SOUTH CHURCH PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Throughout our 185-year history, the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury has nurtured justice-loving disciples as a primary ministry in the world. We do this by offering thoughtful and caring programs for children and youth that nurture Faith Formation and Faith in Action. South Church is an open and affirming church. All are welcome.
FAITH FORMATION (THROUGH SUNDAY SCHOOL & WEDNESDAY SCHOOL)
Our core belief is that all people are children of God, are loved by God, and that faith formation can begin at any age. We aim to create a loving, safe community where children and youth can be themselves, loved, accepted, and valued as they are. We help children and youth to understand that they are each part of God’s story, to care for one another and all of God’s creation, and to begin to develop a lifelong spiritual practice. They are invited to explore the mysteries of faith through scripture, tradition, and experience as they develop a personal relationship with God. We want them to feel supported by their church as they go about their days and as spiritual transformation and growth happe&
Pre-K through 8th Grade
Director of Children and Families: Chris Gullotta
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High School
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FAITH IN ACTION (THROUGH THE YOUTH IN MISSION PROGRAM)
In the Bible we learn of Jesus tying a towel around himself and washing the dusty feet of his disciples before the last Passover supper. He stressed that he performed this humble gesture of radical hospitality and service as an example, telling the disciples they were to go and do as he had done. At South Church we believe servant leadership is a way of being in the world, a way of following Jesus’s instruction and example. It is a way of following his commandment to love one another. We live out our belief by nurturing servant leadership through social justice mission programs for many ages.
When youth embody servant leadership they gain real and valuable experiences of putting their faith into action. Throughout the year, youth will be stretched to use their own skills and gifts in a variety of ways and share the love we are called to offer the world in the model of Jesus Christ. They will be challenged and enriched as they meet others in life circumstances very different from their own. At times, we will challenge them to stretch themselves beyond their own comfort zones. The programs are designed to help the youth go deeper into their spiritual exploration and development as they experience each program, based on new experiences and personal growth. The model for the mission programs is cyclical rather than linear. The goal, however, is constant: to help them learn to become servant leaders in the model of Jesus Christ. They will work in community, learning more about themselves, others, and the presence of God. Through having experienced making a difference in the world, they grow into young adults who feel empowered to do so throughout their lives.
YOUTH MISSION
Grades 7 through 12
FORMS & CALENDARs
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