at Christ Church

 

Christ Church is an active faith community with a strong commitment to lifelong Christian education.  We offer a variety of learning opportunities throughout the year for people of all ages.  A brief review of our current programming is provided below.  For any questions about our educational programs, please contact the Reverend Julie Yarborough or the Reverend Caroline Dean at 908-273-5549.

Children in Worship

At Christ Church, we offer two opportunities for Sunday morning worship, one at 9:30 and one at 11:15. Sunday school for all children through 7th grade begins halfway through the 9:30 service. We invite all ages to attend worship. A special message is shared with children who gather at the front of the sanctuary, and following that, two- and three-year-olds and members of our Church Mice choir (for children age 3 – 1st grade) are dismissed.  All other children remain in worship for the passing of the peace, prayers, offering and special music. Just before the sermon, remaining children and youth may leave to attend Sunday school in the Barnwell Building, which concludes at 10:45.

Childcare is provided at the second service for young children.

As worship is a time for prayer and reflection, we ask parents to use their discretion if young children cannot be quieted; and please feel free to rejoin the service at an appropriate time, should you need to briefly step outside with your children.

Christian Education Programs

Nursery Care

We provide nursery care for infants and toddlers up to 2 years of age, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sundays and for special events.  Our nursery is located on the ground floor of the Barnwell Building, and is staffed by highly experienced and loving caregivers.

Two and Three Year Olds

Sunday school for our younger preschool children takes place on the second floor of the Barnwell Building.  This age group enjoys age-appropriate Bible stories, free play and snack, supervised by experienced, nurturing and consistent caregivers.  2 and 3-year-olds are invited to attend worship for the children's message and then go to their classroom.

Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

Our preschool and kindergarten students participate in loosely structured Sunday school lessons and activities.  Children gain exposure to Bible stories, Christ's teachings, God and prayer, through arts and crafts, stories and games.

First through Fifth Graders

Our elementary-aged Sunday school program uses a workshop rotation model that teaches Bible stories and other topics in a dynamic and creative format.  Children, grouped by age, rotate through different workshops over a six-week period.  Each workshop focuses on the same story or theme but employs different activities and media such as drama, computers or art.  This approach, which is based on Howard Gardener's^[1] theory of multiple intelligences, reinforces the message with a fresh experience each week, and helps keep children engaged and motivated.

Sixth and Seventh Graders

Sixth and Seventh graders attend Sunday school in Lile Hall, where programs are geared toward their interests and maturing spiritual capabilities.  Every first Sunday of the month, the sixth and seventh graders stay in church for the sermon and communion, instead of having class.

Eighth Graders

Eighth graders attend confirmation classes with Rev. Dean and Rev. Rush, which are held on Sunday evenings.  They are expected to attend the full hour of worship each week

Youth Groups

Our Middle School (grades 6-7) and High School (grades 9-12) youth groups, with their many outreach and service projects, exemplify the longstanding Christ Church tradition of active community involvement.  These groups also provide young people with spiritual nourishment and a supportive environment where they can find unconditional acceptance outside of the normal school/peer group setting.

Our Middle School and High School youth groups are led by Rev. Caroline Dean with assistance from adult volunteers, and they meet on Sunday evenings.

Children's and Youth Choirs

Three different choirs for kids of different age groups perform regularly in worship services -- our Church Mice, Genesis Choir, and Canticle Singers. All rehearsals are on Sunday morning, before, during, or after worship service. In some years, depending on interest, the Pilgrim Bell Choir is offered for kids in grades 4-7. See details on our music page.

Adult Education

Adult Education at Christ Church consists of programs offered to educate and uplift.

Throughout the year members of Christ Church and specially invited guests will share their passions and expertise through films, discussions, workshops and lectures. A variety of small groups offering Bible study and opportunities for spiritual growth also meet for varying lengths of time.

Barnwell Building

Christ Church welcomes all of its members, guests and visitors to the Barnwell Building, adjoining the main sanctuary.  This facility is equipped with 9 rooms to support our educational programs, including dedicated space for art, computers, and nursery care.

The Labyrinth

We are excited about a unique aspect of our building, a labyrinth, which is embedded in the floor of the main atrium.  As a permanent feature composed of inlaid stone within the structure of the new building, this is the only such labyrinth in the state of New Jersey.  Labyrinths have been found in ancient and medieval cultures around the world, and today people walk the labyrinth for multiple reasons: as meditation or prayer, for problem-solving, and for healing.  Our labyrinth is open to all who are interested in walking it, or to anyone who would like to see and learn more about it.

Contact Information

For more information about Christ Church programs and activities, please visit our website at www.christchurchsummit.org or call 908-273-5549.

Rev. Julie Yarborough

Associate Pastor (Children)

 

Rev. Caroline Dean

Associate Pastor (Youth and Adult Ed)

 

Rev. Chuck Rush

Senior Pastor

 

Christ Church

561 Springfield Avenue

Summit, NJ 07901-4404

 

Phone: 908-273-5549

Fax: (call)

 

www.christchurchsummit.org