Nursery Care from 9:45 AM until 11:15 AM
Pre-School/Elementary/Youth begin with worship at 10:00 in our sanctuary.

Edwards Church is a warm and caring community that welcomes and encourages children and youth to celebrate the gifts they bring each Sunday to worship and to our educational program. Each young person is recognized and affirmed for the uniqueness in our faith community. As the Director of Christian Education I am hopeful that you will experience that our church family shows interest and concern for all of our young people. It is our expectation that people will grow in their faith and in their relationship with one another.

Our Church School ministry fosters a sense of belonging to the Edwards Church community, encouraging love, generosity, and commitment. There is a strong sense of mission and giving as a loving response to God’s love for each of us.

Friends and visitors are always welcome for worship, church school, intergenerational events, and special seasonal activities.

Children and Worship

The young people who attend Edwards Church are regularly engaged in the worship life of our faith community. We desire that worship is a meaningful and welcoming experience for everyone. We encourage adults accompanying children to worship to come early to support your child in preparation for the service. After getting a bulletin, explain what is going to happen during the time they will be there. Help young children to find the hymns and line out songs and unison prayers with your finger. Very young children should be encouraged to use the small activity packs that can be found on a table in the narthex of the church. After the children’s message, the young people will attend church school classes. The Sunday morning program includes Bible stories, simple crafts and games to reinforce the theme for the day.

Children and Communion

Edwards Church, UCC, has a long tradition of supporting an open communion table for all who wish to participate in this sacrament regardless of age. The Church School program helps children understand the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper and how to participate responsibly in the sacrament. Children are encouraged to sit with their families on Communion Sundays (usually the firs Sunday of each month) when they return to the sanctuary from their Church School program.

Infant and Toddler Care

We offer quality care for young children while their family members participate in our church’s service of worship. Amy Hendrick, Bruce Cichowlas and Shelly Cichowlas provide loving and understanding care for our youngest children. They help young children develop a sense that Edwards Church is a caring and good place to be.

School Aged Children

Edwards Church School utilizes “Bible Quest”, a Bible story based curriculum for all ages. The purpose of this United Church of Christ curriculum is to help learners to encounter the overall story, connect the story with their own experiences, and then live in the world as followers of Jesus. We are most fortunate to have highly committed teachers who are not only concerned with the faith development of each child but offer consistent nurture and care.

The 2004 – 2005 Church School staff include:

Amy Hendrick, Bruce Cichowlas, Shelly Cichowlas, Emma Hall, Gayle Turner, Sue McGrann, Terry Carl, Karen Albee, Joanie White, Patty Arnheim, Tyler Cichowlas, Chris Hendrick and Susan Dickerman.

Confirmation

Confirmation classes are held for those young people in the ninth grade or beyond who attend church school on a regular basis in preparation for this important faith passage. This is an opportunity to explore the promises made for them at their baptism through two years of study and sharing. The Confirmation program does not take place every year.

Post Confirmation Class

Our high school young people are provided an opportunity to worship with their families, serve as teaching assistants or attend a specially designed youth forum. Opportunities are provided for leadership in worship as a liturgist, usher, greeter, or as a member of the church’s choir. Hands on mission projects are an opportunity for travel, meeting young people from other United Church of Christ churches, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Adult Bible Study

Adult Bible Study is offered on each Sunday morning at 9:00 AM and on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM. The Sunday morning session include scripture readings, personal sharing and prayer.

Intergenerational Programs and Special Happenings

This Fall, the church school will form the cast to perform “100% Chance of Rain”, a musical about Noah and his family on the ark. Young people, adults and the congregation will participate in the cast. The performance will take place on Sunday, November 7th during the service of worship. Practices will take place each Sunday following the Fellowship Hour.

On October 3rd young people and their families will travel to Rutland, Massachusetts for a trip to Overlook Farm. The farm is the setting for Heifer International for the Northeast Region. Activities include a hayride, pick your own pumpkins, face painting, and walking through a hay maize.

Special Events Calendar for Church School, Fall 2004