Church School for Children, Youth and Parents
Church School for Children and Parents 2010
All classes begin at 9:45 a.m., except the parents group that convenes at 10 a.m.
Pre-school Children, Ages 3 and 4
We Believe. A curriculum specially developed by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to introduce young children to the Christian story. During spring 2010, we will concentrate on themes that introduce children to the teachings of Jesus. The goals for children in this age group are (1) to know that God loves the child, (2) to know that all people are loved by God, (3) to experience the church as a safe, loving place, (4) to recognize key Bible persons by name, and (5) to say key words of the worship service. For more information, please contact Marisa Scalera.
Kindergarten/Elementary School Children, Ages 5 to 12
Godly Play: No Single Way to Learn. A Christian curriculum based on the Montessori teaching philosophy, which recognizes that children have different styles of learning as well as different gifts. Godly Play respects those who need to see written information and those who rely on kinetic learning, those who learn better in small groups and those who need to be on their own. This is why the curriculum can span such a wide age range. We tell stories with multi-sensory materials. In the “response time” the children who work best together can pair off or form groups to work on creative projects. Those who work best alone have the time and space to concentrate on projects by themselves. Then we gather the children together for storytelling and worship at the end of class. For more information, please contact Sally Stoecker or Marla Burton.
Confirmation, Age 13
Confirmation gives our young people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith by providing a safe, nurturing environment in which youth can learn about the Christian faith, grapple with vexing, complicated questions of faith, share with other young people in service, and decide whether to claim the Presbyterian faith as his/her own. For more information, please contact Pastor Andy Walton .
Older Youth, Ages 13 to 18
The Bible. In spring 2010, the youth will examine the Bible from three perspectives. First, we will explore the Bible as a literary book with allegories, poetry, big characters, and shocking stories. Second, we will examine the Bible’s impact on society and the secular world through personal investigation, internet research, and discussion. Finally, we will explore the Bible as our source of personal guidance, will contemplate the life of Jesus as a model for our lives, and will seek to understand more about God’s will for each of us. We will revisit favorite Bible stories and reflect on pertinent Bible verses. We will explore the fundamental concepts of grace, forgiveness, and love. For more information, please contact Gary Barbour.
Parents, All Ages
Christian Parenting. A monthly discussion group on the second Sunday of every month for parents with children of all ages. Each session is devoted to a different subject, such as: How do you talk to children about God? How do you teach your children to pray? How do you raise a generous child? How important is Church School for developing Christian children. Topics are announced in advance. For more information, please contact Sara Fritz
