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Christian Education, Youth and Family Programs
Check Out Our Church School Brochure! There are lots of exciting things going on in our Church School this year. Our new brochure is now online. You can review and/or print the document by clicking here. (Acrobat reader required)
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.
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. Nursery (Infant-Kindergarten) This is a graduated classroom with enough adult and teen support to create an opportunity for our youngest members to transition from the nursery to preschool and on to the kindergarten 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. Teen Program (Grades 9-12) High school students participate in discussions, activities, and games. They also occasionally help to prepare a lesson for the younger children. Topics covered will roughly coincide with the rotation curriculum. An emphasis will be placed on the loving and forgiving nature of God. When The Program begins on "Rally Day" on September 13th, 2009. Classes meet every Sunday during church service. An announcement is made during church to send all children to church school. Where Church School classrooms Who Teachers will be recruited from the Congregation to teach 4-6 week rotations. We use co-teachers, which seems to make our teachers more willing to volunteer and allows for the occasional absence of a teacher. All children are welcome, including visiting children. What Rotation curriculum is a series of workshops centered on one major theme. This theme is presented to the children of the church school in a variety of ways, which will make the information memorable and fun. Use of this curriculum also ensures continuity of learning for children who do not attend every week. These children will not “miss” an entire theme if they are absent. Rotation curriculum also encourages a multi generational approach to passing down our faith. The workshops vary by rotation but include activities using the following teaching methods: Computers, Games, Drama, Geography, Movies, Science, Puppetry, Cooking and Video making. The school is equipped with state of the art computers, cameras, a modern kitchen, and a puppet theater, as well as other equipment to make these workshops not only possible, but fun and interesting as well. 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. Upcoming themes include: September 13- October 4 Images of Jesus in the Arts October 18- November 15 How the Bible Came to be November 22- December 20 Christmas: Gospel Comparison January 10- February 7 The Garden of Eden February 28 Evolution Sunday March 7- April 11 Crucifixion and Resurrection May 2- May 23 Joseph and His Brothers
Ninth Graders (Confirmation) Ninth graders will begin confirmation 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.
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 Group Our Youth Group is open to children in grades 5-12. We have meetings and plan fundraisers, day trips, and social events. The Junior Youth Group, grades 5-8, meets on scheduled Sunday evenings from 5:30-7pm, in Fellowship Hall while the High School youth Group, grades 9-12, meets at other specified times. Youth Music and Ministry Information Coming Soon! Youth and Family Calendar of Events September 27th Noon Car Wash Fundraiser (rain date TBA) October 24th Noon-10pm Six Flags New England November 22nd 11am Service center then Diner for late lunch December 10th 5:30pm Dinner and Christmas Caroling February TBA TBA Family Ski Trip March TBA TBA Dodgeball Tournament to benefit Dana Farber March 28th 11am Family Bowling May TBA TBA Miniature Golf and BBQ
OUR POLICY ON CHILD ABUSE- All materials on this
Site -copyright © 2005-10 First
Congregational Church of Falmouth
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