2005-2006 Sunday School Program

Purpose Statement:        
     To design and implement a Christian education program that will increase knowledge and understanding of the Bible and its teachings.

Discussion: 
     Our long term goal is to help children develop knowledge and understanding of the Bible and its teachings from which to call upon as they grow, mature and make decisions for themselves. We will strive for this to be accomplished through an interesting, thought provoking format provided in a safe, pleasant learning environment by a caring, nurturing staff. 

     Sunday school Rally Day in September was a great success.  David Hill directed a group of fun loving, singing puppets who entertained us through dialogue written by Sherry Bronner as they rode the gospel train. The regular Sunday school program continues to be set up on nine, four-week rotation cycles taught by members of the congregation.

     Classes are divided into pre-school, grades K-1, grades 2-4, grades 5-7,  pre-confirmation and grades 7 and up post-confirmation. The four week lesson study allows each story to be reviewed and enhanced through Bible reading and discussion, dramatization, computer workshops, arts and crafts and cooking. 

      The story lessons for this year include:
          Cain & Abel,
          Review of the 10 Commandments,
          Moses dies and Joshua leads,
          Samuel and King Saul,
          Advent and Christmas,
                with a production of "Whose Birthday is it Anyway?", 
          The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus,
          King David and King Solomon, 
          An overview of Psalms and Proverbs,
          The Kingdom Divided,
          Queen Esther, and 
          Pentecost.

     Each week, Sunday school starts with an opening program at 9:15 a.m. This includes among other things, music, announcements, offering and celebration of baptismal birthdays. Youth Sunday school attendance has been about 25 to 30 students per week.  

     As a part of our Child Safety Protection program, the younger children are wearing name tags during the Sunday school hour. Parents of children in the nursery downstairs are being asked to sign children in and out on a special sign-in log. 

     The children are encouraged to participate in service to this congregation and to the community. Children's Sabbath was a great success with children participating in the 10:30 a.m. morning worship as greeters, ushers, through special music and reading. Kyle Kreiner also delivered the message for the day. The children wrapped shoe boxes for "Operation Christmas Child" for needy children and brought items to fill them at Christmas time. The older youth along with three adults paid a visit to Lighthouse Pointe Nursing Center in Reading in December singing music, reading the Christmas story and distributing cookies that the youth had made at one of their lock-ins. Linda Painter, who resides at the center and regularly attends our church, was quite instrumental at facilitating our visit with residents in their rooms. It was a touching experience for all.
 
     We are pleased that there have been many improvements to the Sunday school rooms including painting of ceilings, installation of the fans and light fixtures taken down from the fellowship hall. Light switch covers have also been updated. Thanks to all who have taken the time and energy to make that happen.  It has also been very nice to utilize the stage downstairs in the fellowship hall for our opening programs.

     We would like to thank all of the teachers and assistants for their time and efforts this year. To date these have included Amy Baglien, Teresa Bell, Sherry Bronner, Norm Dageforde, Jane Erbeck, Nancy Erbeck, Chris Geiger, Shirley Harbaugh, Vicki Harper, Diana Hawkins, David Hill, Kathy Hirt, John Kerlin, Carolyn Koehl, Marty Lohmeier, Terry McDowell, Elinor Schieman and Katie Schieman.  Thanks to everyone for their help and continued support.

     Vacation Bible school this past summer was held at and hosted by St. John UCC.  Katie Schieman served as teaching representative from our congregation.  The theme was Noah's Ark. VBS 2006 will be hosted by Sts. Peter and Paul.

     For a couple of years, church council has been discussing the need for a Youth Education Director here at St. Paul's. A job description has been formulated, and in the near future there will be a search to fill this position. I'm sure Council President Linda Miller would accept any suggestions you may have, or potential candidates that you may know for this position.    
                                                  

Joyce McDowell and Diana Hawking,
Council Liaisons, Christian Education

Content Owner: Diana H
Last Update: 3/15/06 (jam)