Christian Education Program for 2006 - 2007

>> Also see the general Christian Ed Programs page, or our News and Notes page

CHURCH SCHOOL PROGRAM

CLASSES

• Nursery, up to age 2 (9:30 to 11:30)      
• 2’s and 3’s                                               
• 4’s and 5’s                                                  
• 1st and 2nd grade
• 3rd grade 
• 4th and 5th grade
• Middle School (6, 7th, and 8th grade)
• High school

TEACHERS AND CLASS ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

There are at least two teachers for each class as well as a Superintendent who rotates among the classes.  Nursery, 2’s and 3’s are in church school starting at 10am for the whole of worship.  Starting with 4’s and 5’s, children generally come to worship and stay through the children’s message.  Children from Nursery through age 5 need to be signed into class by a responsible adult.  (Adults accompanying 4 and 5 year olds need to leave with the children after the children’s message and sign them in.)  All children through 5th grade need to be signed out by a responsible adult.

CURRICULUM       

Bible Quest
This curriculum will be used through 3rd grade.  It is a story-based curriculum and involves many hands-on activities.  Stories for each week are listed below.

Seasons of the Spirit
This curriculum will be used as the core curriculum in 4th grade through high school. Seasons of the Spirit is a rotating calendar of scripture readings, which is also generally used in worship.  Scripture texts are listed below.

Special Theme
During Lent, there will be an all-church focus on the Ten Commandments, through curriculum, adult education, and a sermon series.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP LEADERSHIP

First Parish Church encourages the leadership development of children and youth. One way we do this is to encourage classes to participate in worship leadership throughout the program year. Children also participate in worship through their various musical offerings.

MUSIC PROGRAM

First Parish has an active music program with opportunities for people of all ages.  On communion Sundays, during the first part of church school, there is singing for everyone in Currier Hall. In addition, three children’s choirs are available for children from the age of four through high school.  All of these choirs rehearse on Sunday after church and sing at various times throughout the church year.  There are additional musical opportunities for children and youth, which include the brass choir, hand chimes, and opportunities for other instrumentalists.  If you are interested in participating in any of the music programs, please speak with our Music Director, Sue Handy.

ADULT EDUCATION

We offer a variety of adult education opportunities, both ongoing and short-term.  There is a Bible Study that meets Wednesday mornings at 9:15 in the nursery, which is currently focusing on the gospel of Matthew.  On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, a Prayer and Meditation group led by Mildred Leuteritz, and supported by the pastors, meets in the library from 7 to 8pm.  During Lent, a whole church study of the 10 Commandments is planned.  There will be other short-term offerings throughout the year as well.  Please speak with a member of the Board of Christian Education or one of the pastors for more information.