Sunday School
September through June

The Sunday School has an enrollment of more than 60 children from preschool through the 6th grade, with preschool–1st grade using the Godly Play curriculum, and 2nd-6th grades using All Things New. Volunteer teachers rotate by church season. Over 35 youth are involved in the Middle and High School classes which use the Journey to Adulthood curriculum. Currently, confirmation preparation is part of the Sunday morning J2A curriculum for those in the 9th and 10th grades. For questions about youth or children’s activities, please contact Rev. Audrey at the church, (973) 744-0270.

Preschool – 1st grades
9:15 a.m. Godly Play raises children’s awareness of God’s presence in their lives through parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action. Meets in Godly Play room on the first floor.

10:15 a.m. Bible Explorers & Music. Bible story and snack, then children join their families in church after the exchange of the Peace. The Red Hots, our young children’s choir, rehearse during Bible Explorers. In Godly Play room on the first floor.

2nd – 6th grades
9:15 a.m. Sunday School begins with joyful music in the Chapel led by Mr. Rick Morgan, Director of Music Ministries. Then, children move to their grade-level classrooms for All Things New, a curriculum whose child-friendly activities center on Scripture and basics of the Episcopal faith. Take-home material helps carry the lesson into family life during the week.

Middle & and High School
9:15 a.m. Christian formation programs. These classes end at 10:10 a.m., in time for the 10:15 service.

Rite 13 (7th & 8th grades). The purpose of this program is to celebrate the God-given gift of manhood and womanhood and to help develop the skills our young people need to earn the gifts of adulthood. Class meets in its own room on the lower level each Sunday, and for special events such as a "lock-in." We celebrate the Rite 13 Liturgy in church twice a year, as the children turn 13.

J2A – Journey to Adulthood – (9th & 10th grades) builds on Rite 13. It trains our youth in six necessary skills of Christian adulthood: listening, assertion, negotiation, research & information management, partnership, and leadership. Meets on the 2nd floor each week, plus a Sunday evening activity once a month, and raises funds to support a biennial pilgrimage. (Note: J2A evening meeting has taken the place of EYC.)

YAC – Young Adults in the Church – (11th & 12th grades). At this level, the youth are in charge of their programs. Advisors meet with them to assist in the development of service projects and other ministry. This group meets on Sunday mornings on the 2nd floor.


Sunday Nursery Care

Infants through Preschool
Provided by experienced caregivers during 8:15 and 10:15 services, as well as 9:15 Adult Education.


During the Week

Youth in 4th – 6th grades
FISHER KIDS – Fun, games, friendship and opportunities to help. Meets at church during the school year on the second Monday of each month, 5:00–6:00 p.m.


Adult Education
Adult Education at St. James' focuses on topics that include Scripture, spirituality, the Anglican tradition, and the ethical and moral dimensions of our lives as 21st-century Christians. A regular Sunday morning class is held at 9:15 between worship services, supplemented by weekday sessions. During the week (usually on Wednesday mornings and evenings) more extensive studies of scripture and spirituality are scheduled, typically running for four to eight weeks. In addition, a spiritual book discussion group meets regularly. St. James' hosts workshops led by distinguished guest speakers from time to time, and regularly engages parishioners in off-site retreats. For information on Adult Education, contact Rev. John Perris at the church, (973) 744-0270, or Education chairperson Mrs. Melissa Kneuer at (973) 746-4713.