The Learning Team oversees many learning opportunities at First Presbyterian Church. The mission of the Learning Team is to nurture faith development and growth through educational opportunities for all ages with a desire to aid in making disciples.
Preschool (3-5year olds)
We offer Christian education for preschool children, ages 3-5 using the preschool version of the same Rotation Workshop curriculum used with the grade school classes. The children learn Bible stories and Christian concepts through the creative use of art, storytelling, and play. Caring and Experienced teachers guide children through this early learning experience. Parents are always welcome and are encouraged to sign up to help.
Kindergarten through Third Grades:
What is Rotation Sunday School? It is a three-week study of one Bible lesson. The Kindergarten-5th grade children are broken into groups, based on grade, and rotate to different stations each week. Using the Workshop Rotation Model, children learn and experience Bible stories and Christian concepts through child-friendly multimedia such as art, dramas, music, games, food, puppets, and storytelling. This model recognizes that children love repetition and need repetition to develop a lasting memory of the content.
Fourth through Sixth Grades:
The class will use Connect, a quirky tween-centered curriculum. This curriculum isn’t “little kid Sunday School!” The resources used are developed just for tweens that blend solid theology with quirky humor. Connect engages preteens in God’s big story through videos, Bible exploration, and hands-on projects. This curriculum takes tweens on a journey through the Old Testament and into the New Testament, exploring the connections between several stories each week. Every lesson follows a three-part sequence: See, Explore, and Make. Each week, tweens focus on and reinforce a theme by watching a witty video, exploring biblical text, and creating projects that range from games to art and more.
Middle and High School Church School:
The class will use the curriculums Collaborate, Re:form, FAQ’s and Youth Foundations of Personal Finance. The class will discuss Old Testament and New Testament stories as well as explore the connections between several stories each week. As Christians, we recognize the Bible as the source of what we need to know to live as God’s people. Youth Church School helps connect faith and daily living to teach students how to live and share the Good News every day!
Confirmation Class
Confirmation is a preparation for young people in our congregation to affirm their faith and become an active member of the church. Confirmation is open to anyone who is interested and 8th grade and above. Contact the church office for more information.
Communion Class
Each Spring and Fall there is a class to learn about the meaning of Communion designed for children (ages 4 and above) and their parents (one parent must attend). Parents make the decision on when children are ready to participate in Communion.
Grade School Bibles
The class learns bible skills and works on activities throughout the school year. Bibles are presented in the Spring.
Church School Library
We have a wonderful collection of books for children, youth and parents available. Anyone of any age may check them out. New material is added frequently.
Presbyterian Youth
PYA (Presbyterian Youth Association) is an opportunity for friendships to develop between middle school and high school youth. It gives the youth an open and accepting environment where youth feel comfortable asking the hard questions about faith and life. Youth challenge each other and learn to grow in their faith together. The youth meet most Sundays, check the Focus newsletter or calendar for updated schedule.