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Children & Youth Formation
At St. John’s, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our young members through engaging and age-appropriate programs. Our Children and Youth Formation classes are designed to foster a deep connection with faith, community, and personal development.
Registration Information
To register for our 2026-2027 programs, please click here. Registration is required for all students before attending classes to ensure we have the necessary information. Regular attendance is encouraged and there is no fee for participation in our Children and Youth Formation programs.
Contact Information
For information about any of our programs, please contact our Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, Ms. Lori Wilson. She is available to provide information and assist with any questions you may have.
Program Overview
Sparklers (Pre-K through Grade 2) & Explorers (Grades 3-5)
Our Sunday school programs offer vibrant, age-appropriate spiritual formation for children ages 4 through 5th grade using the Godly Play methodology. These classes take place from September through early June, during the 10:00 AM liturgy.
- Drop off: Children are dropped off at their classrooms in the undercroft at 9:55 AM.
- Return: They will be brought back to the church to rejoin their families during the announcements.
Godly Play Methodology
Our students are taught using the Godly Play methodology, an internationally-recognized and acclaimed program based on the principles of Montessori education. Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance. It values process, openness, discovery, community, and relationships, nurturing participants to larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play.
In a Godly Play classroom, children are guided through a series of lessons that teach the Bible, the church year, and the saints. The aim is to tap into the imagination and the religious potential of the child, as well as to attend to the child’s existential limits. Each lesson is taught as a story, illustrated with hands-on materials, followed by “I wonder” questions and time for students to creatively respond.
Click here for a snapshot of the 2026-2027 Sunday School calendar.
Youth Groups
We offer dynamic programs for middle and high school students to explore faith, build community, and serve others.
Voyagers – Middle School Youth Group for 6th-8th Grade Students
Voyagers meet several Sunday evenings each month from 5:00–6:15 p.m. during the academic year. Our gatherings are a blend of faith exploration, service projects, and fun activities. Each session concludes with a shared pizza dinner, fostering fellowship and connection. We gather in the Chapter Room. Click here for a snapshot of the Voyagers calendar for 2026-2027.
Navigators – High School Youth Group for 9th-12th Grade Students
Navigators gather several Sundays a month from 6:15–7:30 p.m. in the Chapter Room. We delve into how faith intersects with our lives and the world around us, tackling big questions and engaging in meaningful service projects. Each evening includes a combined pizza dinner with the Voyagers from 6:00–6:30 p.m., fostering intergenerational connection. Click here to view the 2026-2027 calendar for Navigators & SJYEC.
For updates and more, follow us on Instagram at @SJECYouth.
Confirmation
Confirmation at St. John’s Episcopal Church
At St. John’s, Confirmation is a meaningful rite of passage where individuals publicly affirm the vows made on their behalf at baptism. This sacrament marks a deepening of faith and a commitment to a lifelong journey living one’s baptismal covenant.
Youth Confirmation
Young people may begin Confirmation classes at the start of their 8th-grade year, with the program culminating at the end of that school year. This program provides a comprehensive exploration of the Christian faith, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. Click here for a snapshot of the 2026-2027 calendar for Confirmation.
Adult Confirmation, Reception, & Reaffirmation
Adults who wish to make a deeper commitment to their faith are invited to prepare for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation. Preparation may take place in a small group or through individual conversations, depending on each person’s background and needs.
Confirmation
Confirmation is for adults who have been baptized but have not been confirmed in any Christian tradition. Through prayer, learning, and conversation, participants prepare to publicly reaffirm their baptismal promises as the bishop lays hands on them in the rite of Confirmation.
Reception
Reception is for adults who have been baptized and confirmed in another Christian tradition and now wish to make a commitment to the Episcopal Church. In the service of Reception, the bishop formally welcomes them into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church.
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows
Reaffirmation is for adults who have already been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church and wish to renew and reaffirm their commitment to Christ and the promises made at Baptism. This is a meaningful opportunity for those marking a new chapter in their faith journey or seeking a renewed commitment to their life in the Church.
Confirmation Services
Confirmation and reception ceremonies are held annually during the bishop’s visitation, typically in early to mid-spring. In years when the bishop does not visit St. John’s Larchmont, we attend the diocesan service at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact our Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, Ms. Lori Wilson.
St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC)
At St. John’s Church, we believe in the power and potential of our youth. The SJYEC is a dynamic new initiative designed to empower high school and college students by involving them directly in the grant-making process. This innovative program places the responsibility and privilege of philanthropy in the hands of our young leaders.
Click here to learn more about who we are and our mission and vision, and all Youth are encouraged to apply to join the board.
In 2025, the SJYEC grant focus was on food insecurity for teens, and was awarded to the Mt. Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry.
Fundraising: Rev. Lisa & Lori Wilson went skydiving.
In 2026, the grant was for teen mental health, and awarded to Break the Hold.
Fundraising: Our Urban Pilgrimage – walking in faith through NYC.
The focus for our 2027 grant will be determined in fall 2026.
Thanks to your generous support we raised over $10,000 in 2026! Click here to support our work (select “SJYEC” from the dropdown). Thank you for your support!
Vacation Bible School
Mission statement: The mission of Vacation Bible School at St. John’s Church is to nurture children’s relationship with God through wonder, storytelling, community, art, song and play. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every person is welcomed, valued, and encouraged to discover their gifts as part of God’s beloved community.
- 2024: Compassion Camp – What Every Living Thing Needs (how we care for others)
- 2025: Walking in God’s Love (living as followers of Jesus)
- 2026: God’s Big Table (belonging, Eucharist, community)
Finding God in Every Day – Every day at VBS, children will discover God through storytelling, music, art, movement, play, and wonder. Together we’ll practice noticing God’s presence all around us.
- Monday – Look! 👀
Finding God in Creation – We begin by opening our eyes to the beauty and wonder of God’s world and discovering that everything God made is good.
- Tuesday – Listen! 👂
Hearing God’s Love – Through Bible stories, songs, and one another, we learn that God is always speaking words of love, comfort, and hope.
- Wednesday – Wonder! 💭
Exploring God’s Mysteries – Children are invited to ask questions, imagine, and discover that wondering is a wonderful way to grow in faith.
- Thursday – Love! ❤️
Sharing God’s Love – As we notice God’s love all around us, we learn to share that love through kindness, compassion, and helping others.
- Friday – Celebrate! 🎉
Finding God Every Day – We celebrate all we’ve discovered together and leave knowing we can keep looking, listening, wondering, and sharing God’s love wherever we go.
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2027
