Intergenerational Ministries

Intergenerational Council

The Intergenerational Council consists of Saint Mark’s community members ranging from youth to elders who gather to examine the cathedral’s activities and policies from a range of generational perspectives, and to envision ways of being Church in today’s world. Through intentionally intergenerational programming, small group gatherings, and innovative ways to incorporate those new to Saint Mark’s, the council aims to foster spiritual growth and nourishing relationships among members of the cathedral, as we seek to become Beloved Community.

Contact Wendy Claire Barrie, Canon for Intergenerational Ministries: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

(Art by Edinah Chewe for CoGenerate x Fine Acts; CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

How to Cultivate Intentionally Intergenerational Relationships: A Ministry Planning Guide

Find shared interests, activities, and themes to cultivate connections. One of the easiest starting points is to find an activity or a theme that has commonality among groups or individuals. This creates points of connection for conversation to begin and to share ideas and updates. Spiritual practices can be shared across generations. Art and outdoor activities can be enjoyed by all ages. Encourage people to share their expertise or passion with others who may be new to it.
Invite people into the planning process and intentionally share leadership. If you want participation from a particular age group, ask for their input on what would make the offering meaningful for them – don’t assume or expect attendance by invitation alone. When people feel heard in the planning, they will most likely champion the event or class or activity in their circles of friends. Consider the ways you will share leadership of an event, activity, or class with the demographic you wish to include.
Be flexible. Sometimes this means flexing preferences to accommodate different needs and preferences. For example, when coordinating a meeting with people who work during the day, add an evening or weekend option, or host a virtual “drop in” session. Be open to doing something differently and look for ways to creatively include or adapt to the suggestions you receive.
Consider and align on the goals of the event. Does the event need to be age specific or can it be offered for all ages? One way to bridge interest of a particular group with an intergenerational offering is to have the age or interest cohort host the event and make clear in the invitation that all are welcome to join. The host group can coordinate details and lead the planning while creating space for all to gather and participate.
Plan ways your event can be inclusive of different ages and abilities. For example, when planning a hike, consider having two different pace groups, or alternate between the types of trails chosen. A program with reflection and activity stations allows people to choose how to engage with a theme based on their interests. Be explicit in how you invite people to sit if it’s important that different generations will mix at tables.
Be explicit in the name of the event. Event naming and descriptions are the first clues as to who is invited. Making the information as clear as possible can make all the difference in someone feeling welcome. For example, try using “families with children” instead of “families” if children are welcome. A back-to-school picnic could become an “All Parish Picnic” to extend welcome to parishioners who may not have children or whose children are adults.
Hold a debrief and feedback session following your event or program with the different generations involved. Find an opportunity to report back to the wider community both the blessings and the learnings that the different generations experienced.

by Emily Meeks

About Canon Barrie

Canon for Intergenerational Ministries

Wendy has served more than 25 years in parish-based formation ministry in California, New York and Connecticut, and she has a wealth of experience with many curricula, including Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Since March 2020, she has served as Acquisitions Editor and Christian Formation Specialist for Church Publishing, and recently guided the revision of the highly-regarded Journey to Adulthood curriculum. Wendy is a nationally-renowned speaker and teacher in the field of lifelong spiritual formation, and her latest book, The Church Post-Sunday School: How to be Intergenerational and Why It Matters, is due out next summer. She blogs and posts resources and updates at wendyclairebarrie.com

Children's Chapel

SUDAYS MORNING DURING THE 9 A.M. SERVICE

Children’s Chapel is offered each Sunday at the 9 a.m. service. Children in preschool through second grade are invited to join the Gospel procession around the Deacon as the Gospel is proclaimed. Then they process to Thomsen Chapel for the Gospel story in a developmentally appropriate telling, singing, and prayer. They return to their families at the Peace. Younger children may attend accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Contact Canon Wendy Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

Godly Play

Between services on Sunday mornings, we create space for children from preschool through elementary school (age 3 up to 5th grade) to deeply experience the texts and stories of the Bible that make us Christian people and form our faith, and also to grow in community with each other and caring adults. Using steadfastly non-digital modalities, we tell the stories and then make space for the children to make the stories their own for life by using the materials or art to expand, retell, and experience the stories in their own ways. For example, it’s magical to watch children self- organize to collectively create a “crucifixion and Easter-scape” by finding and arranging materials from the room to arrange in a box of sand to exemplify all of Holy Week! We use the Godly Play curriculum. Class sessions are held generally on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month during the school year.