Christian Education is a lifelong process. We provide opportunities for all ages during the academic year and selected Sundays during summer.
Christian Education Hour for Children and Youth is from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. each Sunday morning during the academic year (with few exceptions). These classes explore Bible stories, teach aspects of our worship, and for the youth, include opportunities to discuss faith and contemporary life. Classes are offered occasionally in the summer.
…and for Adults, from 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.… One or two classes for adults are also on the schedule each Sunday during the academic year and those classes include Bible studies, discussions of current issues, studies in theology and church history, and classes that involve issues of family life. Classes are offered occasionally in the summer.
THE NURSERY
Our nursery is staffed year-round to provide a safe and caring environment for our youngest during the education hour, the 10:00 am worship service, and during special events.
PRESCHOOL
Children will learn the answers to the questions “Who are you?” and “Who loves you?” through stories from the Old and New Testaments.
LOWER ELEMENTARY
Children who are in kindergarten through second grade use storytelling, arts and crafts along with drama to explore the Bible Stories.
UPPER ELEMENTARY
Children in grades 3-5 study Bible Stories and discuss different ways to praise God. Their studies are enhanced with role playing, drama and crafts.
A youth mission trip to benefit Habitat for Humanity in the Michigan upper peninsula.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADES SIXTH TO EIGHT
Sunday School is a time to think more deeply about what they heard in worship and start to apply it to their own lives. Coordinating with the Youth Group and Adult Education program, they will also discuss mission work, particularly in connection to the CROP Walk in October.
HIGH SCHOOL: GRADES NINTH TO TWELTH
The high school students meet weekly to discuss current events from a Christian perspective often using online resources. Students have the chance to talk about how their faith shapes their life outside of church.
Souper Bowl of Caring – on Super Bowl Sunday, the youth lead a soup lunch fundraiser for food banks.
YOUTH GROUP
Middle school and high school youths join together, dividing activities evenly between mission, education and fun. Some favorite fall activities include a lock-in, visiting a local corn maze, serving a meal at Advent House and taking leadership roles in the Christmas Eve pageant. In the winter, youth prepare soup and serve the Souper Supper of Caring to raise money for the local food banks. Spring’s focus is on preparing for Youth Sunday. The season ends with a picnic, adding to the plans for VBS and a rousing game of Capture the Flag.
The youth write the Christmas pageant script and lead the pageant for the family worship service.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible school is held every summer. Activities include music, Bible stories, arts and crafts, a seminar and drama. On Friday we share a picnic with our families. Older children and youth take on leadership roles and we are blessed with amazing adults to lead.
ADULT EDUCATION
Growing as a disciple is a lifelong journey. Adult study and fellowship groups meet on Sunday mornings, and throughout the week. Recent education offerings are shared on the Events blog of the web site, and reminders are e-mailed in the weekly Friday announcements.