Children and teen ministries are gearing up for a wonderful fall semester of Sunday School!
You might be wondering, how exactly does fall Sunday School differ from summer Sunday School? Well, during the summer months, we shift to a one-room schoolhouse approach for our lessons, where all age groups are combined into one room to celebrate and learn about God’s amazing love. We use this format during the summer months because we have lower attendance while kids are busy at summer camps and families are on vacation. In the fall and during the school year, we break kids into different classrooms with age-based curricula.
On August 27, we will switch things up from last year. This year, we’ll begin meeting in the large parish hall in our school building to sign in for Sunday School before church starts at 10:30. You read that right, no more starting off in the church sanctuary and “following the cross out.” Just come straight away to the large east parish hall and sign your children in there. We will return them to you in church during the passing of the peace.
Here’s what’s coming up starting August 27:
Preschool class for 3-4 year olds: We will be rolling out a new preschool class to include 3-4 year olds! This class is packed full of fun-filled activities centered around helping preschoolers know Jesus through purposeful play and joy-filled worship.
Grades K-3: Dig-In & Godly Play: Godly Play will continue once a month, but will make room to include a new curriculum, Dig-In. Each week, our amazing Sunday School teachers will lead kids through walking in Jesus’ footsteps from birth to resurrection to ascension. Kids won’t just learn about the historical Jesus; they will get to know him personally. They’ll discover that Jesus is a real person—a real friend—who makes a difference in their lives today.
Grades 4-6: Grapple: Our tweens will use a new curriculum as well, Grapple. Grapple will help 4th – 6th graders own their faith. This curriculum was created knowing that preteens need the truth, with a goal to help them find it. Grapple lessons are based on real questions asked by real 10, 11, and 12-year-olds. Here, tweens will learn how to search the Bible for answers and build a faith foundation that guides wise choices.
Grades 7-12: Teens will have their own Sunday School class with our new Youth Minister, Megan Grant. Teens, come and meet Megan on August 27 at a brunch in the small west parish hall in the school building to get to know each other and brainstorm about what you’ll do this year!
Register now!
All Sunday School kids of any age will need to fill out a new enrollment form for the 2017-2018 school year. To cut down on wait times at the sign-in table on day one, we will be offering pre-registration following the 10:30 am service each Sunday leading up to August 27. Please stop by and take advantage of pre-registration. This will also be a great time to ask any questions you might have about our curriculum or just learn more about our programs.
Backpack blessings
We offer backpack blessings to students and teachers at all services on August 26-27. You don’t have to bring a backpack, but it’s fun if you do! All students, teachers and school volunteers, whether you’re in daycare, preschool, public school, private school, home school, Sunday School, college, or graduate school: you’re invited to receive a special blessing! Our congregation will pray for the excitement of learning, scholastic achievement and personal growth as we begin a new school year.
First Sundays are Family Worship Sundays
In our church’s Sunday schedule, the first Sunday of each month offers a family worship service at 10:30 am, giving families an opportunity to worship together in a kid-friendly way, but there’s no Sunday School. Young people of all ages will be involved in our worship with readings, a children’s sermon and activities during worship. On first Sundays, come straight to church.
Almost done…but not so fast! Come join us!
We want you to consider being part of the Sunday School team this year! We’re looking for people to help children on their journey with God. Will you give a little of your time and use your unique gifts to minister to our young people? It’s easy and fun and you won’t have to miss out on your own spiritual development! Most Sunday School volunteers serve just once a month. In addition to teachers for the age-level classes, we need a doorkeeper for Dig-In/Godly Play to serve as a calming presence during lessons.
Please put this call to ministry in your hearts! It’s an awesome way to be engaged and to grow. You will be loved, adored and appreciated by our children, the sweetest souls on earth!
For more information and to volunteer contact Amy Pirk about preschool through 6th grade and Megan Grant for grades 7-12.