Christian Education Ministry

   2009-2010

 

 

First Presbyterian Church is pleased to acquaint you with the many opportunities for learning, nurture, and enrichment offered throughout the year.  No matter your age or stage in faith, we hope you will participate in  one of these programs.

 Sunday Mornings

Regular Schedule

�Church School........................... 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

�Worship...................................... 10:45 a.m.

Childcare

 Infants through preschoolers—Childcare for children up to pre-K is provided during church school and worship.  The nursery is staffed by paid sitters from Heavenly Helpers and church volunteers.  Room 205.

Church School Classes for Children and Youth  

We offer classes for learners from five years of age through adulthood!  Classes for children and youth are organized by grade; the grade level is determined by the student’s age as of September 1, 2009.

Kindergarten through grade 12—use a curriculum resource entitled Seasons of the Spirit.  This resource is collaboratively produced by several denominations of the Reformed tradition.  Seasons of the Spirit is a lectionary-based curriculum integrating lesson content with worship content.

Church School Community Time—Each Sunday morning begins with the elementary school classes gathering together in Room 305 for singing, movement, prayers, Psalms, snacks, learning activities about the Bible, our church and missionaries around the world.  After community time students will go to their individual classes for  Bible study, activities and crafts.

&Kindergarten- Second Grade—Room 306.

&Third  - Fifth Grade—Room 303.

&Middle School (Grades 6-8)—Room 206.

&High School (Grades 9-12)—High schoolers are encouraged to attend this class or one of the following adult classes.  Room 301.

Adult Church School Classes

We invite adults to visit the various classes offered before choosing one to attend regularly.

&ABC (Adult Bible Class)—Studies a variety of books of the Bible, deciding as a class which sequence to follow.  Participants rotate leadership responsibilities for the class.  John Calvin Room (202).  Theresa Heiker, Coordinator.

&Faith and Families Class—For parents, grandparents and caregivers who are looking for information, resources and discussions on faith issues related to families.  Church Library (204).

&Hearing and Sharing the Word Together Class—Uses “The Present Word” Bible curriculum as well as other resources.  Class members spend time sharing the phases of their lives and learning from one another.  Conference Room (203).

&Inquirers’ Class—Looks at current issues of the Christian life in the Presbyterian Church (USA), the holy catholic and apostolic church, and the world, bringing to bear a perspective of faith.  A coordinating team plans the programs and facilitates the discussions.  Westminster Room (208).  Pat Johnson and Walter Moore, Coordinating Team.

&New Members’ Class—For new and prospective church members, this class covers ministry and worship at First Presbyterian Church, as well as touching on Presbyterian beliefs, governance, mission and history.  Check the newsletter for times and dates.  Resource Center (304)

Sunday Evenings

¯      Choristers—For children from third grade and up, including high-school youth with treble voices.  5:00-6:00 p.m. Choir Room/Sanctuary.  Betsy Calhoun, Director, Val Johns, Assistant Director.

¯      Carol Choir- for children in kindergarten through second grade. Children will learn about music and worshipping at our church. 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Michael Corzine, director ; Val Johns Assistant Director.

PHigh School Youth Group—For youth in ninth through twelfth grade.  6:00 - 7:30 p.m. John Calvin Room (202). 

PMiddle School Youth Group—For youth in sixth through eighth grade.  6:00-7:30 p.m.  Westminster Room. 

The youth groups offer a balance of study, service, worship, and, of course, recreation for youth  who desire a faith-centered fellowship.  Teams of adult advisors work with the youth to plan and implement youth group activities.

$  Pastor’s Book Group—For adults.  A discussion group of books related to the Christian faith.  Led by Brant Copeland.  6:00-7:30 p.m.  at the Pool House at Westminster Oaks.

Oct 18 – The Faith of Barak Obama by Stephen Mansfield

Nov. 15 – John Calvin, Reformer for the 21st Century by William Stacy Johnson

Jan. 10 – The Cross and our Context by Douglas John Hall

Feb. 7  – Tales of Wonder by Huston Smith

March 21 – The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlein

May 2- The Anatomy of Grace by Peter Marty

Wednesday Evenings

$Midweek Adult Enrichment—

I.  Witness Without Parallel: Biblical Texts that make us Presbyterian- This study will lead us through 8 scripture passages that influence our faith as Presbyterians and which have also shaped the nature of our denomination.

September 16— Led by Terry Dyer

September 23— Led by Keith Leach

September 30— Led by Bruce Chapman

October 7— Led by Brant Copelan 

II. Calvinism and the American Character – spend four weeks exploring the ways Calvin has influenced American culture and the ethos of our thoughts and daily lives. Leo Sandon will be leading this series.

October 28

November 4

November 11

November 18

III. You’re How Old? What’s The Big Deal? Martha Stewart and her band of Acting Up players will look at issues surrounding aging and the many ways we might deal with those issues as we ourselves age or our friends or family members do.                          

January 13

January 20

January 27

February 3

IV. Lenten Series— we will turn our thoughts towards prayer during this season of Lent.

February 24

March 3

March 10

March 17

March 24

Wednesday Dinners

5:30-7:15 p.m.  Dinner from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Study from 6:15-7:15 p.m.  $5.00/Meal (program free if not dining).  $12.00 Family cap.  Children 12 and under eat free.  Meal reservations/cancellations required by noon Mondays.  Payment due for late cancellations.  Childcare provided with registration. Westminster Room (208).

 

$  Adult Choir—7:30-9:00 p.m.  Choir Room/ Sanctuary.  Michael Corzine, Choirmaster.

Special Events

Confirmation Class—For anyone who wishes to explore the meaning of baptism and confirmed membership.  This class is for ninth graders, older youth, and adults.

Confirmation is a process for exploring one’s baptismal identity.  At the end of the study, those who were baptized as children will have the opportunity to make a profession of faith, and those who have not been baptized may choose to receive baptism and make their profession.  Confirmands are paired with Sponsors who share the discernment process.  Brant Copeland, pastor, leads the class.  The rites of Baptism, Reaffirmation of Baptism, and Confirmation take place during the Great Vigil of Easter.  The confirmation process will occur during the season of Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010.

Young Adult Ministry— Thursday, September 24, 2009 we will gather at On the Border Restaurant for discussion and fellowship.

Bagels and God- this small group experience for young adults meets at 7:15 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Red Eye Coffee Pub on Thomasville Road for a brief devotion and discussion.

College-Aged Ministry— Lunch for students will be served on September 20 following worship. All college students are invited to enjoy good food and fellowship. Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a dinner, and movie discussion.

Montreat College Conference trip—January 2-5, 2010.  Plan to join us!  See newsletter for a schedule of other events.

First Presbyterian Church College Group on Facebook – stay in touch and get more information by becoming a member of our FB group.

Dogwood Acres Church Family Retreat— at our Presbytery’s camp in Vernon, Florida.  The congregation is invited to head to the camp following worship arriving in time for dinner, then a campfire and barn dance.  The next day there will be games, canoeing, and hiking for all ages and abilities. January 17-18, 2010.

Christ the King Sunday Celebration/  Advent Workshop: Preparing for the Season of Christ’s Birth—Sunday, November 22, 2009, 9:15-10:15 a.m.  All ages are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Young, old, and everyone in between will make Advent wreaths, and explore other ways to prepare for Christ’s birth. 

Friday Night Frolic – a once a month evening of fun activities, games and fellowship for elementary school aged children. Frolic dates are Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19, and April 16

Children’s Day at Dogwood Acres – Saturday, October 10, 2009. For families with elementary-school aged children. Join us as we caravan to our Presbytery’s camp for a fun day of camp activities: canoeing, crafts, hiking, hayrides and swimming.

Special Ministries and Resources

At First by Barbara Rhodes—A history of First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee, from 1828 to 1938.  Includes illustrations, biographical sketches, chronology of ministers, bibliography, and index.  $15.00, available in the Church Office.  (Contact: Church Office)

The Education Council is always open to your ideas, or having you help with its programs.  If you have any questions, need more information, or would like to discuss ways you can serve Christ through the education ministry of this church, please contact a council member: Peggy Cleveland, Hal Beardall, Joan Custis, Cindy Booth, Karen Bickley,  Kathee Winstead and Danielle Ebaugh.

To register for a program or get information please contact either of the Christian Education staff people:

        Christy Williams, Director of Christian Education —christy@oldfirstchurch.org

        Thomas Guthrie, Education Assistant – Thomas@oldfirstchurch.org