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	Here are just some of the many programs we offer to help children grow in faith and love. Sunday School Children and Worship Children's Chapel CrossWalk Vacation Bible School Confirmation
*Sunday School* On Sunday mornings, we welcome children of all ages and backgrounds to worship and Sunday school. Our theme this year is “The Family of God.” We will be studying stories of Biblical families and their relationships with God, and we will be considering our relationships with one another as we live as God’s family together. Our goal in Sunday School is to help children know the Word, grow in faith and show service to the world. It is our hope that with the inspiration of Bible characters, the guidance of the Spirit, and the support of our faith community, participation in Sunday School will strengthen our kids as disciples of Jesus Christ. Sunday School meets at 10:00am every Sunday morning. Sunday School teachers are friends, mentors and guides in faith for our children and youth. Join a Sunday School teaching team to learn and grow with our kids.
*Children and Worship* Children are an important part of our church family, and are included as such in our worship services on Sunday mornings. You never have to worry that your child will be "too restless" for worship. Our children bring an energy and liveliness to worship that we all enjoy and appreciate. We encourage children to participate in worship in the ways that they are comfortable. Many share their joys and concerns during the prayer time, and join in our responses. Others dance in the aisles, read a book, or work on an activity clipboard provided in worship each week. It is amazing how much our children learn about worship and their faith by participating with us each week. All children are invited to come forward for a "Time for the Child" approximately halfway through the service, when Pastor Susan shares a message specifically with the children. Following this time, younger children are invited to attend the nursery or Children’s Chapel for the remainder of the service.
*Children's Chapel* Young children are welcome in worship, but sometimes they just need to do it their own way. Following "A Time for the Child," Children's Chapel presents Bible stories to preschoolers, kindergarteners and first graders in an engaging and reflective way, inviting them into the story and allowing them to wonder about the many different aspects of our faith. In Children's Chapel, Godly Play stories about the family of God will be presented each week, providing children a chance to dig into many of the stories in the Bible in a quiet and imaginative way.
*CrossWalk:* Faith and Fellowship for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders Once a month, all third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to spend time together having a good time learning about our faith! Together, we discuss Bible lessons and discover how they apply to our daily lives. Past activities have included bowling, movie nights, volleyball, scavenger hunts, swim parties, overnights, campfires and much more. CrossWalk also participates in mission projects around the church and in the community. Bring a friend to CrossWalk where faith and friendship intersect!
*Vacation Bible School* Each summer, we present a week-long day camp designed to encourage children in their spiritual growth. In 2005, we put our tool belts on, learned about Habitat for Humanity and the many ways we can make a difference in our community. We built 8 playhouses that were donated to the families of Habitat for Humanity. In 2006, we entered the magical world of Narnia and joined the adventure of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The With and the Wardrobe to discover the connections with our own faith stories. In 2008, we learned about our brothers and sisters around the world and how we can be a part of their lives. This past summer, we discovered what it means to be good stewards of the earth. Who knows what next summer will bring but we do know VBS will be held June 20-24, 2011. Vacation Bible School is always a fun time to learn about our faith. Join us for the adventure!
*Confirmation* In the United Methodist Church, youth are invited to carefully consider their faith and commitment before joining the church as full members. Confirmation is a time of learning and growing, discovering and discerning designed to help 7th, 8th and 9th graders identify their beliefs and make a commitment to their ongoing journey of faith in the United Methodist Church. Confirmation is held in the spring every other year with other churches participating in our Joint Youth Group. The next class will be offered in the spring of 2012.