St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
Laytonsville, Maryland

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We are not just for children. We also have an active teen program called Journey to Adulthood (J2A). Adult programs include classes for all adults interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and our faith and weekly Adult Bible Study. Confirmation classes, leading up to confirmation at the Cathedral, are held for youth and adults interested in becoming members of the Episcopal church.

Sunday School

We want our children to learn about God's love and gifts for them, teach them Christian values for daily living and also give them an opportunity to make new friends and have fun. Our goal is that all our children look forward to Sunday school and that they feel welcome to bring friends.

Each Sunday we will have a lesson and then a brief project for the kids to take home. The fellowship activity involves all the congregation and extends into the coffee hour. We will also continue our tradition of celebrating each child's birthday with a prayer during service and a cake after church.

We have a very dedicated group of Sunday school teachers that work very hard to make our Sunday school program second to none. We are always in need of additional teachers. If you would be willing to help, talk to any member of the Sunday school staff. We can work with your schedule and know you will find it very rewarding.

Ann Fitts, Mary Grabau, Jamie Kaufmann, Karen Parker, Jessica Penkert, and Jean Sommerville have all agreed to be Sunday School teachers. We are very grateful for the dedication and hard work of our teachers and the commitment of our parents in bringing their children to church. Interesting lessons, projects and fun fellowship activities are planned. We can always use more help, so if you can teach just one Sunday a month, that would be great! Please call Ann Fitts on 301-774-4575.

Journey to Adulthood
(J2A)

The Journey to Adulthood (J2A) group meets on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. It is made up of youth from 13 to 18 years of age. We meet during the service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. We currently have six members of the group.

We discuss a range of topics and how Christianity fits into each. Often we discuss a current event or the words and music used in the service or Scripture from the Bible. We encourage the free exchange of ideas and beliefs. We try to make no topic off limits. Our goal is to provide our youth an opportunity to express them selves freely on a variety of topics and how their faith relates.

Our goal is to provide a place where youth can express their cares and concerns about their faith and be aided by the fellowship of the group. There is always room for more and never a better time to start. Explore your faith and have fun doing it, join us.

Adult Education

There is a new Wednesday evening Bible study group that will meet every Wednesday evening for 14 weeks from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. beginning September 12, 2007 and continuing through December 19, 2007. The Rev. Dr. Carol Flett will facilitate and teach the program using a curriculum from Kerygma: "In the Beginning - a Study of the Book of Genesis." No previous Bible study is necessary. Just bring a Bible and $22.00 payable to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church to pay for a copy of the Study Guide.

There is a new weekly Education Hour between the two Sunday services starting on Sunday, September 16, 2007. The Rev. Dr. Carol Flett, or others, will present, teach, and lead a weekly discussion on topics that are relevant to our faith in God and help us to understand some of the issues facing the church and the world. Adults are encouraged to attend. Older children are also welcome. Topics include "What Do Episcopalians Believe", Global Climate Change: Facts and Solutions", and "Spirituality 101."

Youth Education Vision

Our vision at St. Bartholomew's is to have our youth be central to our overall mission and our worship. The children are encouraged (not forced) to participate in our activities and made to feel this is their church. They are valued, loved and treasured by us and by God. They are reminded how unique and special they are to God, each given special talents to use in His behalf. They are reminded to be compassionate and inclusive of those less fortunate and to take care of each other in God's name.

Faith, Fellowship and Fun!!