41 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-5980

Church School & Youth Programs

Children and adolescents are important members of Bethesda's community. We welcome their participation and we address their needs in a variety of ways. The sacrament of Baptism takes place three or four times a year; all are welcome. In this Church, children may start taking Communion as a commitment to the Church when they are confirmed. Confirmation is celebrated when the Bishop visits Bethesda, usually every three years, and Confirmation classes are offered as preparation. Children of all ages are welcome to attend church. Parents are also welcome to make use of the nursery which is described below.

Listed here are the programs and activities we offer our children and youth at Bethesda. All parents are encouraged to help out in some way with these programs. We aim to strengthen our children's life in the Church, and the Churchs future through them.

Nursery
On the first floor of the Parish House we have a nursery, as well as a three and four year old program.

Church School-KIDS QUEST AT BETHESDA

• Weekly classes for all children,
  grades pre-K through 12
  
• Dedicated, experienced teachers offer a creative blend of lessons, music and artwork
  
• Coordinated Curriculum:
  
  • pre-K through 3rd grades use the Cook Anglican Curriculum for a strong foundation of Bible stories and Christian values.
  • 4th through 7th grades use the Episcopal Children's
    Curriculum which introduces and explores our Episcopal traditions.
  • 8th through 12th grades use the Living the Good News lectionary based curriculum which examines the weekly lessons and readings, applying them to the teen's daily experiences. Guest teachers and speakers lead lively discussions.
    
• Bethesda Bookshelf - our library with hundreds of books and videos for all students.
  
    
   
• Special Programs:
  • Advent Workshop - annual Christmas craft, ornament and gift making.
  • Christmas Pageant - annual dramatization with reading and musicians.
  • Year End Graduation
    
• Field Trips:
  • Medieval Faire - Albany Cathedral of All Saints
  • Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City
  • The Cloisters Museum of Medieval Art, New York City
    
• Weekly Service Participation:
  Youth may particiapate in the weekly service as acolytes or in the choir.
  
• Beaver Cross Summer Camp, Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY
  Camp of the Albany Episcopal Diocese for all children ages 6 through 18.

Church School Registration
For more information on our programs for children and youth, please contact Denise Limoli, Director, at our parish office(518) 584-5980. Registration for each new year is in September. Visitors are welcome any time.

BYG: Fun, Fellowship and Service

• A group for all teens, grades 8 through 12
• Youth led with adult advisors, Tracy and Jonathan Parke.
• Activites include lock-ins, movies, bowling, hiking, guest speakers, fund raisers and community service projects (e.g. annual Spaghetti Supper fundraiser for the Saratoga EOC and the Memory Walk)

Acolytes
Boys and girls who are at least in kindergarten may begin serving on the altar. Children are trained by Bob Bullock and T.J. Pettigrew for specific tasks and the children are frequently paired with more experienced servers until comfortable with their own roles. Acolytes serve on specific Sundays according to the schedule mailed out from the parish office. Acolyte roles grow with each child, and a formal induction service is held every June. Leave a message for Bob or TJ at the church office 584-5980

Treble Choir

Lay Readers
Children read appointed lessons as part of the 10:00 Sunday service. Readings are set according to the Episcopal Lectionary and are mailed to the children from the church office one week prior to their reading. Assistance and training is available by contacting Vernon Hinkle. Contact Katrina Keech at the church office 584-5980

Annual Bethesda Events

• February Valentine's Brunch
• February Pizza Party and Variety Show
• Lenten Soup Supper
• Youth Group makes Easter Bunny Pops
• Acolyte Induction (June)
• Choir Level Recognitions (June & November, as needed)
• End of the Church School Year Party
• Vacation Bible School (July)
• Building Fund Celebration (August)
• Church School Registration (September)
• Dedication Day (October)
• Meatloaf Supper (October)
• Choir Level Recognitions (November & June, as needed)
• Youth Group serves Spaghetti Dinner (December)
• Youth Group assists Shepherds by making trees (December)
• Service League Bazaar (December)
• Caroling
• Decorating the Church (Advent IV)
• Clothing drive for Franklin Community Center