Christian Education
An integral part of the ministry of the United
Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational is that of its Christian Education
which offers learning opportunities for children, youth and adults.
Click on the balloons for questions and answers about our programs!
CHURCH SCHOOL
Mission Statement
The mission statement of the Church School Program of the
United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational is to guide our children
and youth to a full and rewarding life of Christian Faith and to help them
develop their identities as Christians. We seek to instill in them the values
that will enable then to have a loving relationship with God. We strive to
teach them God’s word and its relevance to their daily lives. We encourage,
support and lead them into service for others and for the betterment of this
world, as they act out their faith.
Our church school program is an enriching and
engaging one where our children are fully immersed in an interactive learning
environment. Our teachers, all volunteers, share bible stories, lead discussions,
ask open-ended questions and use hands-on activities (crafts, games, cooking,
etc.) to help our children understand the lessons found in the Bible.
When does Church School meet?
Church School meets from the second Sunday in
September to the second Sunday in June. After attending worship with their
families for the first twenty minutes, which includes a Children’s Message
and the morning Offering, children are dismissed after our special Church
School Benediction. Classes meet until 11:15. On the first Sunday each month,
Communion Sunday, the children begin in Church School at 10:00. We end classes
and come to worship in time to join the congregation for Communion; all
children and adults are welcome to participate.
How are classes set up and where
do they meet?
Grade/age level classes are offered for children
ages 3 – 14 and are held in the Parish House located behind the church.
What curriculum do you use?
Our Preschoolers use the “Play and Pray Bible”
for their activities. Grades K - 8 use “Come Join the Circle”, a rotation
model curriculum that can also be used in individual classes. Each unit lasts
about 5 to 6 weeks. Grades 7 and 8 also supplement their lessons with “Active
Bible” which helps them put Bible truths into practice.
I have my children only every other weekend,
can we still come to Church School?
Though regular Church School attendance is important,
our lessons are set up so that even if a child misses a week or sometimes
two, they can still fully experience the bible story and its lesson.
What can I do with my Toddler if she/he can’t
sit through worship?
Space is provided for Infants and Toddlers in
a comfortable room below our sanctuary for parents to use during worship.
The service is broadcast through a speaker system.
Do I need to be a member of the church for
my children to come to Church School?
Neither you nor your family need to be church
members to take part in our Church School. There is no charge for the program
but children do need to be registered to attend. This can be done through
the Director of Christian Education.
How do the children learn to follow Jesus’
example of service?
Mission and service are important parts of our
Church School program. The children help pick Church School “projects” they
want to accomplish during the year. Some of their favorites include providing
a Thanksgiving Dinner to a needy family; Hats, Scarves and Mitten Drive; CROP
Walk; Peanut Butter and Jelly Sunday; Heifer Project; CWS school kits; and
funding a foster sister in Kenya. Each individual class also picks a project
to complete throughout the year for the church, local community or wider community.
What opportunities are there to worship together
with the congregation?
Four Sundays a year, we celebrate Family Worship
and classes do not meet. Worship is planned with children in mind and encourages
their active participation. These services have been invaluable in helping
our children understand worship and in bringing our congregation together
as a family of God. Other times to worship together include Christmas Eve,
Easter, and an early Fall vesper service.
How can the children share what they have
learned with others in worship?
Children’s Sunday, held in June, is a service
planned around a central theme and led by our children. They work with their
teachers to write liturgy, create scenery, and develop a sermon. It is a wonderful
and eclectic celebration! Children who are entering Fourth Grade receive their
own inscribed Bible. It is also a time to say thank you to our volunteers
who give to our children all year!
What are the opportunities for my family to
learn together?
Workshops are offered each year for the church
family to learn together. Workshops in the past have included Understanding
Communion, Stewardship: More Than Money, Advent Preparation. These workshops
are open to all ages!
What provisions are made for my
child’s safety?
Safety for our children and our volunteers is
a concern for our church. Therefore, we have implemented a Safe Church Policy
which is gone over with and signed by our volunteers at the Teacher Training
for all teachers and youth workers at the beginning of the Church School year.
The policy is reviewed at the mid-year training session. Each classroom has
a window in the door that enables parents to look in. We have a pick-up policy
for children in grade 2 and younger that is clearly stated in our registration
material.
Summer Programs
Is Church School held in the
summer?
During the months of July and August, worship
moves to the North Cornwall Meeting House where there is no space for Church
School. Childcare is provided outdoors after the Children’s Message. On rainy
days quiet activities are provided in the vestibule. A teenager and an adult
provide supervision during this playtime.
Is there an organized program at all?
We hold a cooperative Vacation Bible School during
the day for one week in partnership with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. The
date and theme change each year. We begin to advertise this program in the
late winter.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
How does my child to learn about becoming
a church member?
Our church offers a school year Confirmation
program for youth in Eighth Grade using “Making Disciples,” a mentor-based
curriculum that pairs each confirmand with a member of the congregation to
travel with him/her, on the faith journey. During the confirmation proccess,
your child will be able to explore personal faith, to develop a significant
relationship with someone who is deeply committed to Christ, to ask questions,
and to develop a deeper commitment to the church. The pastor leads supplemental
lessons with the confirmands on a regular basis.
What opportunities for youth to get gather outside of Church School?
Our Youth Group is open to all Cornwall sixth
through tenth graders. It usually meets on Sunday late afternoons or early
evenings. Past activities have included attending Contemporary Worship, an
overnight retreat to St. John the Divine in New York City, bowling, movies
followed by discussion and pizza. Activities are determined by the ages and
interests of the participants. Through the Youth Group, the church reaches
out to Cornwall’s middle schoolers and younger high schoolers to offer them
activities which channel their energies in productive ways and enhance their
sense of being valued by their community.
ADULT OPPORTUNITIES
What are classes are offered for adults?
Our church prides itself on the diverse and interesting
array of programming offered on Sunday mornings for adults. These programs
are begin at 11:30, following of Fellowship after worship. Format includes
speakers, DVDs and book discussion. Topics have environmental issues, comparative
religion, Civil Rights, Homosexual concerns, and biblical studies.
What are other times that adults can meet to learn?
Book studies take place a couple of
times of year as well as a Lectionary Lunch series. Occasionally, we have
a “Reel to Reel” program where we meet to watch a compelling and thought-provoking
movie and discuss it. Global Ministries missionaries have come for the last
several years to share their work usually following a Potluck Dinner. We offer
a Lenten program that has included watching a video series or having a book
study. Most recently we have held an on-site Advent Retreat led by the pastor
and we will hold an overnight Women’s Retreat in the fall of 2007.
Church Library
The church’s circulating library of
books and videotapes, housed in the Library off the Day Room, grows steadily
and extends our educational ministry. We invite you to browse and borrow.
The Church School also has a small lending library on the upper level of the
Parish House that is available during the Church School year.
