Our Children's Ministry
"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such
belongs to thee kingdom of heaven." --Matthew 19:14
Our ministry to children at St. Paul United Church of Christ expresses itself through an ongoing Christian Education program, led by a professional Christian Education Director and a teaching staff of committed volunteers. On Sunday mornings, the Christian Education program seeks to offer an environment where children can learn about our biblical faith and "grow in Christ." All classes are held in upstairs rooms, set aside for different ages and grades, which can be readily reached by staircases found in the east and west lobbies of our church. Except where children and youth are worshiping in the downstairs sanctuary with their parents, every Sunday begins with Kids' Church in the upstairs chapel area. Adult Christian education volunteers are crucial to the continuing success of our children's ministry. Every spring, our Christian education ministry invites parents and other church members to volunteer as teachers or classroom assistants for the coming fall.
Pre-School Sunday School Class
Children who are three years of age, as well as toilet trained, attend pre-school class on Sunday mornings from September to June during the 10:30 a.m. service. Pre-schoolers enjoy a simple bible lesson, a craft activity, and a snack each week in thier upstairs classroom near the West Lobby staircase.
1st Through 6th Grade Sunday School Classes
Sunday School classes for young people in 1st to 7th grade meet every Sunday morning, September to June, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in upstairs classrooms. From year to year, the curriculum may be changed to meet the needs of our young people. But thoughtful, well-planned lessons and activities are designed to help our children gain an understanding of what it means to be the child of a loving God and a caring disciple of Christ. Our young people also learn about the Bible as God's word and as guide for our own lives. The St. Paul Sunday School is currently using a rotational model in which children move between different classroom settings in order to examine and explore the real life meaning and application of their morning Bible lesson. Adding variety and excitement every Sunday morning, the rotational stations include a computer lesson lab, a 'Salt and Light' Science Lab, a music center, the "I Am" Theater, and the Faith-in-Motion Craft Workshop. Sunday School teachers staff each station.
Summer Sunday School
Summer time is traditionally a vacation time. But the spiritual needs of our children and youth never take a vacation. With this in mind, St. Paul United Church of Christ offers a Summer Sunday School program. During summer months, beginning the first week of June and continuing through the Labor Day Weekend, there is one ungraded classroom upstairs for all ages at the same time that adult church members gather for worship in the downstairs sanctuary. Crafts and special curriculum materials help to positively focus our classroom time. Our Summer Sunday School teachers always try to make it "fun to come."
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
As a part of its summer ministry to kids, the Christian education program at St. Paul United Church hosts an annual week-long Vacation Bible School. Usually held in early August, VBS meets Monday through Friday. Oriented towards children from pre-school to twelve years of age, the program is organized around an appealing Christian theme. VBS at St. Paul United Church is open to the entire community at no charge. Young people are invited to bring friends. The VBS program is coordinated by the Minister of Christian Education and parent volunteers.
Kids For Christ
Throughout the season of Lent, which extends through the weeks of February and March, mid-week services and program activities are offered for adults. Kids for Christ provides an opportunity for young people to do something special for Lent too. Kids for Christ meets upstairs on Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m. for crafts, activities, and learning about the Bible and Jesus. Upcoming Kids for Christ programs are announced through the monthly church newsletter and the Sunday morning bulletin.