Programs
Other Opportunities

Sunday School
Wendy Guarnaccio, Coordinator

The importance of children to our community is testified to by the quality of programs and activities presented for them.

Sunday School is just waiting for all the excited children to fill the rooms with laughter and learning. We have an enthusiastic Sunday School Board led by Wendy Guarnaccio. Our teacher teams are ready to meet their students from preschoolers through sixth grade. Our curriculum will open the world of Christian spirituality to the children with age-appropriate stories, activities and projects.

Parents are always welcomed into the classroom, either as observers or as an extra pair of hands to help out with crafts, puppetry, story telling or what have you!

Nursery
St. Lawrence has a bright, sunny nursery, loaded with toys and books and staffed by volunteers. Children are welcomed here during the 9:00 and 11:00 service. If they wish, parents may leave the service after the Lord’s Prayer to collect their children from the nursery and bring them into the church for communion.

Children’s Chapel
During the 9:00 service, the smaller members of the parish family (generally ages 3-6) gather in the Children’s Chapel, in the classroom across from the Nursery (upstairs.) After an activity related to the readings of the day, they join the rest of the family in church during the Peace.
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Youth Programs
Contact: John Huber
St. Lawrence’s Youth Programs are geared to young people from 7th grade through high school. The programs are centered around helping our preteens and teens become full functioning members of the parish.

The Rite-13 program is intended for those approaching (or just past) their thirteenth birthdays, and is centered in a philosophy seeking to encourage the young people to be good stewards of the gifts given them by God. The group meets during the Sunday school time, and also participates in other activities throughout the year.

Our older teens, grades 9th and 10th are involved in a group called "J2A" for "Journey to Adulthood," and the 11th and 12th graders are the members of our "YAC" group. This phase of the youth program emphasizes the need for the young men and women to wrestle with the implications of their growing adulthood, and to assume their proper positions as full members of our faith community. The J2A and YAC groups also meet during the Sunday School time, as well as taking part in other activities both within and without the parish.

Both of these programs are part of a larger process emphasizing the spiritual, emotional and mental growth of our youth in the Episcopal Church. It is an important role of our entire congregation to support these young people as they grow in maturity and responsibility within the church.

Adult Education
Just as worship involves people of all ages, the educational offerings at St. Lawrence are intended to offer something for all ages as well, even adults! There are many opportunities, both formal and informal, on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, for adults to expand their understanding and to grow spiritually.

On Sunday mornings between the 9:00 and 11:00 services, while the children are involved with their activities, adults gather for a time of reflection and conversation. Sometimes outside speakers will be invited to address us on relevant issues. Whatever the topic, the discussion is informal, often insightful, and always informative.

Midweek Bible Studies
Contact: Wendy Guarnaccio and Jeanne Neifert

There are two opportunities for midweek adult Bible study. The first group meets Wednesday evenings, usually during Lent and Advent, following a 7:00 Evening Prayer Service. Parishioners Court and Julie Williams lead this discussion.

The second group is a Mothers’ Spirituality Group. Mothers of young children are meeting on Friday’s at 9:15 AM, for prayer, study, and mutual support.

Seeking Sophia
Contact: Carolyn Finch

This group seeks to examine spirituality from a feminine perspective. They meet at varying times and for a variety of activities, according to the preferences of the participants. The women involved have found it to be a wonderful time to engage in reflective discussion, to read some stretching and uplifting literature, and to share fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee.

Inquirers’ Classes
In the late winter/early spring the Inquirers’ Class is held for those wanting to learn more about the Episcopal Church. The classes may be simply for enrichment and affirmation of faith, or may lead to Confirmation or Reception. They are taught by the Rector.

St. Lawrence Book Group
Contact: Mellicent Wishau

This book discussion group meets the second Monday of each month, September to June, at 7:30 PM in the church library. Each month, one of the participants leads the discussion of a fictional work of merit. All are welcome; the only requirements are a love of literature and a willingness to read and participate in discussion.

Other Opportunities

Clean Up - Fix Up Days
Contact: Mike Matson

Several times yearly, the Facilities Committee holds "clean-up/fix-up days" to do those necessary repairs and maintenance of our building and grounds. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to rake, sweep, scrub, paint. Watch the newsletter and bulletins for upcoming dates.

Choir
Contact: Alan Whaley, Organist/Choirmaster

• Adult Choir
  Love to sing? The choir would love to have you join in! The Adult Choir sings at the 9:00 service. They rehearse on Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:00 PM.
• Children's Choir
  Contact: Mark Feely
  
  The Children's Choir sings on the Third Sunday of the month at the 9:00 service. They practice Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. Children old enough to learn a song, follow directions and sing in front of the congregation are welcome.

Coffee Hour
Contact: Mary Ann Seagrist

Throughout the year, many activities bring us together for fellowship and fun. Among these are the weekly Sunday morning coffee hours. After the 7:30 AM service, coffee hour is hosted by Coy and Evelyn Casper, and between the 9:00 and 11:00 services, it is hosted by two different families each week. Coffee hour provides a great opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners; hosting coffee hour is a wonderful way to provide a ministry of hospitality that is much appreciated every Sunday morning.

Ushers, Readers, Chalice Bearers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)
Contact: Mell Wishau

Serving as an usher or a reader is an easy way to get involved with the weekly services at St. Lawrence. It is very rewarding to serve as a chalice bearer or a lay eucharistic minister (they take communion from the service to our home-bound or hospital-bound parishioners). The diocese must license both chalice bearers and LEM's.

Newcomers
Contact: Mary Ann Seagrist

We hope that everyone who comes to St. Lawrence feels included and at home. To that end, regular events are hosted to help the newest of our parishioners feel more comfortable and welcome. Once a quarter, informal brunches are held to help new folks feel welcome and to answer any questions they may have about the Episcopal Church.

Golf Outing and Steak/Lobster Dinner
Contact: Jeanne Neifert

The Golf Outing is held in the fall of each year. Golfers play a "Scramble," then meet others for a steak/lobster feast at a parishioner's home. All are welcome for this fun sporting/eating event!

Progressive Dinner
Contact: Jeanne Neifert

Each spring, St. Lawrence hosts a delicious Progressive Dinner in parishioners' homes. We get to know each other better while we travel from appetizers to salad to main course to dessert. A fun tradition you won't want to miss.

Sunday Services:
7:30am - Holy Eucharist Rite I Liturgy
9:00am - Holy Eucharist Rite II Liturgy
10:10am - Christian Education
11:00am - Holy Eucharist Rite II Choral Liturgy
Thursday Service:
8:30am - Holy Eucharist