Faithful Families
At Epiphany, we believe we have a ministry and a program for all ages. We especially believe that we are called to offer robust programs to children and youth. We offer nursery care for our youngest members, exciting and expanding Sunday morning programs for school-aged children, youth groups for fun and recreation, camps, and service trips.
Church School for children 4 years old to 8th grade takes place during the 10 AM service on Sundays during the school year. When children arrive at church, they go directly to their classrooms, and return to church with their teachers after class to join the congregation for communion.
Godly Play
Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. Godly Play, based upon Montessori principles, helps children explore their faith through bible stories as they gain religious language and enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play.
Youth Groups
Epiphany has two youth groups, our Junior Seekers (6th grade through 8th) and our Senior Seekers (9th grade through 12th).
Youth who attend Junior and Senior Seekers establish strong bonds with others in the group and strengthen their relationships to God. Friends of our parish youth are welcome to attend our programs.
Junior Seekers
Most Sundays, Junior Seekers meet in the Parish Hall at 5:30 pm for fun, fellowship and spiritual development. This community time for middle school students begins with a weekly check-in, games and activities, and discussions on topics important to our youth. Junior Seekers also incorporates community service activities, field trips to other faith communities, movie nights, and fun outings to support their spiritual journey. After their meeting, Junior Seekers join the Senior Seekers for an informal meal and hang-out session.
Senior Seekers
After a joint meal with the Junior Seekers, Senior Seekers meet for fun, games, spiritual reflection and development. Weekly discussions can cover a wide range of topics, from challenges of young adulthood in the current day to spiritual issues. For the latter half of the evening, Senior Seekers play a number of games, from Sardines to flashlight tag, and on occasion, even some epic video game sessions.
Summer Service Projects
Many members of our Seekers Youth Groups participate in our annual “Summer Service Project,” a week-long trip to help those in need. Past trips have included :
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The Wellpinit Indian Reservation in Spokane, Washington, where our service work included carpentry, painting and minor home repair work.
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Journeying to Wasilla, Alaska where our youth helped perform maintenance on the grounds and buildings of St. David's Episcopal Church. Due to the long, harsh winters, there was a lot to be done and our youth jumped right in clearing brush, painting, gardening and chopping wood. St. David's is known for its Firewood Ministry, providing firewood for those in need during their long, cold winters.
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Working on a non-profit organic farm that provides fresh vegetables to local food banks in Bellingham, WA
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Participating in urban renewal projects in South Los Angeles, where they worked on repairing homes and community centers in the area
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Coastal dune restoration and improvements at the Native American site on the Lapawai Reservation / Indian Island, Humboldt Bay, CA
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Assisting with home rebuilding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina