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Christian Formation (Sunday School)
St. Dunstan’s thrives when we learn and grow through God’s word. Our church offers
Christian education from 10:10-10:55 am each Sunday for ages two through adult. Our
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
curriculum is a dynamic and innovative approach to a child’s Christian education.
All children and youth Sunday School teachers must have criminal background checks and must take
Safeguarding God’s Children,
a required course through our church’s diocese.
Click each Sunday School category for detailed class information.
 Toddler Class
Toddlers age 2 (room 306)
For your youngest ones, we use Group Publishing’s “Hands-On Bible” and Gospel Light Publishing Curricula to teach the basic Bible stories that ground all of God’s children in Scripture. Our toddlers learn, with the faith that only young children have, how God loves His people and takes care of them. In presenting active learning that encourages the use of all five senses, our teachers establish appropriate and loving relationships that reflect the love and care of Jesus for these precious ones. The class is for children who are age 2 by January 1, 2010. Children who turn 3 after Sept. 1, 2009 can move up to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd class in the spring of 2010 beginning on January 17.
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Classes for Ages 3-5
3 to 5 year olds (rooms 315 and 316)
For this age group, we have two identical classrooms called Atriums. We use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is Montessori-based and hands-on learning. We lead the child to discover the love of God, and focus on the importance of prayer in his or her life.
All parish children are assigned to either 316 or 315, to achieve a balance of gender & age. Names of children are posted outside the classrooms (atriums). Visitors are welcome to join either class. Children who turn age 3 by January 1, 2010 may join these Catechesis Classes. Children who turn 3 AFTER Jan.1 are asked to remain in the Toddler Class until the Fall of 2010, when they will join a Catechesis class.
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Elementary Classes for Ages 6-11
6 to 8 year olds (room 318)
Our First, Second and Third graders are invited to our Level Two atrium (classroom) of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd Program is inspired by the teaching principles of Maria Montessori, and seeks to reveal the deep need present in each child to be in relationship with God.
4th and 5th Graders (room 301)
“Club 45” is for our Fourth and Fifth graders. We use a variety of curricula, including “Videos that Teach” which use clips from recent movies to lead discussions on topics such as friendship, peer pressure, and courage – and see what the Bible has to say on these topics. Our teachers also use the ECC (Episcopal Children’s Curriculum) which is rooted in the Bible and our church traditions and worship. The three-year curriculum was developed in cooperation with the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at the Virginia Theological Seminary.
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Special Events for Children
On nearly every Sunday we have activities for children. On days when the children do not have regular Sunday School, they gather for Special Events during the 10:10-10:55 am Christian Formation time. Our goal is to provide a FUN and educational experience for children on Sundays, special holidays and liturgical celebrations. Events in 2009-2010 include:
- Dec. 27, 2009 -- “Gingerbread Rock” Christmas Special Event instead of Sunday School.
- Jan. 3, 2010 -- “Jesus Loves You SNOW Much Sunday” Special Event instead of Sunday School.
- Jan. 10, 2010 -- Baptism reception in Parish Hall – welcome the newly baptized and their families. Crafts for the children – supervised by parents.
- Mar. 28, 2010 -- Palm Sunday – No Sunday School.
- Apr. 4, 2010 -- Easter Sunday – children invited to “flower the cross” at all services. No Sunday School.
- Apr. 11, 2010 -- Thomas Sunday – instead of Sunday School: petting zoo, egg hunts, obstacle course.
We have other events for Children and Families this Winter and Spring:
- Wed. Jan. 6, 2010 – 6:30 pm -- Epiphany Family Service with Nativity Pageant & Three Wisemen – in parish hall.
- Tues. Feb. 16, 2010 -- Shrove Tuesday pancake Supper with mardi gras crafts.
- Good Friday, April 2, 2010 – 6:30 pm -- Stations of the Cross for kids.
- Sat. April 3, 2010 – 6:30 pm -- Easter Vigil followed by reception with red eggs and Easter crafts.
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Summer Sunday School for Children
Christian Formation Sunday School for children continues year-round at St. Dunstan’s. During July and August we have two classes:
- Junior Camp Dunstan: for Preschool Children ages 3 and 4 years - Kingsley’s Meadow videos, crafts, and snacks
- Camp Dunstan: for Elementary children entering Kindergarten through 4th grade – Bible videos, crafts, music, and Outreach Project
Every summer we have a different Bible theme and Outreach Project to help others in the community:
- 2009: Armor of God – children donated items for the Seafarers in the Port of Houston – then stuffed and wrapped gift boxes.
- 2008: Fruit of the Spirit – children made beaded lanyards for donations – money given to NAM (Northwest Assistance Ministries)
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Teen (6th - 12th Grade) Classes
Adult Classes
Sunday morning classes run from 10:10am to 10:50am:
- Reading Through the Bible in 90 days
- Comparative Religions
- Getting to Know Fr. Bob Wells
Mondays at 1:00pm:
Tuesdays at 7:00pm:
- Credo, an adult study on Christology
Wednesday evenings. The following are offered:
- At 5:00 The Gospel of Luke
- At 6:30 Reading Through the Bible in 90 Days
- At 6:30 An Introduction to Pastoral Care
- At 6:30 Ladies Bible Study Group
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Christian Leadership Institute
The Christian Leadership Institute is a program of personal enrichment designed to equip Christian leaders to effectively serve Jesus Christ in a variety of settings.
The Christian Leadership Institute is primarily a lay institute requiring no prior university study or formal Biblical training. CLI courses do, however, require disciplined attendance, required reading and diligent study.
Courses are open to members and friends of Saint Dunstan’s and to the community at large. Credit may be granted for studies undertaken in other settings if it is determined that the course content is similar.
Each of the three Certificate Programs (Pastoral Care, Christian Leadership, & Outreach Ministries) develops a set of skills that can be used in many ministry settings. All of the certificate programs include common elements or core courses, but then the road forks into three distinct programs.
Click here for more information about The Christian Leadership Institute.
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