Children's Formation

Our church school is where our youngest disciples are created! Children's ministry is the foundation for spiritual development. Here at Christ Church, we utilize activities, crafts, play and media to learn about God, all while having fun!


Godly Play classroom is for children preschool through first grade. In this classroom we utilize the Montessori approach to teaching; we play with the language of God and God's people, sacred stories, parables, liturgical action and silence. Through the community of children gathered to play, we receive the deepest invitation of all -- the invitation to come and play with God. 


We are transitioning to a new curriculum for our older children. We chose Weaving God’s Promise which is an Episcopal curriculum that is dynamic and engaging that will help our children experience how God’s promise of salvation is woven into our lives. Activity types are varied and include arts, crafts, dramas, pencil/paper activities, games, and others. In addition, a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson which promotes differentiated learning.


Children's Registration Form:church_school-children_reg_2023.pdf


Parent's Letter 2023: Parents_letter_2023_



teens


Our teen group is both inquisitive and inclusive! JOIN US!


Youth group consists of teens in seventh grade or older. This group focuses on how teens are called to do Christ's work here in Monmouth County and beyond. We gather and grow with our multiple service projects and outreach events.


In the spirit of service, many of our teens have volunteered in Family Promise's Cardboard Box City, Stop Hunger Now CROP Walk, as well as parish wide events including the Thanksgiving & Christmas Ingathering, Calico Fair, Pancake Supper, Advent Spaghetti Dinner, Formal Dinner, and Cookie Walk -- just to name a few. 


Confirmation classes for youth in 8th grade through high school will begin in January. Classes will immediately follow the 10 am service during the church school year and will meet twice per month. Confirmation will be in 2021. 


On Sunday, September 22nd, the Youth Group will have its first meeting in the Youth Lounge immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service. They are usually finished by 12:15 pm. All Christ Church Youth in grades 8 and higher are welcome to attend. 


Nightwatch at the Cathedral

On Friday March 15th, 9 Christ Church youth and adults participated in Nightwatch Crossroads at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan. Nightwatch is a unique, overnight spiritual retreat for middle and high school age students and their adult chaperones. Our group joined sixty others as we unplugged from the distractions and stresses of daily life to connect with God and one another in this amazingly sacred space. The night started with a professional demonstration of the majestic 8,000+ pipe organ, a self-led exploration of the Cathedral during a scavenger hunt, lots of music with the Nightwatch band, walking the labyrinth, silent (and dark) meditation and a culminating midnight liturgy. Saturday morning, with the sun streaming in, we were able to truly appreciate the beautiful stained glass of the chapels, nave and especially the rose window - made of 10,000 pieces of colored glass and the largest stained glass window in the U.S. Many thanks to our participants and chaperones: Juliet, Stefan, Jason, Kate, Dalia, Mona, Cathy, Michelle and Cindy. More photos below!