Youth & Families
Children are not the future of the church; they are the now. With their natural gifts of faith, curiosity, and wonder they are our best teachers. It is our job to support and help shape all that spiritual life already present in them, and provide resources to families, which are the most natural faith incubators. Here are some of the ways we seek to build up the spiritual lives of our children, youth and families.
Sunday School
We aim to to offer a program in which our children can learn about Jesus and core bible stories each week during worship, returning to church for communion. At present we are exploring new models that will involve more of our congregation in nurturing the faith of our kids. Stay tuned!
Holy Communion and Sacraments
In the Episcopal Church, all the baptized are invited to receive the bread and wine at Communion; there is no age requirement. Periodically Rev. Kate offers a Holy Communion Workshop for children to help them understand what happens during the eucharist. Though the church does not have a formal ritual of First Communion, a special Rite can be offered on request to celebrate this milestone in a Christian’s life.
Youth Making Change
Our young people are keenly aware of the challenges our communities face, and they like to make a difference in the world. Periodically we gather for an outing to offer service in the local community or raise funds for an organization farther away. Our work is always followed with some time to enjoy ice cream or pizza and a chance to reflect on where we encountered God in our work. We also participate in regional youth activities organized through the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Confirmation Classes for Youth
We believe that preparation for confirmation involves formation, not just information, and should be fun and joyful. We conduct our preparation when a person or group is ready to begin this process. We often partner with other Episcopal churches in our region to prepare for confirmation. Please contact our rector to discuss confirmation.
Special Events for Children
We hold special workshops and events for children at different times of the church year:
- A Holy Communion Workshop helps children to understand the meaning of the Christian Eucharist, as well as the “how-tos” of receiving bread and wine. Great for parents who want to know more too.
- The Christmas Pageant involves the children in the re-telling of the great Christmas story. There is a part for every child who wants to participate, no matter how young or old. The pageant is performed at our Christmas Eve Family Service at Christ Church La Plata.
- Holy Week Walk for Kids invites children to take a guided tour through the events of Holy Week and Easter, sitting as the disciples at the Last Supper, getting their feet washed, enduring the trials of Jesus, contemplating the crucifixion and burial, and experiencing the surprise of the empty tomb. These events are narrated in different locations, as the children offer their own profound reflections.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” – Matthew 19:14
