Christian Education and Sunday School

The Christian Education of our children is one of the major concerns of the First Congregational Church of Falmouth, Massachusetts. This web page should help answer any questions about the Christian Education program at this church.

Our  Youth Programs page, covering programs outside of the Church School, is currently being revised. Look for it's debut in late April, 2008!

REGISTRATION

Church school registration takes place on "Rally Day" every September, which is where every child must have a new registration card for the year that they are in. Don't forget your zip code and indicate mailing address if different from your street address. Please use given names, not nicknames. This should be done by parents with their children.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GOALS

The primary goal for Christian Education at the First Congregational Church, Falmouth, is for each individual child to learn the basics of Christian belief so that it will influence daily decision-making and daily life. Even through adulthood.

The Holy Spirit works through people and situations. The Spirit is ultimately the true teacher. Especially in the case of young children, the Spirit uses parents and teachers to awaken and nurture a growing understanding of God and his love.

Once a child's relationship with God has been established, it should continually be encouraged to grow. The Christian Education Program seeks to motivate children to faith, not through fear, but through love. Stress is placed on God's love, forgiveness, and support in difficult times, so that children understand they are precious to God--even when they have done wrong. Our Christian Education program teaches that Christians are responsible for their actions, and that they should strive to live by Christ's teachings.

Our current curriculum is based on the "Rotation Curriculum", the basics of which are explained below.

Rotation Curriculum Basics

When:    The Program began on "Rally Day" in September, 2007

Where:    Church School classrooms and hallway beneath Portico, kitchen and computer lab.

Who:        Teachers and Shepherds will be recruited from the Congregation to teach one or two 5/6 week rotations.

What:

Rotation curriculum is basically a series of workshops centered around one major theme or story. This theme or story is presented to the children of the church school in a variety of ways, which will make the information memorable and fun.  Rotation curriculum gives a child multiple experiences in which to learn the information presented. Use of this curriculum also ensures continuity of learning for children who do not attend every week.  These children will not “miss” an entire lesson or theme if they are absent or unable to come due to other commitments. Rotation curriculum also encourages a multi generational approach to passing down our faith.

The workshops vary by rotation but include activities using the following themes: Computers, Games, Drama, Geography, Movies, Science, Puppetry, Heritage, Cooking and Video. The school is equipped with state of the art computers, cameras and other needed equipment to support each workshop.

For a full schedule of current and planned rotations, see the list below under "Church School Information" 
 

This curriculum instills a deep sense of personal commitment to God and Christ and a profound respect for the Bible as the key resource for developing their faith. It is consistent with the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith, the First Congregational Church of Falmouth Bylaws, and in harmony with mainline Protestant theology.

OUR POLICY ON CHILD ABUSE-
By vote of the Church Council, "The First Congregational Church is committed to providing safe youth programs. No person shall be eligible for participation in activities with children under 18 years of age, either as an employee or a volunteer, if such person has ever been convicted of child abuse or has accusations still pending. In all respects we want to be responsible and compassionate, offering pastoral care as appropriate."

Church School Information

We currently offer five combined grades: 

"Red Group" (Age 0-3)/ "Blue Group" (Age 4-Kindergaden)

This is a graduated classroom with enough adult and teen support to create an opportunity for our youngest members to transition from crib room to preschool at their own pace. We have rocking chairs, a changing table and toys appropriate for infants and toddlers on one side of the room.  The other side contains chairs and tables along with curriculum related toys to accommodate activities and Bible lessons. Children in this class will learn simple prayers and Bible verses 

Rotation Curriculum (Grades 1-8)

Elementary and Junior High students rotate through a series of classes that involve Art, Drama, Computers, Games, and other special topics that emphasize a different Biblical theme every few weeks. Students are accompanied to class by a "Shepherd" that they see every week; they then meet with a different teacher every week depending on the particular rotation theme.

Upcoming themes include:

Ninth Graders (Confirmation)

Our current Confirmation Class ends in January, 2008. Ninth graders will begin the next class in September, 2008.  Students join with their Mentors and fellow students on a personal faith that leads to their Confirmation the following spring. Students in the class will have a chance to participate in our worship service as Ushers, Greeters and Lay Readers. A springtime retreat and several field trips are planned.  Please contact Meg Becker or Anne Dyer for more information on the confirmation process.

JUNIOR AND YOUTH CHOIRS-

Howard Whitmore is the director of our Junior and Youth Choirs. All children from Grades 2-6 are invited to join the Junior Choir. The Youth Choir is for grades 7 and up, but also contains some older Junior Choir members. These choirs sing for the congregation on Family Sundays throughout the year. Children learn to read music which enables them to play for the Tone Chime Choir. Rehearsals for these choirs will be announced.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP GROUPS-

There is one Fellowship Group: Junior High Fellowship for Grades Seven and Eight. There is more information available on our Fellowship program; Just click the "Youth Page" and/or the "Youth Blog" tabs to the left.

All young people in our church are invited to join Pilgrim Fellowship. The Fellowship program needs the support of parents in order for it to be successful and from time to time parents will be asked to drive for certain programs . I welcome participation from parents. If you have an idea for a good program or if you have a hobby or interesting job you would like to discuss, please contact me through our church office. Thank you, Ms. Bradbury

Intergenerational World Music Fellowship

This is an intergenerational fellowship of church members who wish to explore the deeper connection between music and spirituality.  This is not necessarily a performance group. This music group twill meet twice a month to explore diverse cultural faith expressions using voice, percussion and other instruments of the world.

This group is open to all children grade five and above. A Parent may be required to stay during the group rehearsals to monitor their child at the discretion of the Leader.

Watch the Bulletin and Messenger for more information.

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