Christian Education
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY
MEETINGS ARE HELD THE SECOND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
AT 7:00 PM IN THE CHURCH CONFERENCE ROOM
DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR (AUGUST - MAY).
Children and Youth are a vital part of our congregation at First Congregational U.C.C. We offer programs to provide for the spiritual growth and fellowship of our young people.
Whoever we are, whatever our age, we encounter and interpret the biblical story through the lens of our life experience. We learn from it and grow with it and when we share our understandings with others, we learn and grow even more.
We want our students to learn about worship and to learn how to worship God. We want our students to learn that the Bible is our book, filled with stories of our faith. We want them to learn how to use their Bibles. We want our students to learn that their faith is relevant for everyday living. We want them to be able to apply what they learn in class to life situations. We want our students to learn how to pray. We want our students to learn the importance of good stewardship. We want our students to understand that the church is their extended family. We want them to build relationships with their peers and with other adults in the church. We want to support parents in reinforcing what has been taught in classes and in continuing the Christian education program throughout the week.
In this safe environment, children and youth are invited to learn and explore the stories of our faith through storytelling, discussion, games, drama, crafts, exploration, discovery and fellowship. They are then encouraged to live their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. Please plan to join us for any of our educational programs and invite your friends to join us too.
For more information about any of the Christian Education programs at
First Congregational, U.C.C. please feel free to contact:
Rev. Lois Bucher
847-741-4045 extension 19
or any member of our
Ministry of Christian Education
Michael Blackwood, JoAnn Brictson, Jan Embree, Karie Jiacomin, Evelyn Johnson, Deb Leberecht, Krista Leith, Shannon Lile, Sally Lopez, Ellen McDonad, Jennifer Swan, Vickie Thomas, Deb Treacy.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30 - 11:30
Children begin worship at 10:15 with their family and are dismissed prior to the first scripture reading to Children's Chapel (3 years - 6th grade) in the Chapel or Sunday School Class (Junior and Senior High School).
Chapel time is designed to help our young people learn about worship and about how to worship. It will be approximately 10 minutes long and include music, a scripture reading related to the Sunday School lesson, a brief message, prayer time, the offering, and the benediction.
Nursery (Babies - 2 year olds)
This class is held in the nursery on the main level. The babies will be cuddled and the toddlers will be taught about the love of God through play, story and song.
Kindergarten (ages 3-5) through 6th grade
Sunday School is approximately 45-50 minutes long, lasting until 11:30 a.m. Our Sunday School uses the Rock Solid Curriculum which is designed to help people of all ages encounter the biblical story, learn how to interpret the faith story, and connect it to their lives as disciples.
Each Sunday students will be engaged in one of the many stories of our faith. With the use of their imaginations, emotions, and minds, students will be invited into the biblical world, its dilemmas, and situations. By entering into the biblical story, persons of all ages may come to imagine themselves, their community, and their world in new ways.
Students experience & participate in various activities including reading scripture, arts & crafts, games, drama, music, cooking & science. While students games regularly as part of their educational journey, one Sunday each month is devoted to interactive games (such as the "pit" game where we learn about the pit Joseph was thrown into by his brothers).
Jr. High (7th - 8th grades)
Discussion and Action: Students in this age group will use the lens of their faith to explore issues affecting their daily life. Through the discussion of current events, teen pressures, moral dilemmas, and decision making they will seek to discover ways the biblical story connects with their daily life.
Sr. High School
The Senior High class will remain in worship through the sermon each Sunday and will leave the service during the hymn after the sermon .
* On the first Sunday of the month the class will remain in church for the entire worship service so that students can participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
* On the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sundays of the month, the students will meet in their upstairs classroom for a sermon and faithful living discussion.
2010-2011 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Nursery - 2 years old:
Ellen McDonald
Jackie Sanderson
Lorri Powell
3 - 5 years old:
Evelyn Johnson
1st-2nd Grade:
Deb Treacy
Sally Lopez
3rd-5th Grade:
Shannon Lile
Michael Blackwood
6th Grade:
Karie Jiacomin
Vickie Thomas
Junior High:
Sue Ruf
Cathy Jurgens
High School:
Sonja Payne
Lauren Jackson
Katie Sharf
3rd-6th Grade Games: Lauren Rantz & Laurie Carrara
Confirmation
This class is held every other Wednesday night at 7:30 - 9:00 p.m in our church conference room. In addition to classes there will be: field trips, service projects, youth activities, participation in the life of the church, and study with a mentor. It is a program of faith formation leading young people to publicly profess their own desire to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Frog Friday
A youth group for kindergartners through sixth graders is held on the third Friday evening of every month.
F.(friends)R.(relying) O. (on) G. (God) Friday begins at 6p.m. with a dinner (pizza) followed by story, crafts, music, games and fellowship. The evening ends with a closing circle at 8:30 p.m. There is a $7 charge per night (or $15 for the semester) for this group which covers the dinner and crafts.
Youth Group
Our junior high and senior high youth help with FROG Friday and get together for various activities including bowling, miniature golf, scavenger hunts, an annual retreat to Pilgrim's Park and also to Wisconsin Dells. These events are highlighted in the Church Life newsletter and in the Church Bulletin. For more information contact Pastor Lois.
Click here for information about Adult Fellowship
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The United Church of Christ.