"We are the future of the church."
Children's Chapel service
Life at Emmanuel
Christian Education
Emmanuel has been described as a “thinking person’s” church. Our Christian formation programs at all levels strive to inspire a thoughtful approach to spiritual growth, to provide forums in which to ask and answer questions about our faith and our role as Christians in the world today, and to renew the inner spiritual light in each of us.
We learn together and from each other.
Children
Emmanuel is a family friendly Church offering Christian Education for children from age 3 through Grade 6. (Professionally staffed child care for children under age 3 is also provided on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m.) Each week, the Church School students gather at 9:30 a.m. for a “Chapel” service led by our priest and teachers, after which they break up into smaller groups for weekly, age-appropriate instruction. The youngest children learn through introduction to the classic Bible stories. The older children follow the “Life Together” lectionary-based curriculum that helps them apply Jesus’ teachings to their life in the world today. Our children are truly part of our congregation, and they join us for Holy Eucharist each week. Several times per year, the Worship Committee schedules Church School Leadership Sundays, when the students are invited to lead us in our worship services by serving as ushers, doing readings, and performing songs.
“Church is the place I like best next to home.”
—Student in Kindergarten/First Grade Class
Youth
After “graduating” from Church School, our young people are encouraged to become confirmed members of the Episcopal Church. Emmanuel offers Confirmation Classes every other year. The most recent group to be confirmed spent 1-1/2 years preparing for this major milestone in their lives, discerning what it means to be an Episcopalian but also exploring and learning about other religions through field trips and a spiritual retreat.
“When I see 15 or 20 raucous, happy kids burst in [to Church] during “The Peace” each week followed by a handful of dedicated volunteer Church School teachers, I feel happy and I feel a sense of hope for the future."
—Parishioner testimonial
A Youth Group meets periodically for field trips, such as attending a recent performance of “Jesus Christ, Superstar” at the North Shore Music Theatre. The youth of our parish are actively involved in our worship services, many serving as Acolytes or readers, singing in the Choir, or helping to teach Church School classes.
Adults
During Lent, as well as other times during the year, adult education is offered exploring various topics in a variety of formats. Recently, parishioners have been offered programs as diverse as an "Introduction to Hebrew Scripture" and “Pursuing God with U2,” a program exploring the religious themes and symbolism in the music of the rock band U2.