Children and Pre-Teen/Teen Faith Formation

sunday morning church school

We use the Sparkhouse curriculum which is focused on the development of faith in God and building a relationship with Jesus.  Children through 6th grade begin in worship at 10:00 a.m. with their families.  Following a time for them on the chancel steps with one of the pastors, they are dismissed to their age-specific classrooms. Once a year, Bibles are given to 4th graders (NRSV Bibles).

For more information, please contact Chris Calandra.

Nursery

Each Sunday morning from 9:45 -11:15 a.m., infants to three-year-olds are cared for in the Nursery by our staff and have opportunities for play.  The Nursery is equipped with a screen that allows parents to view the worship service while staying with their children if they desire.

For more information, please contact Chris Calandra

Confirmation

Confirmation instruction focuses on confirming our baptismal promises by growing in our knowledge and love of God, making a commitment to Jesus Christ, and developing loving relationships in the church community.  Confirmation is a structured, two-year journey of faith for 7th and 8th graders that culminates with each confirmand’s affirmation of their Christian faith and full membership in GCC.

Confirmands meet each Sunday for study, exploration, and articulation of various aspects of their beliefs.  In addition, students attend worship services at GCC and write reflection sheets on their worship experience. Confirmands also participate in service projects, attend retreats, and learn in fellowship with their peers.

For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. James Matarazzo.

high school

Glenview Community Church high schoolers are provided the chance to explore their faith, connect with God, serve the community, and have fellowship opportunities. In today’s world where teens are more connected but lonelier, youth group provides a space to be social, learn interpersonal skills, and develop sympathy and empathy for others.

Specific activities include:

  • Wednesday evening meetings during Umbrella Fellowship Wednesdays (see below) where faith themes and relevant youth issues are discussed, and the teens also have time for socializing outside of their hectic school, work, and home lives
  • Service Sundays are a time for working on service projects, such as creating birthday bags for the Northfield Township Food Pantry, fleece blankets for the homeless, hygiene kits for new moms, and clean-up kits for hurricane-affected areas
  • A fall retreat and spring trip to de-stress and connect with faith and friends
  • A week-long summer mission trip to serve communities throughout the US – recent trips have included a Native American reservation in Minnesota; Louisville, Kentucky; Logan, West Virginia; and Marvell, Arkansas
  • Puppet ministry (see below)

For more information, please contact Rev. Sarah Lohrbach.

umbrella fellowship wednesdays

Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. during the program year, pre-teens, and teens enjoy a weekly pause from their regular routine to eat dinner together, enjoy creative and active time, and have faith discussions. Small groups are formed for faith discussion and other activities by age group and interest.

Puppet Ministry also meets during this time. Interested young people work on presenting a puppet show for the church school. This group meets from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. and often stays for the other activities during Umbrella Fellowship Wednesdays.

For more information, please contact Rev. Sarah Lohrbach.