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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 Family Focus
*Sunday School* On Sunday mornings, we welcome children of all ages and backgrounds to worship and Sunday school. Our goal in Sunday School is to help children know the Word, grow in faith and show service to the world. Sunday School teachers are friends, mentors and guides in faith for our children and youth. 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.
*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 fun 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, car washes, 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. This is always a fun and energetic week of learning and playing in faith together. From pirates to Harry Potter to a world village, you never know what kind of amazing adventures we will have at Vacation Bible School! Mark your calendars! VBS will be held June 25-29, 2012. Look for registration materials available in March and April.
*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.
Family Focus Offered three or four times a year, these special family events are times to be together as a family. Whether faith-building learning in Sunday School, holiday-inspired celebrations or service projects, Family Focus is an opportunity to learn and grow together, strengthening the relationships within our individual families and our church family as a whole. Watch for special programs this year, and if you have an idea for a family event, let’s make it happen together! Family Focus Sunday School dates for 2011-2012: November 13 and April 8 Family Focus will also serve as elves at the Family Giving Tree in December, and participate in Fifth Sunday Service Projects in October, January, May and July.