Christian Education Summary
Christian Education Ministry Summary
The Ministry of Christian Education consists of appointed elders, the Sunday School Superintendent, leaders of the age group committees, Sunday School committee, representatives of the Preschool Enrichment Program, PEP, Book Nook, and the Church Library.
Duties
The Ministry of Christian Education guides the Church in its program of teaching and learning to the end that men, women, young people, and children may grow into faith and obedience. In seeking to teach the faith of the people of God, to develop responsible discipleship, to train effective leadership, and to nurture the minds of persons of all ages, the Ministry of Christian Education works to develop a program of systematic study that best meets the needs of the Church.
SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES
September - May – 9:45 am – 10:45 am (June – August – 9:15 am – 10:15 am)
Worship Center (for children, K/4 through Grade 2)
This Center provides a worship context for telling and working with Biblical stories. Our goal is to create an environment that enables young children to encounter and worship God. While participating, they also learn the season of the Christian Year and the liturgical responses and order of worship that are used in our corporate worship. Our Worship Center has been named as a model center for this approach and is listed on the web site of one of the authors of the book, Young Children and Worship.
Worship Skills Class
We offer this class for third graders and their parents for four Sundays during the Sunday school hour. We teach them the skills they need which prepare them to be a part of the worshiping community of faith.
The class is taught using learning centers and involves the children in various ways during the worship services. They learn how to follow the order of the service in the bulletin and hymns in the hymnal. They meet with the leaders of worship and do a "Treasure Hunt" in the sanctuary. They learn more about the sacraments of baptism and communion. At the end of the class, the children are recognized during worship for the completion of the class.
CROSSWALK – Children’s Sunday school program
September 10, 2006 was the opening day!
Crosswalk is our new Sunday school program for children in grades 1 through 6. The entire second floor of the Christian Education Building has been remodeled into an interactive learning center to teach the Bible stories to our children through a workshop rotation model. The building is truly transformed - with murals on the walls on the staircases, in every classroom, and in the hallways, along with multidimensional set-ups in the theatre, computer room, tent room, art and science room, and cooking room. The children get the same Bible story for four-six weeks, but it is presented in lots of ways – drama, art, computer, music, etc. Our mission with Crosswalk is "to teach the Bible to our children in a way that encourages development of a mature Christian faith, including a personal relationship with Christ that builds community in the church and growth in discipleship."
Celebrations – Room C-22
This class consists mainly of young adults (ages 25 – 40). The young adults also enjoy a variety of regular social events and service projects and are always looking for other opportunities to connect with the church and the community at large.
Electives – Room L-6
This is an intergenerational class offering a lecture/discussion format for a wide range of subject matter and outstanding teachers. If you find a favorite teacher or an special interest being offered we hope that you will "elect" to drop in for as long as you choose.
Seekers Class – Room C-18-20
This is a diverse group of members ages 50 plus who come together "seeking" knowledge through Biblical study, the study of theological issues and their relevance to the issues of today. This class enjoys a fellowship time at the end of each class and dinners in members’ homes from time to time.
McClamroch Class – Room C-16
This is a large class of middle and older adults who enjoy a good Bible study. They use a quarterly curriculum classed "Present Word", which covers most of the Bible in three years.
Pathfinders – Room M-218
This class focuses on issues of faith and life in families. While the majority of class members have school aged children, this is by no means a requirement. We are in search for the path in life’s journey through study, topics, and fellowship that are of interest to a diverse population. Breakfast is prepared and served by volunteers from within the class.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Vacation Bible School – "Gospel Express"– July 17- 21
"All Aboard! Gospel Express" was the theme for this summer’s Vacation Bible School. Children from K/4 through 5th grade met in the Chapel at 9:00 am each morning for energizers and the Opening Celebration time. Each leader, or Conductor, of each age group to round up his/her rail riders by using a train whistle to lead the riders to the various rotations which include Caboose Crafts, Boxcar Bible Stories, Clickety Clack Cinema, Snacks, Train Games, and Railroad Rhythm. An end of the week celebration party on Friday evening. The Middle School youth participated by doing mission projects following the theme for the day. High School youth participated by leading energizers and performing the daily Bible verse drama.
Lectio Divina – Mondays, 11:45 am – Conference Room
Lectio Divina meets Mondays from 11:45 am until 1:00 pm in the Conference Room. Lectio Divina is not a class, but a time of prayer and discernment. Many in the group bring a sack lunch, and after a time of greeting and eating, participants prayerfully engage a passage of scripture, take time to reflect silently upon the passage as it speaks to each one personally, then, in turn, share their insights. The exercise in concluded by intentional and specific prayers for each other. A worksheet is provided to guide the process. Recent participants agree that this time-tested spiritual discipline has the potential to be life-changing.
Inquirers’ Class – Various Sundays each quarter at Sunday School hour
The Inquirers’ class meets in the Presbyterian Women’s Suite. These warm, engaging and informative sessions are designed to acquaint visitor and Inquirers, interested in FPC membership, about the church, locally, nationally, and internationally. Please come and bring a curious friend!
Midweek MANNA – Wednesdays – 5:30 -7:15 pm
Midweek MANNA (Meditation, Activities, Neighbors, Nourishment, Alleluia) is designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Christian Education for children, youth, and adults. We do this by sharing a meal and other activities in each age group, providing a time for Bible Study or continuing education, and providing music education for children. MANNA is held on Wednesday nights. The children come at 5:15 for choir and then eat and play a game together. The youth will have special activities with Providence House. The adult classes are from 6:00 – 6:55 pm. Then everyone will come together in the Chapel at 7:00 for a closing meditation led by our staff. The fall semester will begin on September 6th and conclude with the Children’s Program on December 6th.
The Book Nook
Located on the first floor near the office, the Book Nook has curriculum books, popular books, greeting cards, note cards, and other items for sale. The Book Nook is open on Tuesday and Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights during Midweek MANNA.
The Church Library
Located on the first floor next to the office, the hours are: Sunday mornings, 9:00 am – 11:00 am ; and weekday mornings from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm noon. The library offers a wide range of reading options from purely theological to recent additions on widely varied topics.
Morning Bible Study – Tuesdays 9:00 – 10:30 am – Room C-18-20
Bible Study is conducted on Tuesday mornings September through November and January through April in the Christian Education building. A syllabus is offered with weekly assigned readings along with questions for exploration and discussion.