Alternately you can download the registration form and return it to Olivia in the church office or at education@stjohnsnorthampton.org. Group descriptions for children and teens can be found under the learn menu.
Volunteer Opportunities for Parents
(GP)Teacher Appreciation: We love our storytellers and door-people and honor their call to share the
sacred stories with our children. One week in May we need parents to facilitate cards or notes from
the children and help the Christian Ed director to arrange a small event during class time to show
our appreciation.
(GP)Helping in the classroom: We are often looking for parents who are able to be a door-person in
the classroom. This entails greeting the children as they enter at 925, being the eyes and ears of
the classroom management and helping to facilitate response time and feast. If you are interested,
Olivia will contact you to complete a CORI form.
Christmas Pageant: A time honored event that can be a free form or as traditional as the
volunteers would like. Be as involved (running the show) or periphery (helping with costumes) as
you like, just let us know on the front side!
(J2A) Fundraising leader: Help to coordinate the fundraising. Each Pilgrim’s family is responsible
for coordinating one fundraiser. Choose from one of the regulars; coffee, cupcakes,
rent-a-pilgrim, car wash, or chili; or come up with a new idea!
Other Youth Opportunities
Baptism: Children are welcome to participate in Godly Play at any stage in their religious journey,
however, many lessons refer to the Baptism experience. St. John’s baptizes people of all ages, and
if you are interested, please indicate by circling on the reverse side and you will be contacted by
the rector to schedule a time for baptism.
Communion: While the church no longer requires that children take a class and receive their “First
Communion”, Communion class is still recommended. Communion class is open to all children over 6
years old and teaches the what, where, when, why and how of the Holy Eucharist. It is offered
each spring and is celebrated in the church service with the students setting the altar and
participating fully in the service in this important rite of passage.
Acolyte: Those adults and youth over 10 years old (fourth grade),who are interested in being part
of the service by assisting Reverend Buenting, should indicate by circling on the reverse. Maddy or Emma will contact you with information on training and scheduling. On days when they are
serving, students should arrive in time to put their robes on before coming to class, and will be
dismissed at 950 to serve
Confirmation: Offered every other year, youth and adults are encouraged to fully join the
Episcopal family. Preparatory classes are part of the J2A curriculum, taught by Reverend Buenting,
and conclude with ceremony presided over by the Bishop. [Adults have the opportunity to take the
“Foundations Cass” to prepare them for confirmation, or reception. Contact Rev. Buenting for more
information.]
Choir: Grant Moss welcomes youth in Journey to Adulthood to practice and sing with the choir.
Rehearsals are in the sanctuary from 7-830pm on Thursday evenings. Youth must attend Thursday and
Sunday to participate in the service.
Altar Guild: If youth are interested in assisting with the preparations of the altar before or
after the service, please speak to Olivia Leone or Andy Winternitz and we will arrange a date.