The Christian Formation ministry at St. John's includes a rich and varied range of programs designed to nurture the spiritual growth of Christians of all ages.

Sunday Morning Classes at 9:00 a.m.

The Lectionary Class

This Bible study class follows the Sunday lectionary—the Scripture lessons appointed for use in worship each Sunday.  It provides deeper understanding of the Scripture passages and (therefore) also enriches worship.  Meets September through May in the Guild Room.

Living Faithfully

This class seeks to make connections between the baptismal covenant and our daily lives.  A variety of formats are used:  discussion of contemporary issues from a Christian perspective, presentations by individuals active in outreach ministries, study of contemporary “saints” of the church, and study of the Good News within the context of contemporary society.  Meets September through May in Classroom 4 in the Education Wing.

A Day of Rest

Coffee, the Chicago Tribune and quiet conversation are offered every Sunday in the Undercroft between services.

Other Christian Formation Opportunities for Adults

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

This class studies various books of the Bible in depth.  It meets in the Guild Room from 10:00 – 11:00 on Wednesday’s.

Tuesday Evening Bible Study

Meets from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Guild Room.

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EFM) is an intensive program of theological study and reflection offered through the University of the South (Sewanee).  The four year program of study covers the Old and New Testaments, Church History, Theology and Liturgy.  Theological reflection is an integral part of the program.  Openings are available for new students in the fall.  The group meets in the Undercroft Conference Room on Thursday evenings.

Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings

St. John’s Nursery

Infant through age 3

Our professional nursery director welcomes our tiniest members and visitors in the freshly painted nursery each Sunday from 8:45 until 11:30.  Children have supervised play time and are offered a snack.  If they wish, parents may pick up their children at communion time so that children may receive communion or a blessing from the priest during worship.  The Nursery is in the Education Wing.

Children’s Church School

Three through Six Year Olds

This class is offered as part of the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” program.  Catechesis is an approach to children’s formation that is inspired by the Montessori principles of education.  It seeks to be an experience of life and an education in faith, through the celebration of an encounter with the Father, in listening to Jesus the one Teacher, and in obedience to the Spirit.  Meets in the Atrium.

First through Third Graders

This class is entitled “Godly Play.”  Godly Play is a way of religious education that teaches children the art of using religious language—parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action—to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.  Meets in the Atrium.

Fourth through Eighth Graders

This class is an interactive experience designed as “Workshop Rotation Sunday School.”  A Bible story is taught for four consecutive weeks in a variety of workshops, including art, computers, cooking, games, and drama.  Children are encouraged to use their “multiple intelligences” to creatively engage the story each week.  Meets in the Education Wing and, occasionally, the undercroft kitchen.

High School

On Sunday mornings high schoolers are welcomed into adult formation classes.  During the year a variety of youth activities are planned emphasizing outreach, fellowship and fun.

Children’s Chapel

Children’s chapel is a worship experience specially geared for children ages 3 through 8.  It begins at 10:00 in the education wings and runs concurrently with the first part of the 10:00 worship service in the church.  In children’s chapel, children celebrate God’s love by singing praise songs, praying together, hearing the Gospel, and responding to the story through art, drama, and liturgy.  The children the process into the church at the time of the sharing of the peace to join family and friends for Holy Communion.  Children’s Chapel is in the Education Wing.