Children in Worship
Children are welcome and included in all aspects of our worship. Acolytes play a special role in leading our service and are generally children in grades 3-6 who have completed a short instruction session. Children can also assist in distributing bulletins, collecting the offering, and reading lessons and prayers. Children’s sermons are offered on some Sundays.
Baptism
"Go, therefore, to all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you..." Jesus. Matthew 28. Through water and the Word, baptism washes away the guilt of our sins, bestows God's grace upon us, delivers us from the power of death, and promises us eternal life in God's kingdom! Amen! We believe and administer infant through adult baptism. All candidates and parents of infants receive instruction about baptism prior to administering of baptism.
Sunday School
Children ages 4 through sixth grade gather downstairs at 9:50 for a time of music and prayer, and then are dismissed to their Sunday School classes at about 10:00. We use the Witness Sunday school curriculum, which teaches kids to "learn from the Bible to live the good news." Sunday School is not held during the summer and on some holiday weekends. Post-confirmation aged children are welcome to join one of the adult/young adult Bible studies.
Confirmation
This program is designed to prepare our young people to take the next step in their faith journey as confirmed members of our congregation. It is a two-year program that combines Sunday morning classes, faithful worship attendance, and service opportunities. Study topics include the Bible, prayer, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the history and organization of the church, and other religions in our community and world. Confirmation concludes with each student presenting a faith talk and being confirmed--affirming their baptism. Age participation for confirmation classes varies between grades 6-9 based on parent/teacher consultation.
An Introduction to the Bible
This class is for grades 6 and up and takes students through the entire Bible in three intense 2-hour sessions. The class features a general overview of the Bible, and focuses on how and why the 66 Books of the Bible are laid out as they are. While the students are led through each Book, they are encouraged to mark each with tabs and underline important highlights or turning points of God’s plan in Bible history as well as his plan for our contemporary personal lives. No specific denominational doctrine is emphasized in this class. Students who complete the class are awarded their own personalized Bible and are skilled in looking up Bible verses. This class is open to anyone and is offered during the spring, or on an “on demand” basis. Contact Rhonda Hubbard 224-7342 for more information.
Vacation Bible School
One week each summer, we offer a special learning opportunity for children ages 4 through grade 6. In 2006, Vacation Bible School will be held July 17-21 from 9am until noon each day. The theme, "Beyond the Cross, Sharing Christ," will offer memorable learning opportunities for all children.
