Sunday School & Youth Programs

St. Paul’s strives to provide an atmosphere where children can feel safe, valued, loved, and be nurtured. We hope to help children deepen their relationship with God, learn about the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and become active members in the church.

Sunday School – Sundays During the 10:00 AM Service

St. Paul’s welcomes all children to participate in our Christian Formation Sunday School Program, no pre-registration required. If you are new, let a church member know and they will take you to the Sunday School classrooms. Sunday School classes are held September through May and supervision begins at 9:45 a.m.

Quiet Room with Service Live Streamed

Our quiet room has baby toys and is available for families to watch the service while the children play. (Babies/Toddlers are welcome in the combined Nursery/Preschool class as well.)

Nursery/Preschool Class 

The combined Nursery/Preschool class is for babies, toddlers and preschool children. Each week a Bible story is read and discussed and then children are assisted with an accompanying craft. Children are under the supervision of volunteers and can stay for the entire church service. Or, parents are welcome to pick up their children and bring them into church for Holy Communion.

Kindergarten-2nd Grade & 3rd-6th Grade

Our elementary Sunday School classes are separated into two age groups, Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and 3rd through 6th grade. Each has age-appropriate lessons and activities based on the Episcopal Church calendar, taught through Bible Readings, songs, games and crafts.

We use the Weaving God’s Promises curriculum, which was developed specifically for the Episcopal Church. Through this program we aim to:

  • Help children experience how God’s promises of salvation are woven into our lives
  • Show them the way of Christ, not only in church but also in the world as Christ’s ambassadors
  • Give children a solid grounding for future formation programs, which prepares them for Christian adulthood
  • Foster the spiritual formation of our children in Christ’s love and mercy
  • Teach the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation

Children join their parents for Holy Communion after the sermon and announcements.

In addition to the above, the 3rd-6th graders also participate in Service Sundays. We strive to teach the children about helping others in our community by dedicating the last Sunday of each month to service projects. Projects have included: Souper Bowl of Caring (collecting food donations), Christmas Angel Tree (toys and gifts), making cards for Troops, and food preparation for our monthly Mission Kitchen at St. John’s in Elizabeth. Click here to learn more about St. Paul’s community outreach.

Youth Programs for Middle & High School Students

Youth Group

Youth Group invites middle and high school students to get together for fun and fellowship throughout the year. Past events have included mini golf, hiking, movies and trampoline parks. The group also helps with the church’s outreach projects, such as making dog toys for rescue organizations, cooking for Mission Kitchen, and organizing Christmas gift donations for our annual Angel Tree drive. 

Mission Trip – Yearly in the Summer

Middle and High school students have participated in summer trips to serve those in need. Participants do not need to be church members and we encourage St. Paul’s youth to invite their friends. Past trips have served communities in West Virginia, Ohio, Vermont and Maine! Once the dates and location have been chosen, the Mission Trip group meets periodically to develop relationships and skills, and raise funds to support the trip.

Christmas Pageant – Christmas Eve at 4:00 PM

 

The annual pageant is held during our Christmas Eve Family Service, and children age 3 through middle school are welcome to participate. The production tells the story of the birth of Jesus, with a variety of roles for both younger and older children. Children’s Choir Christmas songs are also incorporated under the direction of our Director of Music, Mark Hyczko. Practices are held after church during Sundays in December.

To learn more about our Sunday School & youth programs, or participate in the Christmas pageant, contact Erica Webber, Director of Christian Formation, at stpaulssundayschool1@gmail.com or 908-232-8506 x13.

For information regarding youth sacraments including Baptism, Communion and Confirmation, visit our Sacraments and Sacramental Rites pages.

Weekday School Programs

St. Paul’s Day School offers full day Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten, full day preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds, part-time options for 2.5, 3, and 4-year-olds, as well as before & after care. Visit stpaulsday.org or email stpaulsday@stpaulsday.org to learn more.

St. Paul’s Church Time for Twos program offers part-time options for 2-year-olds. Visit stpaulsday.org/time-for-twos or email timefortwos@stpaulsday.org to learn more.