At Holy Family, young people are honored and respected as full participants in the church community, often lovingly referred to as the #holyvillage. Children and youth are fully-integrated into worship services, ministries, and outreach work. Youth often lead their parents into the mission field. They understand discipleship as a matter of the heart – listening to God’s call and responding whole-heartedly to care for and listen to the marginalized, the hungry, and the poor.
An older youth member serves on the vestry (church board) to represent the needs and concerns of young people. Holy Family purposefully-engages in many intergenerational activities that offer support and energy to all who participate. Please contact the program directors for access to the private children and youth webpage and Facebook group.
Cultivating a safe environment is essential for youth and adult formation and spiritual practice. Holy Family follows the guidelines set forth by the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis.
Childcare
Childcare is offered to children in first grade and younger during the first thirty minutes of Holy Family’s 10 AM worship service. Childcare takes place in one or both of the early childhood classrooms near the parish hall and is determined by the age and number of children in attendance. Learn more HERE.
Sunday School
The Children’s Ministry Program at Holy Family (PreK-6th grade) shares the stories and values of our faith, encourages children’s curiosity through activities and interaction, and provides a caring community of service and support for them and their families. Children meet primarily during 9 AM Sunday School but also gather at additional times for fellowship and outreach projects.
Youth Group: At Holy Family, the Youth Group (7th-12th grades) is active during 9 AM Sunday School discussing weekly scripture, connecting as teens & pre-teens, and exploring our faith as youth through their transitional years. Outside of the Sunday time, youth spend time doing outreach for the community, delve into the Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer, and socialize through weekend gatherings and a summer mission trip.
Children and youth programs break for the summer to allow teachers a chance to renew themselves spiritually and spend time with their families.
Godly Play
Children in preschool, Kindergarten, and first grade participate in the Godly Play class. Many themes will have a Godly Play lesson and a Centers lesson. Godly Play is a Montessori-style approach to teaching Bible stories. Children receive instruction using wooden and felt figures that represent key people and events in the stories. They are encouraged to ask “wondering questions” about the stories to deepen their understanding of the material. They also participate in individual and group art projects that reflect the themes of the units. Centers lessons will have the same theme as the Godly Play stories. They may include (but are not limited to) activities such as storybooks, books on CD, blocks, music, cooking, puppets, puzzles, crafts, and coloring sheets.
Disciples (Grades 2-6)
This class uses the Living the Good News, Sharefaith, and Building Faith Brick by Brick programs. Based on readings designated by the Revised Common Lectionary and other core bible stories, students respond by participating in activities such as creating scenes using Legos as well as other traditional activities such as crafts and games. This class also focuses on the order of the seasons in the liturgical year and builds familiarity with full participation in all aspects of the worship service including learning frequently-used prayers and reading music in hymnals. They regularly visit the Pray Space and are invited to add their own prayers of intercession and thanksgiving. Additionally, students are provided with the opportunity to be formed in the Anglican tradition, learning the basics of Episcopalian teachings that prepare Christians for Confirmation when they are eligible. Creating a safe environment for young people to grow in friendship is an important part of this program.
Youth Group (Grades 7-12)
The Youth Group ministry seeks to create a space which encourages youth to cultivate personal relationships with God and each other. Sunday School class centers around the lectionary readings for that Sunday and emphasizes critical thinking while in a safe and accepting environment. Other gatherings are more relaxed and include outreach activities, meals, games, music, and small group discussion.
Youth Group Mission Trips: click for details
Service Projects and Outreach
Students in all grade levels participate in a variety of outreach projects which vary from year to year. Some recent activities include Angel Tree, Birthday Cake Kits, and the Youth Group Mission Trip.
Social Events
Students in all grade levels participate in age-appropriate social activities throughout the year including movie nights, nature walks, and lock-ins.
