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A variety of activities designed for strengthening spiritual growth, education and fellowship are available for all to participate. Children, youths, adults, newcomers, and long-time members are invited.   For Children Children's Formation Our Atrium program for the spiritual development of children begins with preschool (age 3) and continues through fourth grade. Our curriculum is designed by our Director of Youth & Children's Formation using various children's Bibles, the Lectionary, Lesson Plans for Small Congregations and the Seedling program as resources. The goal of our program is to provide each child with the understanding that they are a beloved child of God and to introduce them to the Bible and the Episcopal Church. Children's Formation is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Sunday from late September to the first Sunday in June. Atriums (classrooms) are led by gifted and loving volunteers.   For Youth Middlers & Junior High The Middler (5th & 6th grade) and Junior High (7th and 8th grade)classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10am to 11:15am for instruction and group activities. These sessions are supplemented by occasional social, service and recreational activities at other times.  Contact: Liz Ryan  High School This group meets each Sunday morning from 10am to 11:15am for lively and topical discussions, games, theological reflection and fun. Curriculum has been designed by teaching leaders Holly & Bob Parks, Alison Blane and Mike Ditch.   Contact: Liz Ryan  Youth Group The High School Youth Group currently meets on the third Sunday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. Location varies. Watch for announcements. There are periodic trips and activities. Parishioners, friends and visitors are always welcome.  Contact: Holly & Bob Parks or Liz Ryan     For Adults Adult Forum The Forum is lay-led, lively, friendly and informative. This group meets Sundays from 9:00am to 10:00am in the south end of Ludtke Hall.  Contact: Church Office  Conversations This group typically views a short film and proceeds with a lively, friendly and interesting discussion. Meeting on Sundays from 10:00am to 11:15am in the south end of Ludtke Hall, this class runs concurrently with the Youth & Children's Formation classes.  Contact: Christy Becker or Ali Blane  Cursillo Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning "short course." The Cursillo movement is a lay-led renewal movement in the Episcopal and many other churches. It involves weekly small group meetings for discussion and prayer, periodic larger gatherings for fellowship and inspiration and long weekend retreats at which the principles of Cursillo and its approach to the Christian life are explained.  Contact:Joe & Liz Ryan   EFM The parish has had a very good experience with this study course. It is an ecumenical course designed for adults who may have had little or no exposure to the Bible and or Theology, which avoid a literalist approach and concentrate on relating learning to the living of our lives. EFM meets weekly for a year or two. Check the newsletter and calendar for current offerings.  Contact: Church Office  Y.E.S. Group The "Youthful Episcopal Seniors" Group meets approximately monthly, except in the summer, for a program, fellowship and lunch. Programs are usually put on by the members themselves, involving presentations on their careers or outside interests. Sometimes a speaker form the community is invited.  Contact: Dorothy Payleitner  Foyers Foyers are groups of six to eight people who gather about 4 times over six months for fellowship and a simple meal. The timing is agreed upon by the group. Foyers is a terrific way to get to know other people in the parish better. It is open to singles or couples of all ages. Groups are generally assigned twice a year.  Contact: Jim Bachman    For Newcomers Inquirers' Class The parish schedules classes for inquirers, those new to the parish or considering membership. Although these classes are mainly for people new to the Episcopal church, they are also useful for those coming from another Episcopal parish. The class examines the meaning of the Christian faith as we understand it, and discuss the use of symbols in our practice. Members of St. Charles, age sixteen and over, who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Bishop, should also take these classes. Check the newsletter and calendar for dates.  Contact: The Rector, 630-584-2596   For All Ages Communication Important to every Parish is the way things are communicated. At St. Charles' we have a wonderfully "newsy" monthly newsletter, as well as full and complete Sunday morning bulletins. Other matters are communicated through our regularly updated website, publicity in the local press, and on bulletin boards around the Parish and city.  Contact: Wendy Bangs  Confirmation Confirmation or Reception is offered periodically for adults and older teens who wish to make a formal affirmation of their Baptismal Vows before the Bishop.  Contact: The Rector, 630-584-2596 Library The parish library has a small but discerning collection of books on religious topics. These may be checked out by parishioners using the cards in the books.  Contact: The Rector, 630-584-2596 Model Community The parish is an environmental "Model Community," doing all that it can to promote recycling, the use of non-disposable materials and good earth stewardship. To that end parishioners are encouraged to use mugs and place recyclable material in the labeled containers in the kitchen.  Contact: Kerri Hildebrand  Seasonal Celebrations The parish has periodic inter-age celebrations with fellowship and educational activities, usually in connection with a major feast or season in the church year. These have traditionally included an Advent family evening, a Christmas pageant, a Twelfth Night Party at Epiphany, a Cajun Mardi Gras party, a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Lenten Soup and Stations, and a Worship and Picnic in the Park in connection with the end of the church school year. Stewardship Each year this group of committed members educates the parish in matter of stewardship, the proper use of our time, talent, and treasures -- as well as conduct a Parish wide campaign to underwrite each year's budget.  Contact: Church Office Welcome and Sign Up Tables From 7:30 a.m. until after the late service, the Welcome Table is set up with booklets, directions, information, etc. All available for the newcomer or visitor to our parish. Members are urged to sign up for various programs, projects, services, and classes. Always make it a habit to check these two areas just inside Ludtke Hall.