Resources

For the Library

For more information, ideas and resources for worshipping as a family, the following may be helpful:

Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship, by Ruth Bell Graham
Worship: Not for Adults Only (Issues in Christian Living), by Edith Bajema
A Family Affair: Worshiping God With Our Children (Issues in Christian living), by Edith Bajema
Talking With Your Child About Worship (Growing Together Series Book), by Edwards
Children in the Assembly of the Church, by Eleanor Bernstein
At the Table Together; Children in the Congregation, by Mary Duckert
A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship, by John D. Witvliet, ed.

Christian Education

Committee Report

As we wish Kara and Andy Root al the best on the road that God are leading them we urge all members and encourage visitors to read our very comprehensive report on Christian Education. Read the report

Christian Education is concerned with helping people come to faith, grow in faith, and live out their faith.

We seek to do this well formally, and to recognize and encourage the ways it is done informally in the life of the church.

We seek to center our education around the Church’s identity and purpose: Worship and Mission. (Asking ourselves does this equip people to understand and participate in worship of God in their lives? Does this equip people to understand and participate in serving God in the world?)
We seek to help the church and individuals be prepared to participate fully in the events that form our life and identity us as a Church (and as individuals and families) (e.g. paradigmatic events, seasonal events, occasional events, and unexpected events), and to help people process and reflect upon the meaning of those things in their life and faith.
We seek to nurture faith that is relevant in people’s lives – e.g., helping Scripture be relevant and applicable, recognizing and responding to the needs of the world.
We seek to embrace a full definition of Christian Education, using curriculum and resources that reinforce this. This definition includes: intentional instruction about the essentials of our faith, belonging to and sharing in the community of faith, encouraging personal growth and progress on one’s journey of faith, and instilling a sense of mission and global awareness of the Church’s role in the world, living out our faith.
We recognize this ministry as God’s and not ours, and humbly seek God’s wisdom and guidance as we endeavor to care for the congregation in this way.

Concerning children:
We recognize that Christian Education of children happens first in the family. Therefore we seek to provide support and resources, and to equip parents and families to raise up their children in faith. We also recognize that children are educated by participation in the full life of the Church in worship and service. Therefore we seek to facilitate their inclusion, involvement, understanding and empowerment.