Christian Education at FPCW

OUR CHURCH SCHOOL MINISTRY:
Our church school ministry seeks to provide children with experiences which are intentionally structured to help them grow and mature in their faith in God through Jesus Christ. The Bible is central to their church school experiences. We are committed to working with children using developmentally appropriate activities based on
children’s ages and stages.

INFANT AND TODDLER NURSERY:
The Infant and Toddler Nursery offers a wonderful, caring and safe environment for our youngest children from birth to two years old. The nursery is staffed with two professional caregivers each Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to Noon. They provide each child with the best possible care during worship activities each week. From time-to-time, congregational volunteers assist to provide an appropriate ratio of caregivers to children. The nursery is full of toys, books and equipment to provide a smooth transition for the children. The nursery is located on the landing just half a flight of stairs from the sanctuary and balcony.

TWOS AND THREES:
(two years old, or turned three after September 1)
The Time for Twos and Threes class is where children are first introduced to Bible stories at fpcw. This room is staffed with adult volunteers (parents, grandparents and other members), occasionally assisted by senior and junior high members. The teachers have a selection of wonderful stories and illustrations to introduce these children to the Bible. This is perfect for our youngest learners with the busy little minds and bodies of a typical two-year-old. In addition, the room has toys and books to keep the children busy. The worship service is available over the sound system in this room should a parent need to stay in the room, but wish to listen to the service. The Time for Twos and Threes classroom is located on the upper level just steps from the balcony.

THREES AND FOURS PRESCHOOL:
(three years old by September 1)
After gathering together for Young Disciples (a brief children’s sermon held near the beginning of the 10:30 am Worship Service), three and four year olds are led to their room located on the lower level to begin their church school day. The children hear Bible stories and verses, sing Bible songs and play with puppets and sets depicting these stories (i.e. nativity scenes, Noah’s ark). In addition, the children usually participate in a brief craft or art project reinforcing the Bible story or theme. They experience simple prayer during story time and before snack time. Play, interaction, socialization and the beginnings of structured classes begin here with the help of parents and other adult volunteers. In addition, the threes and fours are welcome to participate in the annual Christmas pageant with the older fpcw children.

KINDERGARTEN:
(five years old by September 1)
Kindergartners also gather together for Young Disciples in the worship service and then proceed to their room located on the lower level next to the Threes and Fours Preschool class. The Kindergartners’ church school study involves the exploration of a biblical idea taught in a variety of methods: role playing a Bible story, art projects, singing and cooking. As the church school year progresses, the children begin to understand the Bible and its importance as the word of God. They have the opportunity to pray together as they learn the lesson of the day and its message to them. The children begin to share ideas and thoughts with parents and siblings through art projects, retelling lessons learned. Kindergartners enjoy participating in the annual Christmas pageant through song and voice as they begin to understand the season of Advent and birth of Jesus.

WORKSHOP ROTATION GRADES ONE-SIX:
Workshop Rotation is a teaching method featuring the study of Bible stories taught through a variety of styles using the latest educational research in workshop format. It offers the opportunity to learn about God and Jesus Christ using multiple intelligences. After attending a gathering time, where the Bible story is introduced, children attend weekly workshops which teach them the Bible story through diverse modes, involving them more deeply in the story. Generally, workshops and intelligences have included:
• Bible Knowledge (verbal/linguistic skills, writing, telling, reading)
• Movies (visual, linguistic) and popcorn!
• Art (visual, spatial, kinesthetic)
• Drama (kinesthetic, interpersonal skills)
• Cooking (tasting!)
• Puppetry (visual, spatial, kinesthetic)

JUNIOR HIGH:
Our junior high program includes class time, fellowship events, service projects and, for those in eighth grade and above, confirmation class. During class time, students and teachers explore Biblical perspectives on timely topics, like "when being Christian feels weird." Class is held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday in "The Landing", their own newly refurbished classroom/lounge space, with some Festival Sundays designated for worship attendance.

The class will choose two fellowship events during the year, such as high ropes course or bowling. They also choose two service projects, which have included hosting fellowship time or serving dinner at a homeless shelter.

Confirmation class helps students explore what it means to believe in Christ and become a member of this church. Class meets once a week, beginning in January and ending in March. Parents help determine the class schedule.

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP:
Nearly forty Senior High Youth participate in experiences contributing to their personal faith development, what it means to be a Presbyterian, and their growing ability to relate to one another in Christian ways. For many, these friendships and values are important parts of the high school experience.

For Senior Highs, the year is enriched through activities such as retreats, lock-ins, and other social and sport related activities. Participants meet weekly on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. for discussion time we call "Tower" and later in the day for fellowship.

The highlight of the year is a summer work trip. In 2007 our youth traveled to Cosby, Tennessee and worked with the Sunset Gap Community Center to help rebuild homes for the less privileged. We invite all youth to come and be a part of a Youth Ministry that challenges and involves them in Christian life.
Link to Youth Group Page

ADULT EDUCATION:
Think of it as continuing education for the soul. Opportunities abound for gaining new insight, discovering refreshing energy, or acquiring new perspectives in your journey of faith. Consider finding time for some spiritual renewal for yourself through one of our several adult education offerings:

• Weekly a.m. Bible Study Join us Thursdays at 10 a.m. for Bible study at fpcw. Approximately 15 fpcw attendees partake in lively discussions and exploration of Biblical characters who dealt with faith issues that are remarkably similar to those you may face in contemporary life today. All are welcome to participate on an ongoing basis or as an occasional drop-in visitor.

• Sunday a.m. Classes Incorporate personal spiritual growth into your Sunday morning routine. The Sunday Adult Education Hour, held from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. in the Lounge, brings respected guest scholars and educators who share their views and lead lively discussions on a variety of topics dealing with the Christian life.
Link to Adult Education Schedule





	Church School Ministry • Ways You Can Be Involved in Christian Education Infant & Toddler Nursery • Twos and Threes Threes and Fours Preschool • Kindergarten • Workshop Rotation Grades One-Six Junior High • Senior High • Adult Education OUR CHURCH SCHOOL MINISTRY: Our church school ministry seeks to provide children with experiences which are intentionally structured to help them grow and mature in their faith in God through Jesus Christ. The Bible is central to their church school experiences. We are committed to working with children using developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s ages and stages. A wonderful characteristic of our Children’s Ministry is that the teachers who staff the church school classes come from all areas of the church life, not just the parents of children in the class. Participating in worship enriches our lives. Several times a year, children join the congregation for Family Worship Sundays allowing them to experience worship first hand. WAYS YOU CAN BE INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: A unique characteristic of the Workshop Rotation method is that teachers and shepherds who staff the classes come from all areas of church life. Members of all ages enjoy the opportunity to work with children, and the result is a wonderful, enthusiastic mix of people who want to bring children to an understanding of and faith in God. Ways that you can be involved in Christian education at fpcw: • Team teacher or teachers’ aide for two-year-old classroom • Team teacher or teachers’ aide for Preschool three and four-year-old classroom • Team teacher or teachers’ aide for kindergarten classroom • Teacher for Workshop Rotation • Shepherd for Workshop Rotation • Plan or help with special events like the Christmas Pageant and Vacation Bible School Dowload the Church School Brochure in PDF Format: church_school.pdf (PDF files can be read using Adobe Reader.) INFANT AND TODDLER NURSERY: The Infant and Toddler Nursery offers a wonderful, caring and safe environment for our youngest children from birth to two years old. The nursery is staffed with two professional caregivers each Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to Noon. They provide each child with the best possible care during worship activities each week. From time-to-time, congregational volunteers assist to provide an appropriate ratio of caregivers to children. The nursery is full of toys, books and equipment to provide a smooth transition for the children. The nursery is located on the landing just half a flight of stairs from the sanctuary and balcony. TWOS AND THREES: (two years old, or turned three after September 1) The Time for Twos and Threes class is where children are first introduced to Bible stories at fpcw. This room is staffed with adult volunteers (parents, grandparents and other members), occasionally assisted by senior and junior high members. The teachers have a selection of wonderful stories and illustrations to introduce these children to the Bible. This is perfect for our youngest learners with the busy little minds and bodies of a typical two-year-old. In addition, the room has toys and books to keep the children busy. The worship service is available over the sound system in this room should a parent need to stay in the room, but wish to listen to the service. The Time for Twos and Threes classroom is located on the upper level just steps from the balcony. THREES AND FOURS PRESCHOOL: (three years old by September 1) After gathering together for Young Disciples (a brief children’s sermon held near the beginning of the 10:30 am Worship Service), three and four year olds are led to their room located on the lower level to begin their church school day. The children hear Bible stories and verses, sing Bible songs and play with puppets and sets depicting these stories (i.e. nativity scenes, Noah’s ark). In addition, the children usually participate in a brief craft or art project reinforcing the Bible story or theme. They experience simple prayer during story time and before snack time. Play, interaction, socialization and the beginnings of structured classes begin here with the help of parents and other adult volunteers. In addition, the threes and fours are welcome to participate in the annual Christmas pageant with the older fpcw children. KINDERGARTEN: (five years old by September 1) Kindergartners also gather together for Young Disciples in the worship service and then proceed to their room located on the lower level next to the Threes and Fours Preschool class. The Kindergartners’ church school study involves the exploration of a biblical idea taught in a variety of methods: role playing a Bible story, art projects, singing and cooking. As the church school year progresses, the children begin to understand the Bible and its importance as the word of God. They have the opportunity to pray together as they learn the lesson of the day and its message to them. The children begin to share ideas and thoughts with parents and siblings through art projects, retelling lessons learned. Kindergartners enjoy participating in the annual Christmas pageant through song and voice as they begin to understand the season of Advent and birth of Jesus. WORKSHOP ROTATION GRADES ONE-SIX: Workshop Rotation is a teaching method featuring the study of Bible stories taught through a variety of styles using the latest educational research in workshop format. It offers the opportunity to learn about God and Jesus Christ using multiple intelligences. After attending a gathering time, where the Bible story is introduced, children attend weekly workshops which teach them the Bible story through diverse modes, involving them more deeply in the story. Generally, workshops and intelligences have included: • Bible Knowledge (verbal/linguistic skills, writing, telling, reading) • Movies (visual, linguistic) and popcorn! • Art (visual, spatial, kinesthetic) • Drama (kinesthetic, interpersonal skills) • Cooking (tasting!) • Puppetry (visual, spatial, kinesthetic) JUNIOR HIGH: Our junior high program includes class time, fellowship events, service projects and, for those in eighth grade and above, confirmation class. During class time, students and teachers explore Biblical perspectives on timely topics, like "when being Christian feels weird." Class is held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday in "The Landing", their own newly refurbished classroom/lounge space, with some Festival Sundays designated for worship attendance. The class will choose two fellowship events during the year, such as high ropes course or bowling. They also choose two service projects, which have included hosting fellowship time or serving dinner at a homeless shelter. Confirmation class helps students explore what it means to believe in Christ and become a member of this church. Class meets once a week, beginning in January and ending in March. Parents help determine the class schedule. SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP: Nearly forty Senior High Youth participate in experiences contributing to their personal faith development, what it means to be a Presbyterian, and their growing ability to relate to one another in Christian ways. For many, these friendships and values are important parts of the high school experience. For Senior Highs, the year is enriched through activities such as retreats, lock-ins, and other social and sport related activities. Participants meet weekly on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. for discussion time we call "Tower" and later in the day for fellowship. The highlight of the year is a summer work trip. In 2007 our youth traveled to Cosby, Tennessee and worked with the Sunset Gap Community Center to help rebuild homes for the less privileged. We invite all youth to come and be a part of a Youth Ministry that challenges and involves them in Christian life. Link to Youth Group Page ADULT EDUCATION: Think of it as continuing education for the soul. Opportunities abound for gaining new insight, discovering refreshing energy, or acquiring new perspectives in your journey of faith. Consider finding time for some spiritual renewal for yourself through one of our several adult education offerings: • Weekly a.m. Bible Study Join us Thursdays at 10 a.m. for Bible study at fpcw. Approximately 15 fpcw attendees partake in lively discussions and exploration of Biblical characters who dealt with faith issues that are remarkably similar to those you may face in contemporary life today. All are welcome to participate on an ongoing basis or as an occasional drop-in visitor. • Sunday a.m. Classes Incorporate personal spiritual growth into your Sunday morning routine. The Sunday Adult Education Hour, held from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. in the Lounge, brings respected guest scholars and educators who share their views and lead lively discussions on a variety of topics dealing with the Christian life. Link to Adult Education Schedule