November 1, 2016 
Calvary Children's & Youth Ministries Newsletter
CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Children's & Youth Ministries  Newsletter
Welcome to  Fall. Our second monthly CYM e-Newsletter  continues to share news and insights for our Children and Youth Ministries. It is one way we hope to build community and to participate together in our children's spiritual formation.

Click here to email Rev. Dr. Judith Lee


FAQs about Calvary Sunday School:

1. What curriculum do you use?
We use the ECC curriculum developed at the Virginia Theological Seminary. This year we are using the "Shell" year. You may learn more about the curriculum and download materials at click. For an outline of topics for the year  please click.

2. Why do you begin with Children's Chapel every week?
We want all our young people to begin their Sunday together, as one group, and we want them to learn that our study and learning all begin with prayer - expressed in song, liturgy, and storytelling. We also want them to learn the basics of our liturgy, so that they will become comfortable taking liturgical roles in worship with adults as they get older.

3. What if we arrive after 9:30? Should we wait for our child's class to begin?
You and your children are welcome to come into the chapel at any time. Even if it's just for a few minutes, it will help them to feel part of the group and to be ready for their class.

4. What is there for me to do between 9:30 and 10?
You are welcome to visit your child's class, or any other class before worship begins in the church at 10. We also have coffee available in the Sunday School area, and places where you can sit and relax, catch up on news, texts, or email (free wifi is available), or visit with other adults. Weather permitting, you may choose to spend a few quiet minutes outside in the courtyard or the churchyard, where there are benches or room for a short walk. You are also welcome to go into the church and listen to the choir prepare for the service. Some parents like to go for a short walk in the neighborhood.

5. What if there is no parking available in the lot and the village lot is too far for my child, or we are running late?
There is a "drop off" lane by the entrance off the parking lot where you can leave your car for a couple of minutes while you walk your child into the Sunday School area. Then you can drive to the village lot (across Cayuga), and return to the church in plenty of time for the 10 am service.



acorn.jpg


A Teacher's Reflection:  Cinda Stone 
We have a small, but wonderful, class this year. Between 3-7 children are in attendance each week. They are a group of thoughtful, kind, and considerate boys and girls.
Since September we have been reading and talking about Bible stories from the book of Genesis. We like to sit in our "tent" area around our "campfire" to hear the stories the way they were originally passed on from one generation to the next. I like to use the tent and campfire as a way to set the scene for the stories and to remind the children that life was very different 4,000 plus years ago. After our campfire circle time, we move to the tables to create something that will help us remember our story. The class is very attentive and we have some very interesting discussions. We will continue with stories about Moses and the Saints in the next few weeks.
As we move into the holiday season, I will be talking about giving back and being thankful for all of our blessings. Our class will be making "Grace Books" on November 20th. I will ask the students to email me or bring in their families' favorite table grace to include in our books. I want to teach the class that they can pray in and out of church.
Please feel free to stop in and observe our class anytime. We have lots of fun! We are so happy when you bring your children to Sunday School. Wes and I really enjoy teaching them.





Sunday School Songs

Knowing how beneficial music can be in our journey through life, with your help, Children's Chapel will introduce our children to a new hymn each month.  Ellie Yuhasz and Carol Mayo teach us to sing together every week.  In October we learned .  "Thank you Lord for Loving Care" Our song for November will be:  . "Let there be Peace on Earth":   Read More  

Nursery (infant - 3 years)
click here  for more Information
Beginners  Class (Pre-K & K)
click here  for more Information

Primary Class (Grades 1-3)
click h ere  for more Information
Intermediate [Grades 4-6)
click  here  for more Information

Junior High Youth (Grades 7-9)
click here  for more Information

Confirmation Class

The Bishop's visitation will be on February 26th, 2017. In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is a "confirmation" or affirmation of a young person's baptism. At this time, a young person renews the baptismal vows that were made for them when they were infants. All young people who will be 14 by the spring of 2017 are eligible for Confirmation.

Preparation for Confirmation will include 5 components:
1. Reflections on how to live according to our faith today, in this place
2. Reading and learning about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ
3. Learning about the Episcopal Church
4. A group service project for Calvary
5. An overnight mission trip in Western New York

We will begin with a meeting of the parents and Confirmation students in November to set a schedule for our class meetings and to discuss possibilities for our service project and overnight trip. The number and time of class meetings will depend upon the students' schedules. Each student will also choose an adult in the congregation to be a Mentor.

This is a very special time in the lives of our young people, and I hope that you and your child will find this opportunity. Contact Mother Judith with any questions or concerns, and watch for more information.




A New Community Youth Choir Program
When: Beginning in January 2017: 4:30-6:30 one day/week
Where: Calvary Church
Who: Boys and girls in grades 2-12, including Calvary families and friends
Contact: Alex Benestelli (633-7800; [email protected])


Here at Calvary Church we would like to offer a new musical education to boys and girls from the greater Williamsville & Amherst community. We are thinking about a choir that would be open to boys and girls in grades 2 through 12. The choir would be committed to musical excellence, building community values, and social development. The choir would rehearse once a week after school and sing a brief service of Choral Evensong after rehearsal. Together they will work up to singing Choral Evensong occasionally on Sunday afternoon with the rest of the Parish Choir and possibly with other children's choirs from the region. By limiting the commitment to one weeknight and occasional Sunday afternoons, we hope to extend a welcome to families from Calvary, from other churches in our area, and to the whole Williamsville community.

Continue to watch for more information.






Acolytes I will go to the altar of God / To the God of my joy and gladness.

Acolytes actively assist the clergy in leading the worship of God. Acolytes often find their service is not only fun, but also spiritually fulfilling. Serve with dignity, humility, and care, always with love of Christ. We welcome you to this ministry If you are in 4th grade or higher. We work with your schedule: it's not an "every Sunday" commitment, and you will get training and practice so that you will feel comfortable at the altar.   If you and your parents would like to learn more please contact Doug Sandburg II at:
[email protected]>

They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper. [Psalm 1:3]
 | Calvary Episcopal Church | 716_633_7800| [email protected]  | www.calvaryepiscopal.net
STAY CONNECTED: