Our lifelong learning
We have multiple programs running all year for all ages. Everyone is welcome.
Pre-K - 6th Grade
At CCRye we recognize that the shaping of our childrens’ and our spiritual life in Christ, loving God and each other is a lifelong process.
Accordingly, through stories, songs, scripture and art, children from ages 3 to grade 6, have dedicated teachers who engage and teach them the great stories of the Bible, inform them of God’s plan for all of us and help them apply what they have learned to their daily lives.
We are dedicated to teaching our children the way of Christ, so that they can develop a relationship with God and live out His commandment in the World. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.”
We promise that it will be a time overflowing with vibrancy, tradition, scripture, questions and knowledge of God’s abundant love for us.
Sunday School meets every Sunday from 10 am through 10:45 am with dropoff beginning at 9:30 am in the lobby. If interested, you can register your child here.
We also run special events for children, such as the Christmas Pageant, Advent Ornament Making, The Easter Egg Hunt, the Blessing of the Animals and many other fun and enriching activities.
Confirmation
The 8th and 9th grade years at Christ’s Church are significant because they focus on Confirmation, a pivotal moment in a young person's spiritual journey. This program is designed to help students explore their faith in a deeper way, ask big questions about God and the Episcopal Church, and reflect on their own beliefs.
Confirmation is more than just a class—it’s a supportive space where students can freely ask questions, explore their beliefs, and engage in meaningful discussions. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, and students are invited to challenge themselves and experiment with their faith, all while building a strong sense of community with one another.
Throughout the year, students engage in a variety of activities that combine learning, fellowship, and service. Together, they study the teachings of the Church, share their thoughts, and have fun in the process. Highlights of the year include a weekend retreat, where students spend time reflecting, praying, and building community, and a number of community service projects that give them the chance to put their faith into action. Students also take part in the worship life of the church,leading Sunday services.
The Confirmation program is about much more than preparing for a rite of passage; it's about deepening one's relationship with God, discovering what it means to be a part of the Episcopal Church, and building a supportive, faith-centered community.
7th grade
At Christ Church, the 7th grade year is centered around the theme of service. It’s a time for students to actively contribute to the life of the church and engage in meaningful ways that support both their spiritual growth and the wider community.
Our 7th graders have a variety of volunteer opportunities that allow them to get involved and take on important roles within the church. As acolytes, students assist during worship services by carrying the light of Christ and helping to set the tone for sacred moments in the liturgy. This hands-on involvement provides them with a deeper understanding of the church’s traditions and rituals.
In addition to being acolytes, 7th grade students also have the opportunity to serve as lectors, reading scripture aloud during services. This role helps students build confidence and public speaking skills while contributing to the worship experience for the congregation.
Another key way 7th graders serve is by helping with Sunday School as Junior Teachers. This responsibility allows students to share their faith and knowledge with younger children.Through this role, students develop leadership skills, patience, and a sense of responsibility as they become role models for the younger members of the church.
8th - 12th grade
Being part of Christ Church Rye offers many exciting opportunities for high school students to grow spiritually, socially, and personally.
- Youth Group: Led by Brendan Chapman and Ben Peron, the Youth Group is a vibrant community where students can enjoy fun activities, games, and a sense of belonging. It’s a great space for making friends, learning, and having fun in a supportive environment.
- Volunteering: Students can also get involved in various volunteering opportunities, including serving as a Sunday School teacher. These roles offer a chance to give back to the community while building leadership skills and deepening their faith.
-Pilgrimage to Taizé: One of the most unique experiences available is the opportunity to join a pilgrimage to the Taizé Monastery in France. This journey offers young people a chance to reflect, pray, sing, and connect with God in a peaceful and communal setting. It’s a powerful experience that fosters spiritual growth through shared silence, song, and personal reflection.
At Christ Church Rye, there’s something for everyone to engage with, grow in faith, and be part of a welcoming community.
Youth Group
Youth Group brings together any interested children from grades 8-12.
This is a lively space full of laughter, games, activities, and a strong sense of community. Its activities include baking, scavenger hunts, the occasional game of Church-Wide-Hide and Seek, and many other activities that teens love.
Youth Group will follow the confirmation class from 6:00pm - 7:00pm and will be scheduled for every 2 weeks after that.
If you are interested in anything Youth Related please email our Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator, Tyler James, at tjames@ccrye.org.
A Prayer
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— BCP, p. 829