Christian Formation

St. Andrew's offers a wide range of Christian Formation classes and activities for all ages. Unless noted below, many of these offerings occur during the fall, winter and spring (approximately mid-September through the third week of the following May). St. Andrew's offers alternative programming for children of Sunday School age during the summer months (late May through early September).

For Children from Infants through High School

Childcare for Infants and Toddlers

A nursery is available for children from 3 months through age 3 from 9:00 am until noon on Sundays throughout the year. The nursery is located on the lower level of the education wing, accessible through the stairs in the Parish Hall. Members of the church choir are welcome to have their children older than 3 years cared for in the nursery during choir rehearsal on Sunday mornings. Please contact St. Andrew's if you need childcare for children older than 3 years to attend other Sunday morning activities such as the Adult Forum.

Sunday School

From September to May, Sunday School classes for children ages 3 - 5th grade are offered from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m when they will join their parents for the Eucharist. The two Godly Play classes (ages 3-4 and ages 5 – 7) learn about sacred Old Testament stories, stories about Jesus’ life and his parables, sacraments and the liturgical year. The upper elementary school class has been using “Weaving God’s Promises” curriculum published by Morehouse Educational Resources. The curriculum focuses on the biblical story of salvation as told in the Old and New Testaments. Lessons also connect to liturgical seasons, with Episcopal prayers, history and sacraments woven through the materials.

Update on the 2011-2012 Sunday School: All children, ages 3 - 5th grade are invited to attend Sunday School classes, beginning at 10:30 am on Sunday, Sept. 11. The pre-school Godly Play class (for children born in 2007 – 2008) will meet in the “children’s chapel room” on the lower level of the parish hall. The primary Godly Play class (children born 2004 – 2006) will meet in the large classroom across from the nursery. Older elementary school age children are invited to attend class in the lower level of the parish hall.  Children will join their parents at the Peace. Parents should have received a letter and registration form in the mail. Parents are asked to complete a registration form as soon as possible. Extra printed copies also are available on the Christian Formation bulletin board in the parish hall if you did not receive one.

All children are also invited to participate in special events at St. Andrew's including the Blessing of the Animals, the parish retreat at Shrine Mont, the Lantern Walk, St. Andrew's Day procession and potluck, Cookies and Carols, and the no-rehearsal Christmas pageant (afternoon of Christmas Eve).

Youth Group

The middle school and high school Youth Groups will meet at 9:30 am for two Sundays of each month for fellowship and discussion. Light breakfast will be provided. The group also meets for a variety of activities including movies, games and service projects on weekends and Friday evenings. The best way to connect with the youth group is through its Google Groups listserv. Please contact John Rigg () for additional information.

Adult Formation

Sunday Adult Forum

The Adult Forum meets from 9:30-10:20 am every Sunday from September through May. Discussions cover a wide range of topics. Each lesson is self-contained, so you may join at any time. Join us for our special 2011 Advent series!

• November 27: Opening the Door to Advent: A Spiritual Approach to Advent (leader: Carol Jablonski)
• December 4: The Colors and Textures of Advent: How the Church Dresses for Advent (leader: Mike Platt)
• December 11: Looking for Christ in the Seasonal Rituals of our Culture: How Cooking, Shopping, and Our Own Family Rituals Prepare Us for Christmas (leader: Carol Jablonski)
• December 18: Looking for Christ in Film: What Do Our Favorite Christmas Films Tell Us About Ourselves and Our Search for Christ? (leader: Carol Jablonski)

Please see the latest announcements for additional details about the next Adult Forum.

Book Groups

St. Andrew's often offers occasional evening book discussion groups or similar activities from September through May. Additional information also may be found under the announcements on the front page of this website.

Bible Study

Fall Bible Study: Only two books – both in the Old Testament – are named after women and have women as their main characters: Ruth and Esther. These two books are unique as “freestanding narratives”, springing from Judean history but independent of the primary biblical storyline. God is not a major “character” in Ruth and is not even mentioned in Esther. The Tuesday Evening Bible Study group will be reading and discussing these two unique books as the introduction to our 2011 – 2012 program. We will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the Rectors’ Lounge, starting on October 4th. A sign-up sheet and information about study guides are posted on the Christian Formation bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Please sign up by Sept 25 if you wish to order a study guide. Everyone is welcome. No previous Bible study experience is necessary. Contact Rev. Carol Jablonski at for more information.

Inquirer's Class

St. Andrew's offers an Inquirer's Class to help newcomers learn more about the Christian Faith and the Episcopal Church. This class often is of benefit to long-standing members of the parish as well! Look for an announcement regarding the start of the next class during the 2011-2012 season.

Education for Ministry

The Education for Ministry (EfM) program is designed to help lay members of the church discover and develop their ministries. The St. Andrew's group has graduated ten members from the four-year course. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 - 9:15 pm in the Rectors' Lounge. Contact for more information.