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 Greetings and News!
Hello, current and prospective St. Bart’s families!  We are thrilled you are here to learn more about our programming and our parish.   

 The Education Committee met with the wardens and Rev. Amanda to discuss the best way to continue supporting our youth of all ages.  One of our goals is to expand Youth offerings outside of the Sunday church service schedule, since families find it challenging to participate every Sunday morning.
 
Like many church communities, St. Bart’s is always assessing what is working well and where there may be areas to make adjustments. When we consider the Sunday school program, we have been privileged to have many dedicated and loving volunteer Sunday School teachers. However, it is apparent that attendance during Sunday school has been quite low for several years. Given this—and after careful thought, prayer, and discussion—the Youth Education Committee (in consultation with the Vestry and Reverend Amanda) decided not to continue to offer Sunday school.
 
​The church has grown to include several new, young families, and the community is highly invested and involved. This is not to say that we will never offer Sunday school again in the future. For now, though, we will explore other ways to meet the spiritual needs of children and families. For example, we hope to encourage parents and children to participate during Sunday services, in roles such as lectors, acolytes, or greeters. There may also be ways to engage youth during coffee hour or through the art show or other recurring church activities. 
Current Activities for Children in Church
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Children's Greeting -- We have welcomed and enjoy the addition of the children’s homily at the beginning of the service given by our Youth Education Coordinator and volunteers.
  • ​As always, all children are welcome to attend all or part of any service with their families. 
  • ​We have  "Activity bags" in the entry way of church--the Narthex--for youth to engage with during the service.
  • A "Kids' Corner" is available in the back of the sanctuary. ​
  • ​Daycare is provided every Sunday for children 0 to 3 years old during the school year.
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Recent Family Fellowship Events 
Here are some of the events we've held in the recent past for our youth and families:
  •  January: Sledding party at Valhalla Country Club in Cumberland. 
  • February/March: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Palooza with fun and games.​
  • March:  Design the t-shirt logo for the May Day of Service.
  • April: Easter service and Easter Egg Hunt after church.
  • May:  Annual Day of Service: Volunteer opportunities at 4 non-profit organizations. 
  • June:  Episcopal Maine Youth to Walk in Portland Pride Parade.  
  • June: Sea Dogs Game. ​ Tickets in a reserved section for St Bart's.  ​
  • September:  Apple picking and pie making
  • October:  Volunteer at Maine Marathon Water Stop
  • ​November:  Friendsgiving Potluck dinner at church
  • December:  Christmas Sing Along and Food Drive
  • December:  Volunteer at Christmas Fair
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We will keep you updated on upcoming events.  We are always happy to hear any feedback you would like to share with the Committee.  We want to ensure we continue to support our youth of all ages and provide them with meaningful programs that will help them grow in their spiritual formation.   ​

​We will continue to work hard to enrich your children’s spiritual formation journey, making it fun and engaging along the way.   Please reach out to anyone on the Education Committee with questions or suggestions.   Yours faithfully,
 The Education Committee 
Leann Greisen,  Chair
 Maria Guarino, Elizabeth Gillan , Julie Bliven  ​

Rev. Amanda sat with our children for a special children's homily at our Christmas Eve Family Service and our Easter Sunday  service.  Our first Family and Youth Event in the winter was a Sledding Party.  The snow arrived just in time!
Additional Youth Resources
Check out our YouTube channel to view  past homilies.

Listen to our very own Spotify playlist that includes all of our homily morning songs and others! Let your whole family listen while you’re cooking a meal, cleaning, or playing. This is a collaborative playlist, so feel free to add songs that are special to you and your family’s spiritual lives!

We would also love to stay connected with you through social media! Follow our Instagram account: stbartsyouth_yarmouth and see what’s inspiring us and keeping us grounded and spiritually connected.​
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Maine Episcopal Diocese
Click here for news from the Diocese about youth faith formation.

​Summer Camp
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine operates a wonderful Summer Camp open to youngsters of all faiths, located on Lake Megunticook, in Hope, Maine.  Click here to find out more about Camp Bishopswood.
 
Let God’s love for us warm our hearts and shine brightly for all those around us.