Programs - Congregational Life

Children and Youth Classes

WELCOME TO CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Sunday Mornings 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Children’s Education

Nursery and Grade School Classes

Newborn to age five:
Our little ones are welcome in our nursery on the main floor. It provides a loving ministry to children (birth through 5 years old) and is available during both the Sunday School hour (9-10am) and through the church hour (10:30-11:30 am). Our wonderful staff and volunteers provide stories, crafts, snacks and supervised play. During the worship service, children from the nursery join older children who are participating in worship during "Time with Young Christians” which focuses (in children’s language) on the theme from the sermon.

Sunday School For Elementary Ages: 
Youth and Children’s Programs to Begin
Come and join us for Fall Kickoff Children’s Sunday School Program beginning September 8, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Our staff and assistants will be guiding your kids through the Deep Blue Kids program, which teaches the Bible, invites kids to grow in their faith, and does it with music, drama, games, and other great teaching tools. If you know anyone who might be interested, be sure and spread the word to come join us!

Adult Education - Bible Study
Sunday Mornings

Beginning on September 12th, the Women's group will continue their study from last spring on the "Life of David," led by Eleanor Ogg.   

 

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Seasons and Colors of the Christian Year

The rhythm of the church year is enhanced by the melody of the lectionary which establishes a pattern of scriptures for the seasons. The year is set apart in these seasons which celebrate the life of Christ to inform, guide, and challenge our daily living.

The year begins with Advent - four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day and Christmas. The color of the season is purple or royal blue which changes to white and gold on Christmas.

The twelve days following Christmas are the Christmas season celebrating the birth of Jesus to the arrival of the magi (kings) at the feast of the Epiphany (January 6). White and gold suggest joy and glory. The word epiphany means "manifestation of light."

From Epiphany until the beginning of Lent is the Season after Epiphany or Ordinary Time. The color green for growth and new life serves as a backdrop for stories of the call of the disciples and prophets and of the beginning of Jesus' ministry. We are reminded by God is with us in the ordinary seasons of our life.

Lent consists of the 40 days - not including Sundays before Easter. Lent is one of the oldest observances in the church's history. The 40 days of Lent compare to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness prior to his ministry. Over time, this period of fasting and reflection prior to Easter is common to many Christians. Purple supports a mood of penitence, or self examination. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, invites us to prepare for a season of reflection which can take many forms. During the final week, Holy Week we remember the events of Jesus' last events of his life.

Easter celebrates the joy of Christ's resurrection. This joyous season lasts for 50 days, celebrating that Christ is risen, the powers of evil, fear, and death and destruction do no have the final word. The season reaches a wonderful conclusion with the feast of Pentecost, celebrating the presence of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. Traditionally bright reds, and oranges light up this day.

After Pentecost we return to Ordinary Time - the Season after Pentecost. It generally covers about half the year, taking us back to Advent where the cycle begins again. In this lengthy season, we remember again the presence of God with us in everyday breathing in and breathing out of each morning and evening. The color is green.