CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
Sunday School/Year of the Olympics/VBS/Learning to Use Your Bible
Fall, 2008, will begin our third year of using the We Believe curriculum. We Believe, a curriculum written by Presbyterians for Presbyterians, is designed to help all ages develop an understanding of Reformed theology and how we as Presbyterians understand the Word of God and apply that understanding in our daily lives.
During the fall quarter the students will study Called By God: Call to Freedom and Obedience, Call to Hope, and Call to Leadership. In the winter quarter, students will learn that a life of faith does not usually come without preparation. How did God prepare people for Jesus' arrival and prepare Jesus for his ministry? How does Jesus prepare others to live faithful lives?
We have a large staff that works within our Preschool through 6th grade children's programs. A team teaching approach is used. The classes are grouped as follows:
Preschool - Kindergarten
1st - 3rd
4th-6th
Sunday School convenes each morning at 10:00 in the Gathering Room on the third floor. A time of fellowship, complete with refreshments, is followed by singing, announcements, and prayer.
Students are dismissed to the library/computer lab at 10:50. There they can watch a video, play Bible computer games or board games, or read/check out books.
Once a quarter we celebrate baptism anniversaries. Each student is recognized on the anniversary month of their baptism. Refreshments are served as we celebrate this most important event and day in each of our children’s lives.
Year of the Olympics
In conjuntion with the 2008 Summer Olympics, the theme has continued through our weekly Sunday School. The kids are learning what the five Olympic rings stand for and how to apply those concepts to their daily living. Each week the students earn Olympic rings for their attendance, learning memory verses, and bringing friends. The first Medal ceremony was held on Sunday, November 2nd. There were 7 Gold medals given, 21 silver, and 14 bronze. It was a great celebration and the kids look forward to beginning a new round of competition. Check out the pictures below.
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Vacation Bible School
2008
| First Presbyterian Church conducts an annual Vacation Bible School the last full week of June. This year's theme was Rainforest Adventure. We see this as a mission of the entire church and are pleased to be able to offer the school at no charge. Each morning, children ages four years through third grade enjoyed games, snacks and spiritual nourishment. VBS is staffed by over 50 volunteers with many youth helping. A nursery is provided for small children of the staff leading VBS. Vacation Bible School has been a long standing tradition of First Presbyterian Church and continues to be a time when multiple generations come together to learn, worship and serve. |
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Vacation on Barberry Street
This year a new venture was undertaken. Instead of Vacation Bible School for 4th - 6th grade, we offered a 26 hour retreat entitiled Vacation on Barberry Street. The kids gathered at the home of our pastor where they engaged in a thought-provoking study entitled "Don't Laught At Me." Coupled with the second great commandment, discussions and activities centered around loving self and loving neighbor. Great food, crafts, games, and backyard camping made for an exciting event for these preteens. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, this new adventure was considered a great success and one to be repeated in years to come.
Learning to Use My Bible Course
Years ago the Christian Education Committee implemented a fun and stimulating 12-week study of the Bible for the 3rd grade class. This was done to prepare these students for receiving their own Good News Bibles. Our third grade class will spend each Sunday from September through December memorizing verses and learning many different things about their faith and the Presbyterian Church. Call the Christian Education office for more info.
