Youth
Children’s Chapel (JK-2nd)
Every Sunday during the school year, children in Junior Kindergarten through 2nd grade engage in their own worship service in our beautiful Children’s Chapel. Through a combination of Godly Play, in which young people explore their innate spirituality and connection to God, story-telling, and the celebration of a regular Eucharist, younger students are both nourished and stimulated to grow in their knowledge of foundational Biblical stories and their awareness of the presence of God in all areas of their lives. Trained adult and teenage leaders facilitate the Chapel liturgy and lead children in songs. The Children’s Chapel experience, which takes place at 9:00 am, is an integral part of the faith development of our primary-grade children and is a quietly joyous, gentle, and loving experience. For more information please reach out to our our Youth Arts Minister Megan Gentle.
Sunday School (3rd through 8th grade)
Christian formation classes for 3rd-8th grades covers many topics including studying the lives of the saints, writing prayer journals, and learning about Holy Communion. Students in this age group also are invited to serve as acolytes in our Sunday morning services.
Our learning centers on four keys to vibrant faith: Prayer, Caring Conversations, Rituals and Traditions, and Service. Most Sundays, Sunday school includes a time of fellowship, a craft or service project, a Bible lesson or story, and donuts! We meet every Sunday from 9:00 to 10:15 am, before joining the regular Sunday service at 10:15. Our Sunday School teachers are supported by staff and parent volunteers.
Junior High (7th & 8th Grades)
While Holy Baptism means full initiation and incorporation into the Body of Christ, the tradition in the Episcopal Church is to “confirm” the vows made at Baptism in adolescence or adulthood. At Holy Comforter, we offer Confirmation classes for 7th and 8th graders every other year. We use the curriculum “Confirm Not Conform,” a program developed by an Episcopal Church in suburban San Francisco. CnC, as the course is called, combines presentations on history, theology, and worship with exercises, outreach activities, games, meditation, team-building exercises, and food. All interested 7th and 8th graders are welcome, including those with no previous connection to Holy Comforter! Please reach out to Rev. Jyrekis Collins for more information about confirmation. On confirmation “off” years, Junior High programming continues with monthly gatherings, as well as service opportunities, outings, and more.
Life Group (9th – 12th Grades)
Life Group meets bi-weekly on Sunday afternoons. It includes dinner and fellowship, as well as spiritual, service-oriented, and fun events both on and offsite. Life Group deepens High School students’ relationships with Jesus.
Summer Mission Trip (8th – 12th Grades)
Another opportunity for our High School students is our annual mission trip, a week-long service project. In 2024, we’re working with the Appalachia Service Project. All interested High Schoolers are welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Rev. Jyrekis Collins.
Youth Arts Ministry (All Ages)
There are many opportunities for children and young people to raise their voices in song. In addition to the role music plays in the Children’s Chapel for younger students, and in the Eucharists in the Church for older grade schoolers and teenagers, we also have a Youth Arts Ministry. This group rehearses on Sunday mornings, performs occasionally at the 10:00 am Eucharist, especially on special days such as the Feast of the Epiphany (when members of the Choir portray the Three Wise Men [or Women!] visiting the infant Jesus in Bethlehem), on Mother’s Day, and on other occasions. If you are interested in having your child or children join YAM, please contact Megan Gentle, our Youth Arts Minister.