About Our Curriculum
Our Sunday School is taught by members of the congregation united in a common purpose to cultivate the faith development of our children and youth. We use a lectionary-based curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit. The vision of Seasons of the Spirit “is of an authentic Christianity lived in a culturally diverse and religiously pluralistic world.” Seasons of the Spirit
- invites us to explore meaning and mystery through the lectionary;
- encourages us to experience the transforming power of Christ as together worship, sacraments, and education work in our lives;
- calls us into the ecumenical, global, and inclusive heart of the church where these resources are grounded and shaped;
- nurtures faith by engaging the imagination through the Bible, tradition, science, technology, and the arts;
- engages responsibly and creatively the contemporary teaching and learning environment of Christian congregations and parishes;
- sends us into the contemporary world—its current events, issues, knowledge, and discoveries—an arena to test, share, and live out our faith.
Ongoing training and materials are available for new teachers, and our team-based approach is friendly and flexible. There are many ways to participate and contribute to this important ministry.
Teachers and Leaders
The Sunday School Program at First Congregational Church is made possible only by a large number of committed men, women, and youth who share in the desire to nurture and guide the faith, imagination, and spiritual development of our children. Teams of parents and other interested adults and youth work with each grade, teaching from September through June (cooperative schedules allow for many Sundays “off” to attend worship). Still others volunteer as substitutes, resource persons or coordinators of special events. Faith education with children is a ministry of the whole church. The special ministry of teaching children on Sunday morning requires a love of God and a love for children, a willingness to learn, and a sense of adventure.
Nursery and Toddler Care
During worship nursery and toddler care is provided for children from birth through age 2. All teachers and others who work with children are CORI checked in accordance with our Safe Church Policy.
Dismissal to Sunday School
Sunday School classes, preschool through 8th grade, are dismissed from worship during the dismissal hymn. Following church school, students in grades 3 through 8 will be dismissed directly to coffee hour. We ask that parents be prompt in picking up the younger children in their classrooms immediately after worship.
Children’s Bible Presentations
Each year, children in the fourth grade class are given Bibles by the church, to acknowledge their consistent participation in Sunday school and growing familiarity with Bible stories, lessons, and themes. Bible study for young children stresses familiarity, comfort, and interest in the Bible through fun and educational activities. Children in grade 5 are also welcome to participate and receive a Bible if they were not able to do so in grade 4. Kindergarteners who attend Sunday school regularly are presented with an early reader Bible during a worship service.
Confirmation
Our confirmation program is open to all teenagers, grades 9 and 10, combined. Confirmation classes encourage and guide students as they explore Christian faith from a variety of perspectives. Studies begin mid-October and include service projects, classroom work, and one-on-one faith exploration sessions with an adult mentor. Confirmation Sunday will be in late spring. Full classes are offered every other year. Once confirmed, students become full members of the Congregation and adults in the eyes of the Church. Follow this link to the FCC Confirmation Blog 2012 for more information.
Registration
You may now register for Sunday school with our convenient online registration form. Or, if you prefer, you may download the form, complete it, and return it to the Church office. For more information, email Todd Gernes, Director of Christian Education.
