Sunday Morning Education Program

Our Sunday morning program begins with families worshiping together during the first part of the 9 a.m. service. The children usually leave the Sanctuary for class after the second hymn. Parents of very young or new children may wish to walk their child to class for the first few weeks, if it helps the child feel more comfortable. Classroom coverage is provided only for 3 and 4 year olds if parents prefer not to bring them into the Sanctuary. All classes are dismissed at 10:30 p.m. A clean-up bell rings at 10:25; a long bell rings at 10:30 indicating class dismissal. 3's , 4's, Kindergarten and 1st grade children must be picked up at the classroom by their parents. Parents of older children should select a meeting place inside the building.

Parents are asked not to congregate outside of the class.rooms waiting for dismissal. Please enjoy refreshments and fellowship in the Parish Hall until the second bell rings, or wait in the lobby by the church office to avoid distracting children at the end of class time.

Children in preschool classes through grade 4 use the Presbyterian Covenant People curriculum; grades 5 & 6 use our denomination's Bible Quest curriculum. Through these resources our children study major Old and New Testament stories, learn the meaning of our sacraments and worship, and explore ways to apply what we read, hear, and talk about in church to our day-today lives, with special emphasis on spiritual disciplines.

In addition to the curriculum, further enrichment is provided though special family intergenerational worship services which are scheduled during the program year. There will also be a "Super Sunday" in spring, 2003. During Super Sunday, children have an opportunity to visit three age-appropriate learning centers which are structured to be a hands-on, in-depth focus on a particular topic, such as "Lord's Supper", "Stewardship" or "Lent".

"Church School Objectives" have been identified as important "basics" that should be a part of our children's religious foundation. We encourage you to use the projects and information your child brings home as a way of reviewing and extending Sunday learnings throughout the week.

— Sunday Morning Program Administrator: Marie Zupka-Ludder

Infant and Toddler Care

Tender, loving care for infants and toddlers is provided in the nursery room on the 2nd floor of the Christian Education building during both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. It is extremely important that diaper bags and other belongings are clearly marked with your child's name.
Infant and toddler care is provided during worship services only. Please be prompt in picking up your child, especially after the 9 a.m. service.

— Nursery Coordinator: Velma Teichert

Registration and Attendance Information

It is important that all new children be registered on a form available from the Church School teacher when attending for the very first time. The form is kept on file for future reference. Contact is maintained with families when children have been ill or "missing".

Attendance is recorded each Sunday. The Attendance Award Program, which begins with the 3 year old class and runs through 6th grade, rewards children with five or fewer absences during the year. Credit will be given when a child attends worship at another location, if a bulletin with the child's name written on it is presented to the Church School teacher the following Sunday. Participating in a religious service at Scout camping weekends, documented by the Scout leader, will also be accepted. Participation in sports is not an acceptable excuse.

To be registered by phone or report extended illness, please call the Registrar Velma Teichert, at 724 - 1089.

Children and Family Library

Located on the Preschool level of the Education Building, a wonderful collection of books, videos, audio tapes, puzzles, and a computer center are available to you and your family on Sunday mornings during the Fellowship Hour. Children are welcome to stop in and browse, or sit at the computer table after class is dismissed.

With safety and well-being in mind, 3's, 4's, and K's must be accompanied by a parent while they are in the library.

Children and adults may sign out items from the library for one week. As a practice of good stewardship, children and parents are asked to return items before signing out new items.

Children and adults are asked not to bring food or beverages into the library from the fellowship hour.

A special "parent's" section contains resources to use with children in dealing with tough issues, such as death, illness, divorce, etc. There are also resources on parenting and sharing faith with children.

Stop in on Sunday and check out YOUR library!!!

— Family Ministry: Marie Zupka-Ludder

Vacation Bible School

Traditionally held at the beginning of August from 9 a.m. to noon daily, our popular Vacation Bible School is a week filled with fun, adventure, mission work and friendship, while exploring God's true love for all. A modest registration fee covers the cost of curriculum, snack and crafts.

Each day the children meet in age-grouped classes. Through stories, songs, crafts, games and snacks a universal biblical theme is learned in a fun and nurturing atmosphere. On Friday evening, families are invited to a mini-musicale with a short skit and songs highlighting the lessons and stories learned throughout the week.

Registration information will begin to appear in our church newsletter, Tidings, and in Sunday worship bulletins in early Spring. Inviting your child's friends to also attend is welcomed and encouraged. Watch for signs of this exciting week!