Sunday Church School

Nursery
   We offer child care so that individuals and families with children can participate in worship and education opportunities on Sunday mornings, confident that their children are being cared for in a safe and nurturing environment. During worship, child care is provided for children 4-years old and younger. During Sunday Church School, child are is offered for infants and toddlers; older children are encouraged to participate in Church School classes.
   A safe, positive environment for our little ones is important to us at First Presbyterian, so we provide at least two adults per room for proper supervision. The nursery is a safe place for the youngest among us to experience God's love.
   Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14
Child Care Coordinator: Kristin Kulling

Preschool (Ages 3-5) and Kindergarten
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a curriculum to help children learn what it means to walk with Jesus. Through Walk with Me, children will experience church as a loving, inviting place in which to learn more about God's care for them. They will hear the great stories of Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments.
Because Walk With Me sessions are designed to teach all of God's children, there will be a variety of activities - play, story, music, movement - that appeal to the different learning styles. Children will also have an opportunity to build a "storybook" with colorful weekly cards that correspond to the weekly Bible stories.
Preschool Teachers: Suzii Parsons and Leslie Baldwin

First through Fifth Grade
    SpiritLink is our workshop rotation model Sunday school program for elementary aged children. We understand that children learn in different ways, and our rotational workshop rooms allow children to explore Scripture through music, art, games, stories, drama, science, and mission. We begin at 9:30 in the choir room with singing and then shepherds will lead children to their classrooms afterward.
    The theme of SpiritLink this year is "New Beginnings." Through Old and New Testament stories, we will see how God has a continuing story of new beginnings for God's people. We will study the beginning of the world in Genesis; why Joshua was such a good leader as the Hebrews began a new life in the Promised Land; how Ruth figures into the lineage of Christ; how Jesus taught us about God's love through parables, and how the new church began. Additionally, studies of Jesus' birth and resurrection will follow the church year.
   SpiritLink classes will be loosely grouped according to age with some flexibility to meet each child's needs and to keep classes balanced.
The classes are:
"Wind" - 6 to 8 years old
"Flame" - 8 to 9 years old
"Water" - 9 to 11 years old

Children's Music/Link-Up
   Children's music will meet in the choir room at 9:30 a.m. This time will include a variety of musical activities (singing, playing instruments, energizers, dancing, games).
   Children who attend children's music and SpiritLink will have the opportunity to share their talents with the congregation through worship leadership and performances during the course of the year. The children will lead music in worship on World Communion Sunday, October 4, and an Advent service on Sunday, December 13. We will also enjoy our annual "Cookie Concert" on Saturday morning, December 12.
Children's Music Director: Heather Lanners

Children and Worship
  Children and Worship is an opportunity for children to experience the essential parts of worship in a manner that is age-appropriate. Children 4 years old through 3rd grade are invited to participate during the 11:00 a.m. service after the Time with Children. We meet in the old Chapel (South end of building).
   We follow an order of worship similar to what happens in the adult service. Activities include singing while using sign language, experiencing Bible stories, and praying together. Children are encouraged to "wonder" about the biblical stories and the mysteries of God. During our Response Time the children have a chance to work with the story materials themselves, do art work or puzzles, or look at books.
   Children and Worship is an enriching experience for children and adults. We look forward to having your child in Children and Worship, and parents are always welcome to join us!!
Children and Worship Coordinator: Brenda Johnson

Classes for Youth

Middle School (grades 6-7)
The Bible: the Story of God's Faithfulness - Old Testament Survey
The Bible-The Story of God's Faithfulness is a survey study of the Old Testament which helps younger youth see the whole picture of the story of God's people in the Bible. The class will cover the Old Testament from Adam and Eve, through the story of the Exodus, the Kings, the Prophets, and the Exile.
Leaders: Tim Krehbiel and Scott Johnson

Junior High (Grades 8-9)
God's Gift of Sexuality
God's Gift of Sexuality is designed to help youth develop a healthy Christian attitude toward their sexuality. Drawing on scripture and church doctrine, as well as activities from a variety of other sources, the course helps young people put sexuality in a Christian perspective. The class helps them understand the meaning of healthy relationships with others, God, and themselves.
Teachers: Quinn Baldwin and Riley Kern

Senior High (grades 10-12)
Being a Christian High School Student Today
This is a discussion group that encourages class members to consider how to live a life with purpose and direction with an emphasis on relationships, common decisions and the world around us. Many topics are based on materials from The Thoughtful Christian website, but students are encouraged to select other topics for discussion. Recent topics were the following: "What's in Your Water Bottle?" "Juno," and "What if I Don't Believe That?"
Leaders: Ron Kensinger and Gary Garoffolo

Classes for Adults

Abiding Bible Study (August-May) moves sequentially through the Bible with study and discussion of a passage each week. Meets in the Library.
Leader: Dan Grischkowsky.

Seasons of the Spirit (August-May) is a lectionary based curriculum produced by the Presbyterian Church (USA). Join in and study, reflect on and discuss the scriptures which will be preached (usually) during the worship service. Meets in the dining area of the new Fellowship Hall.
Leader: Denise Rex.

Short Term Adult Studies:

Economic Globalization for Christians (January 10-March 28)
This 12-week class is on the impact of corporate "globalization" and how Christians can be active in shaping globalization now and in the future. A small contribution for study materials will be accepted but is not required. Meets in North Fellowship Hall.
Leaders: Glen Bays, Jim Shaw, and Gary Simpson

Disciple Short Term Study: Invitation to John (through February 28)
This Bible study is designed for shorter sessions than the original Disciple series. Come take part of an in-depth study of the Gospel of John. The invitation from Christ is: "Come and see, Follow me". Experience the magnificent passages in John including the "I am" statements (I am the truth, the life and the way, I am the living water, and more). Revisit stories only told in John's gospel including those of Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and the raising of Lazarus. Participants for this Invitation to John do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of John a week, we will discover the life-altering stories that will invite us to follow Christ as true disciples. Meets in the Multipurpose Room
Leaders: Carol Schoenhals, Leah Hrachovec, and Gordon Edwards

If the class on the Gospel of John whets your spiritual appetite,
you may be ready to spend more time and dig deeper into God's Word via the DISCIPLE class: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. Study groups move through the Bible from Creation to the New Jerusalem. Session titles, theme words, theme verses, plus major persons, events, and topics set the sequence of the biblical story. The study also follows the chronological movement of the biblical story. Lasting friendships among participants are a definite possibility also! Interested? Contact Carol Schoenhals (377-4368)