The ministry of Christian Education at Christ Church is ongoing from the earliest years through our senior years. We minister to each other as our lives are transformed by our faith, and we grow together as members of the one Body of Christ. Our classes and other educational offerings aim to hold up our uniqueness and our unity as each of us grows and learns. For our children and youth this means hands-on learning and joyful noise and activity.

For adults we provide varied opportunities to listen and learn and to discuss and share our faith development.

Young and old alike, we strive to carry the results of that faith into the world. Parents are always invited to visit, and help, with their children's classes. As a parish family, we learn with and from one another.

Children's Programs

Guild of the Christ Child

Families with new babies are ministered to by this caring group. The group will follow the parents through the pregnancy and provide literature and support to the family. They make visits and take much needed items and food to the new parents.

Children's Sunday School Classes

Classes for children and youth meet from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on the second floor of the Parish Hall and Old Rectory from September through May. A registration form for Sunday School is available here.

Our Nursery

Open from 9:15 through the 10:30 service, our nursery is staffed by a paid attendant and parent volunteers and located on the 2nd floor of the Parish Hall. It remains open during the summer.

Children's Chapel

Children aged 3 to 7 are invited to participate in this 10:30 service in the children's chapel. Adapted from the order for Morning Prayer, this service contains age-appropriate lessons, activities, and music. On communion Sundays children are brought to the sanctuary to join their parents at the Passing of the Peace. On Sundays when the 10:30 worship service is Morning Prayer, the children remain in the Chapel until met by their parents. Children's Chapel is led by parent volunteers with assistance from parish youth.

Children ages 2 and 3

The biblical story presentation, games, rhymes, music, and activities all recognize the needs and learning styles of our youngest Sunday School members. Stories explored are from the Old Testament and the life and teachings of Jesus. We use the Let the Children Come curriculum produced by Living the Good News.

Children Age 4 Through Grade 5

Providing Bible-based, experiential learning opportunities for a variety of learning levels and styles, this spiral curriculum is organized into a three-year cycle. In addition one quarter of each year includes a study of one of the sacraments and another of the Episcopal Church. Supplemental materials and music are closely aligned with each lesson, all from the Episcopal Children's Curriculum.

Journey to Adulthood Youth Program

At Christ Church, the Spiritual formation vehicle for young people in grades 6-12 is the Journey to Adulthood(J2A) curriculum. It uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, sacramental preparation, outreach, pilgrimage, mission as well as both fun and serious activities to underscore the core principles that  manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God and that adulthood must be earned.  The curriculum facilitates a bond between adult leaders and the youth.  It uses scripture lessons to initiate discussion in the various groups about real issues facing young people today about what it means to be a Christian in a secular society.  Lessons are divided into 4major areas---Self, Society, Spirituality, and Sexuality. 

Grades 6 and 7    Rite 13

Rite 13, the first two years, focus on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. The Rite-13 liturgy,  a celebration of manhood and womanhood , is a community expression of their growth and marks a rite of passage to the next phase of their journey together.  Rite 13 students have the opportunity to build and strengthen friendships through two retreat experiences as well as outreach and fun age appropriate activities.  

Grades 8 and 9    Journey to Adulthood  (J2A)

J2A curriculum engages youth in a variety of ways  but especially by developing  critical thinking skills needed on their journey to adulthood. Two Youth retreats are part of this program as well as the youth plan and embark on an urban excursion and then a spiritual pilgrimage at the end of J2A.  Opportunities for outreach to the local community, fun, fellowship and a variety of extended activities once a month are also part of J2A. 

Grades 10,11 and 12  Young Adults in the Church (YAC)

YAC - (Young Adults in the Church) is a mentor based program for older teens to help them discern and carry out ministry within Christ Church and in the larger community.  Confirmation preparation is offered to our YAC students as part of this discernment process. Youth participating in YAC have the opportunity to experience a summer mission trip as well as serve the local community in a variety of capacities.  

Children's Music Program

The musical opportunities for young people at Christ Church are varied and help our children worship God through music.  Our youngest members have the opportunity to sing in the cherub choir and the younger Sunday school students begin each class with piano music and song.  Older students may choose to join the Alleluia Singers or Cantamus.   On special Sundays, the children lift their voices in song at the 10:30 service.

Adult Education Offerings

Adult Forum

Adults gather Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Tilford Room/Parish Hall to examine issues of faith and life. Coffee and conversation make the hour a great time for getting to know one another and learning about matters of particular importance to Christians.

Wednesday Bible Study

Each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Smith Building Conference Room, clergy lead a discussion based on the biblical lessons for the upcoming Sunday. Commentaries as well as various translations of scripture make this a lively weekly gathering.

Men's Bible Study

Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. a group of parishioners gathers in the Smith Building Conference Room to explore topics from various books of the Bible and how they apply to life situations. All men are welcome. 

Women's Bible Study

Tuesday Mornings at 11 a.m. and Tuesday evenings at 7 P.M. opportunities abound for women to explore the Bible, learn how the Holy Spirit speaks through scripture to women today and make new friends to walk with you on our earthly journey.  Women of all ages are welcome.  The same topic is covered in the morning and evening session.  For more information contact assistantann@christchurchwinchester.org

Women's Spirituality and Group Spiritual Direction

Beginning In September 2009,  the second Tuesday of each month at 4 P.M or  the second Saturday at 9 A.M opportunities to meet with other women to discern where God is working in your life as well as group Spiritual Direction are available. New Comers are welcome.  Topics such as prayer, meditation, family life, spiritual practices and expressions of spirituality are just some of topics for discussion. Be prepared to make new friends, share your journey and go deeper in your faith walk. For more information contact assistantann@christchurchwinchester.org