Learning
Sunday Church School
Sunday School classes are held on most Sundays during the school year, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. If you would like for your child to try out a Sunday School class or to be enrolled, call the church at 638-0406.
Sunday School uses the rotational model, in which the children move through several stations each Sunday. The stations might include crafts, music, cooking, puppetry, videos, drama, and story-telling. A really fun approach!
Age 3 through 6th Graders
Six teachers and an overall co-ordinator, with other adults assisting with preparation, music, arts & crafts, and food, offer a vital educational program to our younger children. These Sunday sessions offer a solid basis for the confirmation instruction that begins in seventh grade.
7th & 8th graders and Confirmation Instruction
Confirmation is the Rite of the Church whereby after a period of instruction baptized Christians are confirmed in their faith. Youth at St. Marks are confirmed after two years of instruction , which normally takes place in 7th and 8th grade Sunday School classes. The Rite of Confirmation occurs on Reformation Sunday, the last Sunday in October. Confirmed youth continue in a third year class through the end of ninth grade. Between their 7th and 8th grade, youth attend a week-long Confirmation Camp at Vanderkamp Center in Cleveland NY, joining over a hundred other area Lutheran youth with their pastors in a week of fun, music, learning, and recreation.
High Schoolers
High schoolers use the program "Synago," in which sessions are led both by youth and by adults. Gatherings are held in our new under-construction youth room.
First Communion Classes
Instruction is offered to children in 2nd grade that leads to their receiving their first communion while still in 2nd grade. Parents are urged to particpate with their children in the learning events. Upon their first communion, children receive the gift of a Bible from St. Mark's to mark this important stage in their life as a Christian. Those in higher grades who have not yet communed also receive instruction appropriate for their grade level. Parents are invited to take part.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School in July is the most fun-filled week of the year at St. Mark's. Near to 100 grade-school children of St. Mark's and the community particpate in five weekday mornings of learning, crafts, singing, and great fun. It's an experience that youth will never forget! Visit the Photo Gallery for pictures of VBS 2006.
Children's Books
Within St. Mark's Library is a growing collection of children's books that may be borrowed at any time. Take time to browse.
St. Mark's Nursery School
St. Mark's houses a nursery school that offers morning weekday care to three and four year olds from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Three year olds attend Monday and Wednesday; four year olds, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. For more information, you may call the Director, Barbara Alberico, weekday mornings at (315) 638-2555.
Worship
Like adults, youth are encouraged to be regular participants in the worship of God. Children's Time every other week offers special moments for younger children to enter into a conversation about the theme of the day's worship.
Youth serve at worship as acolytes, instrumentalists, vocalists, and in other ways.
