month. The Bishop also requires that each candidate attend an over-night retreat at some point during their process. Retreats are scheduled four to five times a year at a church within the diocese. Please speak with the rector.
ADULT EDUCATION
Education is a life-long process in all areas of life including our faith. At St. Alban’s we offer a variety of opportunities for adults to grow in their faith. We offer seasonal studies during Advent and Lent as well as forums after church scheduled most months. We strive to have our offerings include opportunities to learn more about scripture, sacraments, spirituality, and service in the world. The schedule of opportunities can be found in the activities page and calendar of this website and the Albanac. Everyone is challenged to make ongoing prayer and education part of your life.
St. Alban's Episcopal Church 