Christian Education

Contact: Cindy Micucci

cinjo28@gmail.com

Educational and Fellowship Programming for Children, Youth, and Adults. 

Children (ages 3-11)

• Our 10-month Sunday School program begins in September and runs through the middle of June. We have an “open door policy” and children ages 3-11 are welcome on any Sunday. We have several professional teachers who volunteer to plan and teach the lessons on alternating Sundays. (Childcare for toddlers and babies available upon request.)
• Children first attend the church service upstairs at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with their families; about 15 minutes after the service begins, kids are invited to attend Sunday School (which is held downstairs in the Sunday School room). At 11:00 a.m., children meet their families upstairs after service for refreshments and fellowship. Children who would rather stay with their families during the church service are offered “Busy Bags” to make them feel welcome.
• Children’s lessons usually open with a scripture based mini-lesson, followed by a craft, song, game or activity, and a closing prayer that reinforces what we learned in the lesson. It is a fun and joyful way for children to come together and learn about God’s love! 
• Lessons for kids usually follow the same lectionary that the pastor does for the congregation, so most often children will hear the same story (at an appropriate age level) as the regular church sermon; this gives families the opportunity to share ideas about what they learned in church on Sunday.

Youth (ages 12 and up):

• Confirmation class: teenagers meet with the Pastor on a weekly or bi-weekly basis as schedules allow. Each confirmand is sponsored by an adult member of the church of their choosing for guidance and support. At the end of the program, each confirmand presents a statement of their faith during the Worship service with a celebration to follow.

Adult Education:

• Small Group Ministries are various gatherings planned by the Board of Christian Education rotating throughout the year. Examples of some past and current ministries:
• “Tapestry of Our Lives’--a women’s group led by a member of the church to provide a spiritual journey using six principles—gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy. 
• Bread and Broth--Lenten Bible study 
• Salad and Soul-Spring Bible study
• Netflix Nights--movies and discussion
• Brown bag Bible Lunchtime study 
• Men’s Book Club
• Women’s Book Club
• Healthy Eating and Wellness
• A Women’s Communion Breakfast has been offered for several years and open to the community as the members of the church. After a special service held in the sanctuary, a delicious breakfast is served.

All-church and Community (multigenerational) Activities:

Fall: 

• Gathering Sunday (September): a fun whole-church barbeque with games and activities for all to begin the new church year.
• Trunk or Treat (rain or shine) candy, games, and activities

Winter/ Advent and Christmas:

• The Annual Cookie Swap!
• The Secret Santa Gift Program from YCS (Youth Consultation Services) is an annual opportunity to provide gifts to special needs young adults and children in Bergen County.
• The Photos with Santa: Kids (of all ages!) and pets meet Santa and have their picture taken for free. Crafts, music, and games for the little ones. Care One provides donuts, hot cocoa and coffee to all in attendance.

Spring:

• The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is open to the community. Easter eggs are filled with candy and coins, and prizes are given to the top three finders. Refreshments and coffee and juice are served.
• Teen Artisan and Vendor Fair--an opportunity for local teens to sell their crafts and collectibles; community sponsors and donations accepted for supporting youth in local charities. 
• Recognition Sunday--June celebration to recognize the Sunday school, confirmands, church officers, each board and members for their dedication and service throughout the year. 

Summer:

• Sunday School on hold until September (childcare available upon request)