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

Sunday School Missions

The following mission statements were developed from the goals and hopes of this year’s teachers for the Sunday school classrooms they will be leading.

Younger Children

Because we believe that children are open and receptive to God, and God calls both children and adults to be disciples, our Sunday school class is to be a loving and safe environment that encourages children to ask questions and talk about their faith. Children study the Bible, learn and practice the values of our faith, build relationships with teachers and other children who share their faith, and know they are part of a church family. Parents are encouraged to carry on that learning in the home and given resources to help them in this.

Older Children

We believe that God’s influence will be manifested in our children, and that the church should support the spiritual growth of our young people and encourage their active participation in the life of the church. Our Sunday school class is to be a place where young people are nourished, challenged, encouraged, and listened to with patience and openness. Young people learn about the Bible and develop familiarity with God’s teachings. They are consistently invited to examine their lives in light of God’s story, and given tools to practice their faith in school, at home, and in the broader world. Parents are supported and encouraged to discuss issues of life and faith with their children and to promote the participation of their children in worship and service in the church.

Sunday School Mission for the Whole Church

Because we believe that God calls the whole community to worship and service, the educational mission of our church is to assist people of all ages to participate fully in worship of God and service in God’s name. Sunday school classes will study scripture and explore its relevance in our lives and in the world around us. They will remind us of our identity and our belonging to God and one another in the community of faith as we love and support one another. Classes will challenge people to live lives of discipleship that take seriously the needs of those around us at home, work and school, and in our communities, nation and world. Classes will link the Service of Worship to the learning happening during Sunday school, encouraging people to listen for God’s message of grace and hope, and welcome God’s loving hand of guidance in our lives individually and with each another.