Rev. 3/30/09 We Never Stop Learning Christian Education at First Presbyterian means much more than Sunday School for children. Adults share the need for spiritual reinforcement and character development. Sometimes, the more you learn about your neighbors or enemies, the harder it is to love them. Since Isaiah foretold "A little child shall lead them", we will start with them. NURSERY Children of all ages are welcome at both worship services, and the participation in worship of children 5-6 years and older is strongly encouraged. A staffed Nursery is available in two rooms on the second floor of the education wing on Sunday mornings between 8:30am-12:00pm for families who desire childcare for infants through 6 years old. This also offers opportunity to young parents to participate in Adult Education activities, as well as our two worship services. Children and Youth On Sunday mornings during the school year (September to June), from 9:30 to 10:30am, Christian Education is offered for all ages at First Presbyterian. In 2008 FPC transformed the third floor of our Education Building. Dreary, tired offices were converted into "The Upper Rooms." More than a fresh coat of paint, we took out walls, created a central gathering space (dubbed "The Oasis"), and provided our education program with: Galilee Gallery - Art Room Jericho Theater - Audio/Visual Room Memory on the Mount - Computer Room Sinai Stage - Drama/Storytelling Room and Tower of Scrabble - Games/Puzzles/Bible Skills Room. Even more important than the room transformation, our Christian Education program for Kindergarten through 8th grade follows a "Rotation Model". Children meet in the Oasis on the third floor each Sunday at 9:30 for a gathering time. Their "shepherds" then take them to the workshop assigned for that particular Sunday, to explore a Biblical story in various ways. The Rotation Model provides opportunities to explore each topic through drama, science, music, dance, cooking and craft projects. Churches across the country are finding that when learning uses all the senses in varied forms, the material is not only retained better, it creates enthusiasm and interest in the children. The Upper Rooms And the Walls Came a-Tumbling Down   An added bonus - the Rotation Model provides short-term opportunities for additional adults to participate in teaching - drawing on their individual skills and interests. Of course, we need to find a new home for the Last Supper (note the crumbs on the floor). Moveable Feast Adult Christian Education Adult Christian Education has its own excitement while children and youth are attending their classes. These discussions are led by the pastors, members of the congregation or guests and follow a course organized around specific themes. Currently we are exploring what it means to be a Christian in the twenty-first century. Special sessions occur throughout the year, such as during African-American Heritage Month in February. The More Light Committee sponsors special events each Spring. An Inquirer's Class for adults is held in the Spring and Fall for prospective new members and others wishing to learn more about the church. Men's Bible Study and Women's Small Groups (see below) meet regularly during the year to foster spiritual growth and fellowship. Our faith journeys are further enriched by special educational events such as the Lenten evening study series, the Fall mission fair, and our celebration of African-American history in February. Men's Bible Study Groups Once a week three groups of quietly enthusiastic men gather for an hour of prayer, Bible study, and talk. Tuesdays at 7:45 AM and Thursdays at 7 AM and 6 PM are the times that 5 - 8 men in each group meet. Each session has three essential elements: Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. In September all the men of the church are invited to a covered dish supper where members of the groups explain their purpose, map out a plan for the year, and sign up for a time to meet. In November a core of the groups spent a weekend together at Weston Priory in Vermont, where Presbyterian men joined in worship and meditation with monks of the Benedictine Order. In March the men sponsor an all-church spaghetti dinner where the Great Hall is transformed into an Italian restaurant. The study for the past few years has centered on the lectionary. Each week a member of the group volunteers to lead prayer and facilitate discussion. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone." Ephesians 2:19-20 Women's Small Groups Several small groups exist for women at First Presbyterian. "A Christian Small Group is an intentional, face-to-face gathering of ten or fewer people, for the purpose of growing in relationship with God and each other." These groups covenant/agree to meet twoce a month for sharing, study and prayer. Deep relationships develop and faith formation is deepened. LIBRARY The adult library, on the first floor of the education wing, contains a broad range of books and periodicals on theology, ethics, religious education and Biblical studies. Of course, book study is prominently featured in our Adult Education program.