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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.
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 begins on "Rally Day" in September, 2008. 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 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 on 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- Nursery/PreK/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. 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. Teen Bible Study (Grades 9-12) High school students discuss scripture and how it relates to their lives. Hot topics are covered and debate and discussion are encouraged. There will always be at least two adult leaders to moderate and lead this group. Topics covered will roughly coincide with the rotation curriculum. An emphasis will be placed on the loving and forgiving nature of God. Upcoming themes include: September 2008 Our Church October/November 2008 The Ten Commandments November/December 2008 Christmas Around the World January/February 2009 Creation and Evolution
Other Youth Programs 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 Fellowship Group Our Youth Group is open to children in grades 7-10. There are plans in the making for trips and activities that are sure to be fun. A ski trip and/or a trip north to a lake or white water rafting are in the works. We will be getting to know each other through various games, having “lock ins” where we stay overnight at the church watching movies and having fun, and we will be integrating this with some mission work in the future. All kids in grades 7-10 are encouraged to attend a meeting to get started. We meet every Sunday evening from 5:30-7 in fellowship hall. 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 please contact me at 548-3700 ext 12. Thank you, Laura Abbott Youth Music Ministry Information Coming Soon! All materials on this
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Congregational Church of Falmouth
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