Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the Christian Church. This Sacrament is open to infants, children, and adults who have not been previously baptized.
Each candidate for baptism is sponsored by as many as three baptized persons. Sponsors (Godparents) present the candidate and make promises, in their own name, that they will support the candidate by prayer and example of Christian life. Sponsors of infants and young children take vows on behalf of the child.
Baptism normally takes place on special church Feast Days and certain Sunday services. Parents and candidates meet with the Rector before selecting a baptismal date.

Child Care
Infant – Preschool

Our experienced caregivers, Dina Bocchino and teenage parishioners, care for the children during the 10:00 service in the nursery located in the education building. The children have an assortment of age-appropriate toys for their play. Please pick up your child before coming to coffee hour, or pick them up in time to receive a blessing at Communion.

Sunday School
K through 8th

The Sunday School, under the direction of Joan Skorupski, uses a curriculum that includes Bible stories, elements of the Book of Common Prayer, Church history, and Church traditions. The upper grade teachers plan trips and service projects for the children.
The children have special presentations throughout the year at the 10 a.m. service; the foremost one is the Christmas Pageant held on Advent IV, the last Sunday before Christmas. The year closes with a Strawberry Festival that highlights the children’s classroom projects.
Sunday School begins the second Sunday after Labor Day. Registration forms are available in September, though a child may enroll at any time during the year. Offering envelopes are distributed during registration and from classroom teachers.
Sunday School classes begin at 10:00 a.m. with the children joining their families in church during the exchange of the Peace.

First Communion
2nd and Up

Instruction is offered to children in the second grade and up who are ready to learn more about receiving the Holy Eucharist. First Communion class is an education opportunity and not a requirement for receiving the Eucharist. In the Episcopal Church all baptized children are permitted to receive Communion. Parents who would like their very young child to receive communion should ask the Rector for a packet for home use that will be a guide in some basic instruction. If your child already receives Communion we still encourage instruction in the second grade.
Instruction takes place on five Saturday mornings at 8:00 am, beginning in October . Children will receive their first Communion on Harvest Sunday, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Separate instruction is available for older youth. Please speak to the Rector if you are interested in First Communion classes.

Confirmation
9th and Up

Those who are baptized are encouraged to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and a commitment to the responsibilities spoken for them by their parents and sponsors at baptism. It is a sacrament that is a solemn and joyful reaffirmation of Christian service. Classes are held on Sunday afternoons beginning in January. Confirmation will be at the Cathedral in Newark in May.

Youth Group
6th – 12th

Youth Group meets on Sundays after church for fellowship and activities. The youth also participate in parish and diocesan service projects. Last year they sang for the residents of the Nutley Senior Manor and homebound parishioners at Christmas time, made and served dinner at Apostles’ House, helped clean up a park in Paterson, participated in IHN, motorcycle blessing, and Homeless Night out! This Fall, in addition to some of the previous activities, we will take part in the thirty-hour famine project, and participate in Night Watch at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC.

Youth Group 2009 - Homeless Night Out

Acolytes
5th and Up

The Acolytes assist during the 10:00 a.m. service. The younger children serve as torch-bearers; the older youth assist as Crucifers. Acolytes can expect to serve about once every six weeks, and may be asked to substitute on any given Sunday.

Youth Ministry

Opportunities for
• community service
• contemporary worship in other parishes (rock, hip-hop, U2charist)
• serving in the soup kitchen, wrapping Christmas gifts for needy children, other outreach opportunities
• help in the nursery during the 10 am service (high school and older)
• play your musical instrument during the service

Music

Handbells
The handbells play under the direction of Kathy Bimbi, a Township elementary school teacher. This mixed group of children, youth, and adults meets for rehearsal every Wednesday at 7 p.m.. The group performs once a month, September through May.

Sunday School Choir
Preschool - 4th
This choir is designed to take place during our Sunday School Hours. Beth Sebek, voice teacher at Mannes School of Music in NYC, teaches the children about Jesus and our faith through music. The children sing in church on special occasions.

Youth Choir
5th and up
The Youth Choir is under the direction of Michael Cundari, Nutley Middle School and High School Choir Director. The young people are taught the basics of reading and performing choral music. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Auditions are not required. The Youth sing once a month.

Other Programming

Vacation Bible School Camp

Preschool – 6th
This fun-filled two-week Christian education program teaches children about Jesus through Bible stories, songs, games, and projects. The culminating activity is Family Night. This short program highlights the fun and learning that has taken place.
Vacation Bible Camp runs from 9 am to 12 noon the second and third week of August. Children must register in advance and there is a modest charge for tuition.

VBS

Community School in Nutley

Grace Church is one of the sponsors of CSN. They offer high quality child care and education from infants through kindergarten. Grace Church houses the Infant/Toddler Center. Contact the School for more information (973-661-0189).

Beyond Ourselves
Opportunities for
• community service
• contemporary worship in other parishes (rock, hip-hop, U2charist)
• serving in the soup kitchen, wrapping Christmas gifts for needy children, other outreach opportunities
• help in the nursery during the 10 am service (high school and older)
• play your musical instrument during the service