Youth & Adult Formation

Education is central to our capacity to grow as disciples of Jesus and to live out our Baptismal Covenants. “Grant that we may … hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,” Thomas Cranmer prayed, reminding us that since the beginning of the Anglican tradition, the regular study of scripture has been central.

Babies & Toddlers

We welcome worshipers of all ages. If your child needs more “wiggle room,” a diaper change, or feeding, you may continue worship downstairs in the Children’s Room.  There is also a rocking chair in the rear of the sanctuary and space to walk around.

Options for Youth Formation

 

At Epiphany we believe in lifelong formation in Christian faith beginning at baptism.  Children are formed from infancy by attending worship as often as possible —  absorbing the sounds, sights, rhythms, and repetition of the prayers and practices. 

 

Birth – 3 years: Children are primarily in worship. Families are invited to sit toward the front so they can be visually engaged with what is going on but there are “Wiggle Room” options as well. The rector on occasion may invite them to participate! And don’t worry about little ones making noises — sounds are welcome signs of their curiosity and energy.

Children ages 3–6: We encourage children to attend worship with their families on Sundays in order to become accustomed to the rhythms of the community. The Rector, on occasion, may invite them to participate in the sermon or service!

Grades 2 – 8: Faith Formation Events will be offered periodically through the program year. These will feature a seasonally appropriate faith-based lesson, Bible story, activity, discussion and/or service project. 

Grades 7+, Youth Group: This group will meet seasonally for fellowship, community service, discussion of contemporary issues and more.

Youth ages 8+: All of our young people in this age group are invited to be acolytes, readers, and ushers. Many serve in one or more of these capacities with responsibilities that can evolve as they grow.

 

Growing into our Community

Our children learn about Jesus’ love for them and for the whole world through all we do at Epiphany while practicing Christian values through service to those in need. The most lasting and formative opportunity for our young people of every age is be present in worship with parents and loved one’s actively modeling and engaging them in the patterns of prayer, singing, and Holy Communion. Currently, every third Sunday of the month is a Children’s Sunday, where our youth and children participate in the Sunday ministries - Acolytes, Ushers, Greeters, Lectors etc.

We believe that some of the most important Christian Education takes place outside of Sunday morning. Finding ways to recognize and love God in daily live is an important skill to develop. Special events throughout the year build community, love, and empathy for all of our parishioners but especially the young. Some special events include:

  • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

  • Maundy Thursday — washing of the feet, stripping of the altar, and church family meal with food prepared by our Youth

  • Easter Egg Hunting

  • Pentecost Youth Sunday Celebration

  • Summer Holy Hikes

  • Blessing of the Animals (October)

  • Advent Labyrinth Night

  • Service Projects

To register for any youth formation program, please contact the office directly.

All teachers are required to complete a national background check and to follow the trainings and recommendations of the Safe Church program.

Options for Adult Formation

 

We are all students of Christ — reading, discussing, and remembering the stories passed down gives us new eyes to understand our world and live more deeply and truly in everyday life. 

 

Bible Study: Sunday mornings at 11:15 in the Living Room on the lower level. This long-running lay-led group offers deep dives into one book of the Bible at a time.

Adult Formation: Scheduled Sundays at 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. We gather to learn about Scripture, prayer, history, current topics and other issues of interest. We also welcome guest presenters to share their gifts and passions in their everyday lives that have been inspired by their faith. Two-three week series are hosted during major seasons of the year such as Advent, Lent and Easter. Come and learn something new about your friends in the pew and hear how God has moved them in their lives.

Adult Book Club: Summer of 2025 TBD

 

More than just Sundays

Some of the most important spiritual formation takes place beyond Sunday morning. Finding ways to recognize and love God in daily life is a critical and life-giving practice. Special events throughout the year build community, love, and empathy for our world.

Some special events include:

  • Phil Campbell’s Music Series — Musicals, music, history, and trivia

  • Maundy Thursday — Church family meal with food prepared by our Youth, traditional washing of feet and solemn stripping of the altar

  • Simple Table: Dinner churches

  • Summer Contemplative Walking (on local trails)

  • “Mass on the Grass” in the summer/early fall

  • Blessing of the Animals (October)

  • Advent Labyrinth Nights

  • Contemplative Christmas service