Category: Youth

Join us at 9 am Sunday, Sept. 10; we have breakfast, sign up, and first classes

On: By: David Both
St Mark’s invites all children, from preschool to fourth-graders, and youth from fifth-grade to high school seniors, and adults to join us for the Sunday School kick-off on Sept. 10 at 9 am in the Courtyard area. There will be light breakfast items as well as juice and coffee to be enjoyed by all. Sunday School will start at 9:30. Your Christian Education Committee is looking forward to seeing you! 
The Sunday School chalk on the walk.
The Sunday School chalk on the walk.
In addition to a robust Adult Education program with thought-provoking speakers and presentations, St. Mark’s offers three engaging youth programs: 
Godly Play: This is for children from preschoolers through fourth graders. Godly Play is a Montessori-based method of Christian Education that allows the children to wonder and respond to Bible stories told each Sunday. We offer “work sessions” periodically to allow the children more time to explore the stories and respond using the stories, the “desert box” and various art supplies or journals.
Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences.  We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person. Rite 13 (Grades 5-8) and J2A (Grades 9-12) classes can be found in the CLC.

Classes for Sunday, May 7

On: By: David Both

Walter Brueggemann: The Prophetic Imagination

Krista Tippett is a Peabody Award-winning broadcaster and New York Times best-selling author. She is the creator/host/executive producer of “On Being”, a weekly program that is broadcast on WUNC radio. Walter Brueggemann is the William Marcellus McPheeters professor emeritus of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary, author of numerous books, and is considered one of the foremost Old Testament scholars of our time. 

In 2011 Ms Tippett and Dr. Brueggemann sat down together for a conversation that has been broadcast twice on “On Being.” In this first of two sessions facilitated by Larry Gaissert we will listen to their conversation and reflect on its relevance for both our individual and corporate lives. Please join us at 9:30 a.m. in CLC-4.

If you are so inclined, here are some suggestions for reading prior to the class: Jeremiah 4:23-26, Isaiah 43:18-21, and “The Pickaxe” a poem by Rumi.

Other Classes

Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Christian Education for Sunday, April 30

On: By: David Both

“Suzanne Barakat: Islamophobia killed my brother. Let’s end the hate.” A TED Talk

On Feb. 10, 2015, Suzanne Barakat’s brother Deah, her sister-in-law Yusor and Yusor’s sister Razan were murdered by their neighbor in Chapel Hill. The perpetrator’s story, that he killed them over a traffic dispute, went unquestioned by the media and police until Barakat spoke out at a press conference, calling the murders what they really were: hate crimes. In this TED Talk, as she reflects on how she and her family reclaimed control of their narrative, Barakat calls on us to speak up when we witness bigotry and express our communion with those who face discrimination. A guest at the session will be Lamine Niasse, native of Senegal and now a U.S. citizen. Lamine is a Muslim who was a friend of Deah.

Please join us in CLC-4 at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, April 30, to view her TED talk and participate in the discussion to follow facilitated by Jim Jacobs.

Other Classes

Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Real Davids, real Goliaths: What’s the point of the story? – Classes for April 23

On: By: David Both

Christian education classes meet at 9:30 in our Community Life Center.

Adult class – David and Goliath It’s a classic underdog tale: David, a young shepherd armed only with a sling, beats Goliath, the mighty warrior. The story has

transcended its biblical origins to become a common shorthand for unlikely victory. But, asks Malcolm Gladwell, is that really what the David and Goliath story is about?  You can see the video in advance at https://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_the_unheard_story_of_david_and_goliath. Jim Jacobs leads the discussion. Let’s talk about real Davids and Goliaths in our own lives.

Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Christian Education for April 9 – Immigration and refugees: Advocating for our neighbors

On: By: David Both
Christian education classes meet at 9:30 in our Community Life Center. 
This special series of six classes for adults for Lent focuses on active outreach into the world. Please join us for this important series.
Adult Sunday School: Immigration and refugees In this, the last of our adult classes for Lent, we hear an update on immigration and refugees and
how we as people of faith can advocate for our newest neighbors. Guest Speaker: Jennie Belle of the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.
Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Christian Education for April 2 – Justice and the Whole Child: Education

On: By: David Both
Adult Sunday School: Justice and the Whole Child: Education. Among their basic needs, children need a strong start, health and wellness, and a high-quality education. In this second of a two-part series we learn how advocates for children of all ages are helping to meet these needs. Please join us in CLC-1 at 9:30 a.m. for Part 2: Education. Guest Speaker: Jim Martin, a St. Mark’s member who serves on the Wake County Board of Education.
Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.
Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Christian Education for March 26 – Justice and the Whole Child: Health

On: By: David Both

We continue to roar for justice!

Adult Sunday School: Justice and the Whole Child: Health. Among their basic needs, children need a strong start, health and wellness, and a high-quality education. In this two-part series we learn how advocates for children of all ages are helping to meet these needs. Please join us in CLC-1 at 9:30 a.m. for Part 1: Health.  Our speaker will be our own Tom Vitaglione.
Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.
Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Christian Education for March 19 – Organizing Against Racism

On: By: David Both

Our adult Lenten Series focusing on justice issues continues this week with:

Organizing Against Racism: Racism is an ever-present and challenging force that has structured the thinking, behavior, and actions of individuals and institutions since the beginning of America’s history. Join us Sunday at 9:30 in CLC-1 to learn how we can be strong, organized, and effective in dismantling racism. Guest leaders are Cas Shearin and Derrick Byrd of Raleigh Organizing Against Racism.

 

Godly Play: classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.

 

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood: Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

A look at the HB2 fight and transgender issues in N.C.

On: By: David Both

Christian education classes meet at 9:30 in our Community Life Center.

A special series of six classes for Lent will focus on active outreach into the world. We will have special speakers. Please join us for this important series.

A movement without a voice: Why the disconnect? A majority of North Carolina Christians do not equate homosexuality with immoral behavior, and sizable majorities are opposed to discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Why, then, did HB2 become law? Join us for a presentation and discussion that will also include a focus on transgender issues. Our  special guest is Brent Childers.

Godly Play classes for preschool through second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.

Christian Education for March 12

On: By: David Both

Christian education classes meet at 9:30 in our Community Life Center.

 A look at the HB2 fight and transgender issues in N.C.

A special series of six classes for Lent will focus on active outreach into the world. We will have special speakers. Please join us for this important series.

 

A movement without a voice: Why the disconnect? A majority of North Carolina Christians do not equate homosexuality with immoral behavior, and sizable majorities are opposed to discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Why, then, did HB2 become law? Join us for a presentation and discussion that will also include a focus on transgender issues. Our special guest is Brent Childers.

Godly Play classes for preschoolthrough second grades and third through sixth grade Our children hear the stories of the Bible and of Christ’s ministry to our world. Parents and any adults who are interested are also invited.

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. We use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program that balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person.