Children’s formation at All Souls has at its center our Sunday School classes, which meet Sundays at 10:10 am, but finds its fullest expression in the celebration of the seasons and holy days of the church year. Our younger children, roughly 3 – 8 years old, encounter God through story and theological reflection using the Godly Play curriculum. Older children, roughly 9-11 years old, explore their maturing faith using a curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit, which connects with our lectionary and leans heavily on art and justice.
Some other practices that teach our children how to put their faith to work in the world include:
- Bringing food every week for the Berkeley Food Pantry
- Advent ingatherings where we collect toys, art supplies, food and socks for those in need
- Advocating for justice, through efforts like the monthly Interfaith Immigration Vigils and other advocacy work, like the No Coal in Oakland effort and the Women’s March
- Making Cards of Hope for foster youth through Braid Mission
Other activities invite our children to share in community and celebration, such as:
- The Feast of St. Francis we all bring our pets to be blessed and celebrate the example of Francis in loving all creation
- Making ofrendas or remembrance tables in celebration of All Souls Day
- Making Advent wreaths to use at home
- Making clay touchstone crosses to fire and carry during Lent and beyond
It is through this ongoing life of faith together that our children form strong foundations of Christian identity.