Here at Saint John, we offer educational opportunities for everyone from pre-school age to our oldest members.
Go to the calendar page to check out extra activities or click here for the current Sunday School calendar to find out about important dates. If you are interested in teaching or helping, or would like to register your child, please contact Jennifer Cline Sargent at (516) 485-0677 or by e-mail jcsargent@optonline.net.
Sunday School is held most Sundays between September and June at 9:45 a.m., following worship. The students watch a short video about that week’s lesson from church, then go into separate classes based on ages for a lesson and sometimes a craft. We look forward to finding ways to add music back into the program keeping in mind safeguards for COVID-19.
We begin each year in September with Rally Day, when we welcome returning and new students to register and introduce our staff. Typically, on the Sunday prior to Christmas each year we hold our pageant, telling the story of Christ’s birth from various perspectives with costumes and songs. Palm Sunday brings our traditional egg hunt and Easter craft. We also hold a special children’s gathering on Good Friday to help them understand the difficult concept of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In June, we celebrate on our final day of Sunday school with games and special treats. During the pandemic, we have had to adjust these activities to keep everyone safe. We are planning a Christmas community activity for this year and hope to be able to resume more “normal” activities as COVID becomes more controlled.
Our staff for the 2021-22 school year is as follows:
Coordinator: Jennifer Cline Sargent
Pre-school teacher: Aidan Sargent
Lower elementary teachers: Kathy Strouse & Lori Vanderwaren
Upper elementary teachers: Jennifer Cline Sargent & Jennifer Pagano
Confirmation teacher: Tom Sargent
Substitute teachers: Jeana Dwyer & Gail Tomasulo
Assistant: Erin Dwyer
Music: Quinn Anderson
Cradle Roll: Lori Vanderwaren
Click below for:
Intergenerational/Adult Bible Study
We also hold an Intergenerational Bibles & bagels the first Sunday of the month which is led by Pastor Nancy and other volunteers. It is mandated for confirmation students and everyone else is invited to attend. We gather in the Howe Room to enjoy bagels, coffee and an interesting, and sometimes unusual, look at the Bible.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion instruction is offered in the spring to students in second grade and their parents. Generally, they receive the sacrament for the first time during worship on Pentecost. Afterward, a fund-raising breakfast for Christian Education is held in the Howe Room.
Confirmation
Students usually make their Confirmation in the fall when they are in ninth grade after several years of instruction by our confirmation teachers and Pastor. Classes include weekly Bible-based discussions and activities as well as participation in events with other confirmation-aged youth. Worship is paramount and required, including the opportunity to serve as an acolyte. In the last year, the students work on an independent service project that they will present to the congregation under the direction of Pastor. Once students have been confirmed, they are encouraged to continue to participate in the life of the congregation through serving during worship or in other capacities.