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Children and Youth

Children and Youth, with Grace

Jesus loved children, and so do we. In addition to our regular youth and children ministry at Grace we have special events through the year focused on children, youth, and their families. For example, on the Saturday before Advent begins each year there is our annual Saint Nicholas Mass and Advent Party… where the jolly ol’ bishop makes a special appearance and families are invited to make advent wreaths for their homes. Always check out the events calendar for the latest information, and below you’ll find descriptions of other ministries for children and youth that go on throughout the year.

Children and Youth pizza party
Sunday School

Kindergarten to 8th Grade
Currently we have two Sunday School classes that meet during the beginning part of our weekly 10AM mass. There is a “one room” style class for children in Kindergarten through 4th grades and then a “tween” class for children in 5th through 8th grades. Regardless of age all children and teachers gather in the narthex (lobby) prior to worship and join the procession with the choir and altar party each week, then head to their classrooms following the Collect for Purity, and return to worship during The Peace.

Infants and Preschoolers
For preschool children and below, we offer nursery care in our Infants and Toddlers center during the 10AM mass.

2nd Grade (and up)
Instruction is offered to children in the second grade and up who are ready to learn more about receiving the Holy Eucharist. This class is an education opportunity and not a requirement for receiving the Eucharist. In the Episcopal Church all baptized persons are permitted and encouraged to receive Holy Communion. Parents who would like their very young child to receive communion should ask the Rector for a packet for home use that will be a guide in some basic instruction. If your child already receives Communion, we still encourage instruction in the second grade. A service to honor children who participate in the Intentional First Communion class is held on Pentecost Sunday each year. The class normally takes place over the two months prior to Pentecost Sunday.

4th Grade to Adults
The Acolytes assist in leading worship during the principal service (10AM, 9AM in the summer). The younger children serve as torchbearers and gospel-bearers; the older youth and adults assist as crucifers and thurifers. Acolytes can expect to serve about once a month; they may be asked to substitute on any given Sunday.

8th Grade to Adults
Those who are baptized are encouraged to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and a commitment to the responsibilities spoken for them by their parents and sponsors (godparents) at Holy Baptism. It is a sacrament that is a solemn and joyful reaffirmation of Christian service. Please contact Father Asa for more information on how to participate in Confirmation preparation classes.

6th-12th Grades
Our youth group meets on the first Sunday of the month at 5PM (October through June) for a time of games and pizza with Ms Joan and Father Asa. There are also other events throughout the year that are offered in conjunction with other area youth groups – keep an eye on the Calendar of Events for the most up to date info.

All Children, Youth, and Young Adults
Youth are encouraged to participate in “First Third of Life Commission” events which are held throughout the year, see the Diocese of Newark website for more information.

All Children, Youth, and Adults
The Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the Lutheran (ELCA) Synod of New Jersey are partners in running the Cross Roads Camp and Conference Center. In addition to summer camps for all ages, each year there is also an Elementary School retreat and a Middle and High School retreat, and a Young Adult retreat at Cross Roads. See the Cross Roads website for more information.

Preschool – 4th
As part of the monthly Pizza and Prayer service on Wednesdays children will be invited to learn new songs which they may sing as a “children’s choir” at special Sunday services throughout the year and in the annual Christmas Pageant.

Youth & Young Adult Choral Scholar
Gifted students, in 9th grade and up, are invited to audition for the position of Choral Scholar in the adult choir. They receive a small monthly stipend to honor their ministry.

All Children and their Families
Once a month at 6PM (usually the first Wednesday) children and their parents are invited to join Ms Joan, Ms Karyn, and Father Asa for a special service and fun! The time begins with making pizza, and while the pizza bakes a fun activity or craft. After we’ve finished eating our pizza everyone heads into the sanctuary for a short service pr prayer (Compline) and music.

8th – 12th Grades
Each summer at least one youth mission or pilgrimage trip is offered. Some years we go as a parish youth group, and some years we go as part of a Diocese of Newark Youth group, and some years both. Times, locations, and themes vary, so please check with Ms Joan or Father Asa for more information.

The “Flannery Scholarship” is given to High School Seniors who have been active in the ministries and attendance at the church and involvement in Youth Group activities. Contact Father Asa for more information about this scholarship.

The “Directors Scholarship” is offered by the Community School for college students who will be involved in working with children.

The “Moore Award” provides a Study Bible to 8th grade Sunday School students with an honorable attendance record at the end of each program year.

The Diocese offers the “Mary Rankin Scholarship” and “UBE Scholarship” (See the Diocese of Newark website for more information).

Grace Church is one of the founding sponsors of the Community School. CSN offers high quality child care and education from infants through kindergarten. Grace Church houses the Infant/Toddler Center, and the older age groups are hosted by our ministry partners at Vincent Methodist Church. Visit the Community School in Nutley website for more information on fees and enrollment.