What would life be if we were not always expanding our knowledge and experience of who God is, and how we might deepen our own personal spirituality? Christ Church finds it essential to provide educational opportunities for people of all ages. For our children and youth, we have a variety of education: Church School, Communion Class, Youth Group, and Girls’ Friendly Society. Adults are invited to attend the Peak of the Week Study Group or various zoom Bible Studies. In addition, Adult Confirmation Class are offered to those who may be new to the church. We also offer various special series that are not only open to the parish but to the greater community, as in our latest “Principals of Democracy” series in 2025.
Children’s Ministries
“A catechist is faith, hope, and love attached to arms and legs,
aches and pains, family duties and not enough time.
A catechist is an ordinary person who is extraordinary
because he or she teaches as Jesus did.
A catechist is faithful to the past, open to the future, but especially
dedicated to deepening the faith of the present generation.”
Source Unknown
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Church School
Christ Church, Shrewsbury is a kid-friendly Episcopal parish offering families a comprehensive Christian formation program in a safe, nurturing environment. At Christ Church your children will have opportunities to experience Christian service, fun, and fellowship.
Our Church School offers three levels of classes – Lower Church School (Grades K-4), Middle Church School (Grades 5-8), and Upper Church School Grades 9-12). The program kicks-off with Rally Sunday in early September and concludes with a Youth Sunday celebration in June. All classes meet on Sunday mornings, and Lower and Middle Church School participants rejoin their families for Holy Eucharist after class. Upper Church School participants meet after worship.
| School Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lower Church School (Grades K-4) | 8:50 am -9:30 am | |
| Middle Church School (Grades 5-8) | 8:50 am -9:30 am | |
| Upper Church School (Grades 9-12) | 10:00 am – 10:45 am | |
Old Testament, New Testament, familiarity with the liturgy, and church decorum are taught with age appropriate methods on all levels. Lower Church School participants become familiar with the Old and New Testaments through circle-time reading and discussions, games, and hands on projects.
Middle Church School participants begin to move beyond literal interpretations of scripture to explore metaphorical and allegorical interpretations. Effective use of the prayer book, hymnal, and church etiquette are also emphasized. Upper Church School participants, equipped with knowledge of Old and New Testaments, adept at using a variety of interpretive approaches – literal, metaphorical, and allegorical – develop tools to apply the timeless teachings of scripture to their own lives. Appreciation of the Episcopalian faith in the context of other Christian denominations and the relationship of Christianity to other major religions is also explored. In both Middle and Upper Church School we encourage lively discussion on current, topical subjects and active service participation in various events.
For those wishing to be confirmed, Upper Church School culminates with Confirmation. Performed by the Bishop about every three years, in this ceremony our youth publicly proclaim their life-long commitment to deepening their personal spirituality while striving to understand the relationship of their Christian beliefs to other religions. Symbolizing their transition to spiritual adulthood, with Confirmation our youth begin their journey to truly appreciate Christ in all persons.
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Communion Class
Twice a year (during Lent and Advent) the Rector holds an all-day Communion Class designed for children ages four and up. The Class is open to all children – those who are currently receiving Holy Eucharist, those who are getting ready, those who have attended already, and those for whom this will be their first time! The Class is held on a Saturday from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Included is a series of lessons, games, songs – and of course, baking Communion Bread. Lunch is provided. Children learn basic theology of the Sacraments and “church etiquette” as well. Children may attend as many times as they wish; each time brings something new! We are always looking for adults to help. Check the Parish Calendar or call the Church Office for more information.
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Bible School
Girls’ Friendly Society
Monmouth Chapter
Have you ever heard of GFS? One of the oldest organizations in our church starting back in 1877, GFS is there is strengthen the bonds of Christian Friendship and develop leadership qualities in our girls and young women and providing experiences for them to gain confidence and assurance. We combine worship, outreach, crafts, friendship, and fun. GFS is open to all girls ages 5 and older. Girls become Ambassadors when they turn 21, taking on additional leadership responsibilities.
Our 2025-2026 Program is “For Every Spoon and Plateful: A Revolutionary Idea!” We will be spending time preparing for our nation’s 250th birthday and cooking up everything from dog biscuits for the SPCA to making Easter Bread for our families’ tables.
GFS meets once or twice a month from September through June. Some meetings are held on Sunday after Coffee Hour, while other meetings comprise of fieldtrips and adventures. We welcome the help and support of all our mothers as we seek to make our chapter a successful experience. GFS camp in Cape May usually takes place the third week in July. It is open to all members ages 9-21. Cost is minimal, and scholarships are available. Pencil it in! Invite your friends to come join us! Learning has never been so much fun! See the Christ Church Calendar of Events for more details.
GFS: The Purpose of the Girls’ Friendly Society is to help girls understand what it means to be a Christian within their own particular life situations; to discover their own relationships with God, family, community and the world to help girls utilize their given talents, to attain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth through program centering around worship, fellowship, service, study and creative activities. In others words, we hope to be an asset to our girls as they grow into womanhood.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ.”
Galatians 6.2 (The GFS Motto)
Epiphany Pageant
On the Sunday closest to the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th), our children and youth present our annual Christ Church Epiphany Pageant during the 10:00am Sunday service. Practice for the pageant is held the previous Saturday. Please call the Church Office for more information.
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Youth Ministries
Episcopal Youth Community
In addition to Church School, our Middle and High School students meet throughout the year for a variety of activities including Outreach, Worship, and Fellowship. They help organize CROP Walk, assist with our Graveyard Events (what teen doesn’t love that!), spend time keeping vigil during Holy Week, and providing many other services to the church. Please contact the Church Office for more information.
Diocesan Youth Events
Please call the Church Office for more information.
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Casie Kerr Scholarship Fund
The Casie Kerr Scholarship Fund is a special fund established many years ago to award graduating seniors from Christ Church for service done in the parish. It was given its current name to honor one of our high school students, Casie Kerr, who died in a car accident in August 2000.
Scholarship winners deliver addresses during the principal service on Youth Sunday. We encourage all our parishioners to contribute to this fund. It is our way of giving special thanks for the life and ministry of our children and it reminds them that we are still a source of support to them as they leave this place to further their studies.
All graduating High School Seniors who are members of Christ Church may apply for this scholarship by filling out the application located under the Forms section of our website or just by clicking here.
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Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation usually takes place when the Bishop visits our Parish or is visiting another local Parish. Confirmation Preparation is an ongoing process; it combines what our students are learning in Church School and Youth Group along with special sessions with the Rector. All persons (Grades 9 – 12) are encouraged to participate and learn about their faith and prayerfully consider receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Studying the Faith is only part of the journey; confirmands participate in a series of outreach programs, recreational field trips and church service-related activities as part of their commitment.
Adult Spiritual Formation
At Christ Church, we believe that Christian Education and Nurture does not end with Confirmation or with graduation from high school. One’s personal spiritual growth is an ongoing process that continues throughout life’s many stages and cycles. To that end, we offer many opportunities for education and nurture for adults at Christ Church. Here are a few; we hope you will find one that meets your own needs and schedule.
Peak of the Week
Most Wednesdays, September through June, Peak of the Week, an adult study group meets in the Library from 10:15am to 11:15am (just following an informal Eucharist which begins in the Library at 9:30am. The topic varies; we have done Biblical Studies, novels such as The Red Tent and The Poisonwood Bible, and are in midst of learning about other traditions such as Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Currently we are studying Native American Spirituality. Come find out what we are all about!
Adult Confirmation/Reception Classes
Adult Confirmation class is also held periodically. For adults seeking Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, please contact our Rector, Mother Lisa Mitchell, at rector@christchurchshrewsbury.org.
Adult Zoom Bible Study
Special Series and Forums
From time to time Christ Church offers special opportunities to increase spiritual growth and knowledge among our adults. This past January/February, this included a well-received series on Democracy, open to the public. During Lent, discussion (along with a soup supper) was held each week following Stations of the Cross. We are currently planning some special events about the role of Faith and our Country, honoring the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. Please contact the church office for more information.
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