Education

Nursery: Infants and toddlers are welcome to spend the church service time with our nursery caregivers in the lower level nursery. The little ones will enjoy playing with our caregivers and all the toys while parents enjoy the church worship service.

Wiggle Room: The Wiggle Room is also available for small children and a parent when they need room to move during the church service. It is located in the back of the Sanctuary and has space, books, and small toys to keep little ones entertained. Don’t worry parents you can still hear the church service from the Wiggle Room.

Junior Worship: September through June during both services children preschool through fifth grade are welcome to participate in our MADD (Music, Arts, Drama, Dance) Junior Worship. Youth in middle school and high school are welcome toassist with projects and music when Ms. Lyndsay needs volunteers or enjoy the worship service in the Sanctuary. Some projects we work on during our MADD have included; musicals, praise concerts, church design and building, hand bell performances, art projects, and service projects to help our community and the world around us. Through the summer worship months Junior Worship is held during the 10:00 a.m. service only. We shift our focus from the MADD to a multiage hands-on Sunday school classroom for about 30 minutes each week. Last summer we focused our learning on the “Fruits of the Spirit.”

Sunday School: Sunday school begins at approximately 10:00 a.m. and ends at 10:45. During this time, children from preschool all the way to twelfth grade have a great learning opportunity. All classrooms for our Christian Education hour are in the lower level, north and south hallways. The classes are staffed by volunteers who give their time and talents to provide a positive Christian learning experience for the children. Our three and four year old classroom is currently focusing on prayer and the stories in their Preschool Bible. The kindergarten through second grade room and third through fourth grade room currently are working with a curriculum called “Gather ‘Round” and will be embarking on the stories of Jesus’ life through the Advent season. OurKOOL (middle school) group and SHYG (high school) group are learning about various topics and their direct relation to the Bible using a curriculum called “IT.” All of the children have a Bible lesson each week and enjoy a variety of activities building on the scripture while relating it to his or her life. All children and youth are welcomed to participate and experience the lessons with the fantastic teachers and God’s great Word.

Confirmation: Confirmation classes are conducted each year for the ninth grade students in the church family. Confirmation encourages our young people as they come to affirm their own Christian beliefs, and the class builds a community in and among the youth of the church. Reverend Dr. Wheeler teaches the Confirmation class on Sunday evenings. Attendance at Sunday services and service projects complement the Confirmation experience.

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG): All students in high school are welcome to participate with SHYG.We meet on Sundays after the 11:00 service (approximately 12:15) until 2:00 p.m.with Patrick and Lyndsay Carey as current Youth Advisors. Some activities we participate in are Rake and Run, birthday celebrations, leading games for family activities, work trips, Ropes Course for team building, fundraising, and fun activities for fellowship.

Kids of Our Lord (KOOL): All middle school students are welcome to participate in KOOL. KOOL meets at the same time as SHYG from 12:15-2:00 p.m. on Sundays with Mrs. Lisa Wilmot. We participate in shopping cart food collection challenges, CROP walk, cinnamon bun sales, KOOL overnights, roller skating and KOOL café.

UPPER ROOM~~NO CHANGE FROM CURRENT INFORMATION ON WEBSITE Upper Room: The Upper Room staff consists of teens and adults who host the weekly events and also meet on a weekly basis to discuss activities. Although the intent is to allow the teens to do their own activities, a variety of structured activities will be offered. These activities could be group or individual singing (Karaoke), dramas, tournaments, group games, sports, dances or whatever the teens request, within reason. Adults will be present to monitor the activities. A Youth Advisory Board made up of teens from community groups is currently working out details for the weekly events. A $5 entry will be charged to cover food and event expenses. Snacks could include pizza, bread sticks, pop, popcorn, cookies, crackers, fruit, water, coffee, candy, etc. It is expected that all who attend will be respectful of themselves, each other and all property. There will be no alcohol, smoking, or drug use on or around the church property. Full details of the rules will be available and must be agreed to upon entry.

Sunday Morning Studies with Sue Menko: Sue Menko is a Christian Educator who guides the Sunday studies. The class sessions include scriptural study and discussions of contemporary issues. During the school year, the Sunday Morning Studies begin at 10 a.m.

Thoughtful Christian: This adult class meets on Tuesday mornings and reflects on a wide spectrum of topics such as spirituality, theological ideas, Biblical study, religious history, world religions, ethics, and social issues. As the class determines its area of interest, the topics change frequently. Currently the group is discussing the book Practicing Your Faith. All adults are welcome from 9:30-11 on Tuesday mornings.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL~~ SAVE THE DATE!! Join us this summer for, SKY, Vacation Bible School July 30 through August 3, 2012 from 9:30-11:30 Monday through Thursday and 9:30-12 on Friday. Children preschool through entering fifth grade will learn that when they trust God anything is possible! Middle school and high school youth are encouraged to save the date too as we require lots of volunteers during this week. Stay tuned for early registration ensuring that your child has a spot and all the awesome supplies and projects to make it an amazing week. All children of the congregation as well as the community are welcome- pass it on to all your friends.

The more the merrier!!!