Christian Education is important in the Presbyterian tradition and at First Presbyterian Church, Marshall. There are many facets to our Christian Education program which seek to address the needs of our diverse congregation. We seek to offer traditional classroom experiences along with youth group and family-oriented opportunities. The Director of Christian Education, working within the Spiritual Life Ministry Team, and along with worship coordinators and fellowship coordinators, integrates education into the life of our church.
Spiritual Development Opportunities
Education for Children and Youth
Sunday School
Age appropriate classes meet on Sunday mornings during worship. Volunteer teachers of all ages and experience make up teaching teams that work with each class. Children ages 4 and up are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service with their parents. After the Children’s Message, they are dismissed, with their teachers, for Sunday school.
The following classes are available:
- Butterflies (Preschool—Kindergarten)
- Fish (1st and 2nd grades)
- F.R.O.G.s (3rd and 4th grades)
- Middle School Youth Class (5th - 8th grades)
Vacation Bible School
Each summer we offer a week of Bible-based fun for our children and others in the community! A team of volunteers from the congregation work together with the Director of Christian Education to design and implement a program to introduce children to Bible stories and themes. The week involves music, crafts, drama and play. VBS is open to all children who are ready to separate from the caregivers for several hours through those entering fifth grade. Older youth are involved as group leaders, nursery care providers and helpers.
Please watch this site for more information about dates and themes for the summer of 2010!
Education for Adults
Adult classes are offered at various times. Formats include informal discussion of current events, book studies, Bible studies, movie discussions and more. The following spiritual development opportunities are being offered currently:
Faith at 8:45
A time to gather with other adults and young adults – even high school students would be welcome – as we share together our experiences of life and perspectives of faith. Our conversations engage the Bible, Christian spirituality, and real issues in our everyday world. Particular focus for our discussion is guided by the book selected – reading one chapter per week. Questions are as welcome and vital to our conversation as insights offered! We meet in the Lounge on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m..
First Sunday Forum
An opportunity to explore with a little more depth some issue in our contemporary society. We read an essay (photocopied and available weeks before) and reflect together on the issue from a perspective of faith. Suggestions of topics are always warmly received! All are welcome to bring a lunch or not as we meet after worship / fellowship on Sundays in the Conference Room.
Bible Beginnings: DVD Course
This Bible study course is offered on Sunday afternoons following worship and again on Tuesday evenings (6:30 p.m.) to fit your schedule. The course covers many weeks throughout the year as we survey each testament of the Bible. Please feel free to join us at any time. We watch a DVD lecture by a Biblical scholar and then discuss using questions provided. No prior Bible knowledge is needed and outlines for each session are available prior to the study in the church office or library.
Sunday Night Cinema
We meet occasionally to view together and discuss a popular movie from the perspective of faith … usually Sunday evenings at 6:30 in the Lounge. Watch for information about an upcoming event!
Junior Youth Group
Our youth program seeks to bring together students in fifth through eighth grades for service, fellowship, and conversation around our Middle School Themes of Faith. Using these principles, the youth experience various activities to serve their congregation and community while enjoying fun time together. Activities usually take place once a month during the school year with special summer gatherings planned.
*Please note that our congregation is in the midst of a restructuring of our programs for youth in middle school and high school. In the 2010-2011 school year, we may offer a youth group for high school students while continuing to offer fellowship events for students in middle school. Please check back for information regarding the changes!
Library
The church library is located in a quiet corner of the first floor. The shelves are filled with titles for children and adults. Our librarian, Joyce Ickes, maintains the collection and assists in adding new materials. Any member can borrow the resources by filling out the card inside the material and leaving it in the appropriate box on the library shelf.
If you have any questions about the Christian Education Program of our church office at (269) 781-5161.
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