Faith Formation
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20a
Church School
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Proverbs 22:6
The mission of the Faith Formation program of the United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational is to guide our children and youth to a full and spiritually rewarding life of Christian Faith and to help them develop their identities. We seek to instill in them the values that will enable them 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.
Common Question and Answers About Church School
When does Church School meet?
Church School meets from mid-September to the second Sunday in June. After attending worship with their families for the first twenty minutes, which includes the morning Offering, children are dismissed after our special Church School Benedictionand Sending Out song. 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?
We have styled our Church School program based on a One Room School model where all children meet together to learn, share and work. With this style we have found a greater comraderie amongst our children and youth. Big kids help the little ones and the little ones often provide a perspective that makes the rest of us stop and think! Our program is very hands-on, centered around learning and mission work. Children ages 3 – 13 are invited and encouraged to join our lessons.
What curriculum is used?
Our curriculum is written from whole cloth using a variety of resources. What we teach answers questions posed directly by the children themselves, i.e. “What made Jesus so special that we should honor and remember him?” Our units encourage curiosity about God, Jesus, love, acceptance, forgiveness, service and much more.
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 upstairs in the Parish House for parents to use during worship.
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. Grandchildren or weekend guests are more than welcome to join us occasionally, but children do need to be registered to attend on a more regular basis. This can be done through the Director of Faith Formation. There is no charge for the program.
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 the fixin's for Thanksgiving Dinners for families in town who have a hard time making ends meet; Hats, Scarves and Mitten Drive; CROP Walk; Peanut Butter and Jelly Sunday; Heifer Project; Purchasing a fresh water well; and funding a foster brother in Ecuador.
What opportunities are there to worship together with the congregation?
Four Sundays a year, we hold Family Worship services 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 occasional vesper services. Children's Sunday held in June is planned, prepared and led exclusively by the children. It's the culmination of the years' learning. It's eclectic, wholesome and meaningful!
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 props, and develop a sermon. It's the culmination of the years' learning. It's an eclectic, wholesome and meaningful 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! Throughout the year there are other opportunities for our young people to actively participate in worship. They have created the bulletin covers, enhanced our worship space with creations that go along with what they are learning and can also serve as lay readers or help to write liturgy. We also hold an Open House in the Spring during which we display art, photos, etc. of what the children have accomplished throughout the year. Its an opportunity for people to ask questions and for the kids to show off a bit of what they have learned.
WHAT PROVISIONS ARE MADE FOR MY CHILD’S SAFETY?
Safety for our children and our volunteers is a concern for our church. We have implemented a Safe Church Policy, each classroom has a window in the door that enables parents to look in. two adults are with the children at ALL times, and we have a pick-up policy for children in grade 2 and younger that is clearly stated in our registration material.
Summer Programs
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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 or childcare, but children are, of course, welcome to attend worship! Is there an organized program during the summer at all? We occasionally have Family Fun Nights in the summer. Families bring a picnic dinner to eat together, then we break into games, or projects that have been prepared for families to do together with others gathered. Due to the annual Rummage Sale preparations and vacation time, this is not an “every summer” event. We schedule it when we have time and the space for it. Best to watch the website or church publications for any special opportunities that arise for families and other individuals to participate in. |
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Youth Programs
How does my child to learn about becoming a church member?
Our church offers a school year Confirmation program for youth in 8th and 9th Grade using a variety of materials During the confirmation process, your child will be able to explore personal faith, 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?
We do not have a youth Group that is exclusively that of the UCC in Cornwall, instead we have participated in Giv2 (a CORPS of youth and adults GIVING back to our community in response to the GIFTS of God. Giv2 is designed for middle and high school youth in grades 7-12 who want to explore our faith through SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP.). Our youth are also eligible to attend our mission work trip to Pine Ridge with their families or other responsible adult.
Our church offers a school year Confirmation program for youth in 8th and 9th Grade using a variety of materials During the confirmation process, your child will be able to explore personal faith, 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?
We do not have a youth Group that is exclusively that of the UCC in Cornwall, instead we have participated in Giv2 (a CORPS of youth and adults GIVING back to our community in response to the GIFTS of God. Giv2 is designed for middle and high school youth in grades 7-12 who want to explore our faith through SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP.). Our youth are also eligible to attend our mission work trip to Pine Ridge with their families or other responsible adult.
Continuing Education
What are classes are offered for adults?
Continuing education opportunities happen after worship on Sundays several times a year or an evening session (Lenten and Advent Study) or during lunch in the middle of the week (Lectionary Lunch). Bible Study and special book studies are also held regularly. Because our congregation has diverse interests and varied backgrounds, topics in the continuing education program cover a wide range of subjects. Speakers from outside and inside our congregation and presentations on videotape generate lively discussion. Examples of past explorations: Islamic faith, Criminal Justice Reform, Pine Ridge Mission trips, and church history, peace and social justice issues, health and the environment, etc. The give and take of informal discussion and sharing is highly valued. Occasionally we have sponsored fieldtrips.
Visitors and once-in-a-while participants are always welcome!
Continuing education opportunities happen after worship on Sundays several times a year or an evening session (Lenten and Advent Study) or during lunch in the middle of the week (Lectionary Lunch). Bible Study and special book studies are also held regularly. Because our congregation has diverse interests and varied backgrounds, topics in the continuing education program cover a wide range of subjects. Speakers from outside and inside our congregation and presentations on videotape generate lively discussion. Examples of past explorations: Islamic faith, Criminal Justice Reform, Pine Ridge Mission trips, and church history, peace and social justice issues, health and the environment, etc. The give and take of informal discussion and sharing is highly valued. Occasionally we have sponsored fieldtrips.
Visitors and once-in-a-while participants are always welcome!
Church Library
The church’s circulating library of books, videotapes, CD’s, and even puzzles, housed in the Day Room, grows steadily and extends our educational ministry. We invite you to browse and borrow.
