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Gathering In God's House
Church School begins at 9:15 in Covenant Hall Except on Church Family Worship Sundays. Children younger than Kindergarten may be met in their classrroms at 10:30. All other children will return to Covenant Hall at 10:30 to dismissed. All children are encouraged to attend.
On Church Family Worship Sundays, all children are encouraged to attend the worship service with their families. Partway through the service, children 5 and under will be dismissed for an activity time.
We have been using a worship bulletin which models the worship bulletin used by the adults in worship. It has been very helpful as a teaching tool for the children. There is usually a word search or a game on the back of the bulletin. Children are encouraged to bring them home to share with their family.
Church School 2010-2011
September 12 was a great day as we began the new church school year. There were many returning and a few new faces. The worship service was full of joyful music including the anthem by New Harmony, a new choir for 5th—8th graders, led by our new Music Director, Ashley Garofalo. Rev. Duebber led us in worship and shared visions of Jesus. The morning concluded with a delicious cookout on the lawn hosted by the Christian Education Committee. Thank you to the Street Fair Committee who donated hotdogs and soda. A special thanks goes to the members of the CE and Welcoming Committees, Doug Greenlee, Andy Hertel, Jim Tamulen, and Peter Lahtinen. Storytelling by Greg Buckman and bluegrass gospel music by Dr. B and the Homemade Band organized by Bart Sides was also a great addition and added to the successful kick off.
What Will the Children be Learning in Church School?
The children will continue exploring biblical stories that illustrate quests for identity. Jacob, Esau, and Joseph will be the focus.
The story of Jacob and Esau is legendary in its biblical scale. It speaks of sibling rivalry that lasts both for the lifetime of the twins and carries a legacy throughout history. It is a story that the people of Israel claim as foundational, including Jacob among the patriarchs. God chose the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God made promises to them that rooted the people of Israel to their relationship with God and to their land. They did not earn that status; they were simply chosen. As Jacob struggled throughout his life to form an identity, so has the nation of Israel. They identify with Jacob and see his story as a parallel to their history as a people. Jacob was an imperfect person; in fact, some people may wonder why we should even teach his story to children. God chooses each one of us to somehow bring about the kingdom of God on earth; we don’t have to be perfect to be used by God.
The story of Joseph illustrates another example of a quest for identity. It is a story full of human vices: favoritism, pride, jealousy and treachery. And all within a family that God chose to be a leader of nations, to be the one through whom God’s light would shine throughout the world. Perhaps we shouldn’t teach the stories of Biblical ancestors who have uncomfortable pasts. But that is the power of the Bible. It is filled with people who make big mistakes, and yet, God continues to work through them. Why should the nation of Israel emulate people like Jacob, who tricks his own twin brother out of his birthright and blessing or Joseph, who is so full of self-importance that his brothers sell him into slavery? All of the commentators of the Bible say one thing: God works with imperfect people. We don’t have to be perfect in God’s eyes for God to use us to make the world a better place. Through Jacob, Joseph, and other Biblical people, the children will see that God accepts us as we are, with our imperfections. Imperfection does not mean that God gives up on us or tosses us aside, rather He attempts to use those imperfections to make us better people and the world a better place.
The Preschool/Kindergarten Journey Continues
The preschool/kindergarten children will continue their journey through a variety of topics and stories. Preschool and kindergarten children are welcome to attend the 9:15 worship time, but sometimes these younger children prefer to go directly to their class, which is just fine. The preschool and kindergarten children should be picked up in their classroom rather than Covenant Hall where the older children gather at the end of church school at 10:30.
What are the two parts of the Bible?
How many days does the Christmas season last?
Why is there music in the worship service?
What is an ACTS prayer?
What two sacraments do we celebrate?
Recite the 23rd Psalm.
Retell the story of Abraham.
How many of the above can you answer? The Bible Scholar program is an opportunity for children in grades 1 - 7 to learn the answers to these questions as well as other basic information about the Bible, the church, and what it means to be a Christian. In the Bible Scholar program grade level “tasks” and concepts will be introduced during church school, but the program is primarily an opportunity for parents to partner with us in the Christian nurture of their child. Although the program is voluntary, all children in grades 1-7 are encouraged to embark on the journey towards becoming a Bible Scholar.
Each one of the tasks falls into a specific category of Christian knowledge and experience that we want the children to learn by the time they reach Confirmation. Detailed information and grade level Bible Scholar cards have been given to each child. Children who attend the Singers and Scholars program on Thursdays will be spending part of their time completing some of these tasks. ALL children are encouraged to participate. If you have any questions, please see Nancy Sides. And if you are struggling with the answer to the above questions, maybe one of the church school children can help you!
Children’s Worship Time
Each week of church school we begin with a worship time at 9:15. This is an important part of our education program. During this time the children learn about a variety of topics related to the worship service in the Sanctuary. They learn about the order of worship and the seasons and colors of the church year. They practice reading responsively and learn about prayer. We explain the importance of stewardship and giving to others and that giving is not just about money. We also collect an offering each week. Children are encouraged to give something every Sunday. The amount does not matter. There are offering envelopes available for the children. At the end of the church school year we recognize those children who have given offering on a regular basis. Please plan to have your children in Covenant Hall by 9:15 so they do not miss out on this part of their Christian education.
Christmas Play
Plans are being to be made for this year’s Christmas play. The play and brunch will be on Sunday, December 12. We plan to begin practicing for the play on October 10 following church school. There will be speaking and non-speaking parts as well as opportunities to work on props and costumes. We also need singers!! So keep watching for more information in the next few weeks!!
Collecting for UNICEF on October 31
This year is the 60th anniversary of “Trick of Treat” for UNICEF. In 1950, children were inspired to collect coins for UNICEF to assist children abroad enduring the after-effects of WWll. Since then, for generations, American children have made a difference in the lives of children around the world by participating in “Trick or Treat” for UNICEF. Once again the children in our church are encouraged to take part in this worthy cause while trick or treating. Children will receive boxes on October 24 and 31. The boxes can be returned on November 7. How much can we add to the $160 million which has been collected by children over the past 60 years?
Did You Know...
6 cents provides water for 1 thirsty child?
$2 provides nutrition for 1 hungry child?
$44 provides school supplies to 20 children?
$112 provides emergency blankets to37 children?
$200 immunizes 550 children against measles?
No matter how small your contribution , it can make a difference in the life of a child!
About The Workshop Rotation Model
The Workshop Rotation Model is used for children in kindergarten through 8th Grade. The Curriculum for pre-school children, ages 3-5 years, parallels the theme being used by the older students in the Workshop Rotation. Nursery care is provided for children ages 0-2. High School youth have the opportunity to participate in the church school as Shepherds, Teachers and Workshop Leaders. Many of our High School youth are involved in the Christian Education Program or the greater church.
Links to education sites: www.rotation.org and www.cstones.com
Contact Nancy Sides: nssidesce@yahoo.com
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Classrooms
 Current Workshops are:
Where in God's World?
(Desert Room)
God's All Star Cast
(Temple Room)
Thou Art With God
(Art Room)
God's Information Highway
(Computer Room)
Regular Classrooms:
Pre-School (Jungle Room)
Nursery (Cloud Room)
Resident Artist
Karen Brighenti is our resident artist that has transformed our ordinary classrooms into something special for all of us to enjoy, especially our children. It has taken many years since our first visit to another church using the Rotation Model but Karen has embraced each challenge using her many talents. She uses a combination of techniques including a paint glaze that allows ....
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Confirmation
Confirmation is held during the church school year for students in the 8th grade. The intent of our Confirmation program is to allow the Confirmands to learn more about their faith. We use a seminar approach, beginning in September, where we meet for a three hour period each month covering a variety of topics such as church history, world religions, and death and dying.
The confirmands have the opportunity to be confirmed and join the church in the spring at the conclusion of the Confirmation Education program. We view Confirmation as one part of a young persons faith journey.
Opportunities for High School Youth
High School aged young people are involved in many areas of our church life. Many of them are committed to the Christian Education Program as Workshop Leadrs, Shepherds, or Teachers. They also serve on boards and committees. Some participate in worship as lay leaders and in the Music Program.
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