Christian Education at First Congregational Church
In the past we have used the Workshop Rotation Model for our Sunday School in grades K - 8, which uses one key Bible story each month, taught in several different learning centers. In 2010 we moved to a new curriculum, "gather 'Round" from the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, for grades K - 5. This Sunday School style keeps the students and teachers in the same classroom, with stonger familiarity to space and teachers and a continued focus on hearing, telling and living God's good news. Our Senior High students use the Seasons of the Spirit lectionary-based curriculum which generally parallels the scripture used in our worship service each week. Sunday School classes meet from approx. 10:10am to 11:00am during the worship service.
We also have adult classes that have used works by Tom Wright, Walter Wink, Phillip Yancey, and Marcus Borg to understand scripture. One adult Bible Study group meets each Sunday at 8:30am, one on Thursdays at noon, and other classes meet in the evenings when a topic attracts a group who want to meet and study. If you'd like to learn more about educational resources offered by our denomination for further adult Christian Education, click on this link to our National Denominational Website If you are interested in a website that may offer you some opportunities for personal spiritual growth, you may want to click on NRSV Bible Online or for an interfaith site, click on Beliefnet
We also offer a Confirmation Class taught by Pastor Phil for 8th & 9th grade students, on alternate years. They learn about our denomination, key religious concepts, and decide if they are ready to join the church. NEW CLASSS STARTING Fall 2012! Contact the Church office if you have an 8th or 9th grader ready to consider this committment.
Providing multiple ways for families to engage with the weekly Bible stories. Sunday School at First Congregational Church, Charlotte uses the resources of Gather Round This copyrighted material from Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, extends our children's faith education and helps parents to share in the process. See Below to get a monthly calendar set of ideas that coordinate with the Bible story children and youth explore each week. Each Sunday box has the weekly session title, scripture text, and prayer. Use the daily ideas to nurture faith at home together!
Click on each dated Weekly page to see what your child will be learning that Sunday.
Click on "Parent COMMENTARY" for a more detailed background and insight to each Bible Story. THIS SEASON we begin with Talk about GOD and MOSES and look forward to partnering in your child's biblical learning
Download the Monthly Calendar
| Week 1 11/27 Restore US, O God Psalm 80 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 2 12/4 John baptizes with water Matthew 3: 1-12 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 3 12/11 The prophet brings good news Isaiah 61 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 4 12/18 The family of Jesus Matthew 1:1-25 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 5 12/25 Jesus is born Luke 2:1–20 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 6 1/1 visit from the magi Matthew 2:1 - 12 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 7 1/8 Escape to Egypt Matthew 2:13-23 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 8 1/15 Jesus is baptized, then tempted Matthew 3:13 - 4:11 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 9 1/22 Live truly Matthew 7:1-12 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 10 1/28 Jesus teaches about salt and light Matthew 4:23-5:16 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 11 2/5 Giving, Praying, Fasting Matthew 6: 1-18 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 12 1/28 Jesus teaches about salt and light Matthew 7: 1-12 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 13 2/19 Jesus heals a servent Matthew 8: 5 - 13 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
| Week 14 2/26 Jesus walks on water Matthew 14: 22-33 |
Take home page | Parent Commentary |
New Adult Class for February!
Starting on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at 8:15am, there will be a new adult class on LENT and spiritual renewal. It is the starting point for exploring our Christian Education theme of Spiritual Growth in Everyday Life. Participate on line and/or face to face in this exciting addition to our adult spiritual growth opportunities.The current study is "controversial issues of Congregationalists" JOIN US AT ANY TIME, many of the most thought-provoking discussions happen here! Tuition is Free, there is very little homework required, and you are sure to learn something, as well as helping other people deepen their own understanding of our Congregationalist religion. Put it on your calendar. Bring a friend. See you on Sunday!
Our first short term Sunday morning ADULT class offered at 8:15 am Sunday mornings was Love and Logic and began in October 2011.
There are plans underway to offer another LOVE AND LOGIC in the near future, to include more families and reach into our community
If you would be interested in being part of the next LOVE AND LOGIC, be sure to contact Pastor Tom, or our office 543-1310.
These Adult classes offer assorted topics for short term Sunday morning opportunities to Grow in your Christian faith.
Classes are structured to allow you to join in at any point.
Call the church office for more information 543-1310 or contact either Pastor Phil or Pastor Tom