Christian Education

Our Christian Education program invites people of all ages to further their knowledge of the Bible and their understanding of God.  A variety of educational activities are offered Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and throughout the year.

Church School

The following classes are offered on Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:45.

Children (Through Grade 5)

• Preschool Division -  Nursery and Preschool Classes all meet in the Sanctuary building on the ground floor.
• A Nursery is provided for newborns up to the age of 2 on the ground floor of the Sanctuary building.
• A Preschool Class for children of ages 3-5 is located on the ground floor of the sanctuary building.  This class uses Feasting on the Word. Children hear the story and respond through follow-up play activities.
• Elementary Division
• The Kindergarten-Grade 3 Class meets in the Fellowship Hall Building on the ground floor.  The class uses the Gather Round, Bible Story Curriculum
• The Grades 4-5 Class meets in the Fellowship Hall Building on the ground floor.  The class follows the Presbyterian Church Survey of the Old and New Testaments in alternating years.
• Bibles for fourth graders: At the beginning of each school year on Rally Day Sunday, 4^th Graders are presented with their own Bibles before joining the class.

Youth (Grades 6-12)

• Mid-Highs (Grades 6-8) meet in the Sanctuary Building on the 2nd floor.  They are learning the Bible using Feasting on the Word, a curriculum that explores all 66 books of the Bible.
• Senior Highs (Grades 9-12) meet in the Sanctuary Building on the 2nd floor.  They are using the Feasting on the Word curriculum.  Graduating seniors are given new Bibles and recognized during the worship service in the spring of each year.
• Confirmation Class, designed primarily for 8th-graders and higher who are ready to confirm their faith and enter into full membership of the church.  This class starts in January and concludes on near the end of May on Pentecost Sunday.

Want to know more about the NWPC youth program?  Visit theYOUTH ZONE !

 

Adults

• Seekers Class. This coed class for adults, as its name implies, seeks to examine and reflect together on the Biblical texts and their call to us as individuals and as the body of Christ in today’s world. The new Feasting on the Word, based on the Common Lectionary readings for the day, is the curriculum for the class.  Penny Musson and Ellen Lipscomb are the leaders/facilitators.
• Barksdale Class. Led by Richard Collier and other class members, this adult discussion class uses a variety of study aids including Bible study videos, such as Ray Vander Laan’s That the World May Know;  and studies of the books of the Bible by authors such as Phillip Yancey and Charles Swindoll.  Beginning class with the collection of prayer concerns and praises, this singles and couples class of all ages takes seriously the need to pray for the church, its members, and its mission.
• Cornerstone Class. This discussion-led class chooses to study a variety of topics, such as the new Study Catechism, Books of the Bible or special issues facing the Church.  Currently, the class is using the Feasting on the Word curriculum. This is a couples and singles class of all ages, and, like its name implies, is a cornerstone class of the church.
• Men’s Bible Class. With a variety of teachers, this class uses the Present Word Uniform Lesson Series curriculum.  Members of the class support many of the missions and programs of the church with their time, talents and financial resources. This class is a great supporter of the Scouting program in the church.
• Vanguard Class. This class for women also uses the Present Word Uniform Lesson Series curriculum.  Members of the class are the nurturers of the church, giving special care to the elderly members of the congregation and supporting all the women’s ministries in the church.
• Inquirers Class. Designed and led by the Membership Committee, the Pastor, and Elders, this class for prospective or new members is formed several times throughout the year and lasts for 2-3 weeks on Sunday morning.  Please join if you are curious about the church, are considering membership, have recently joined the church, or would like a refresher course on “what it means to be a Presbyterian.”

Other Educational Activities

Kirk Night

• Adult Bible Study/Invited Speakers: Following dinner on Kirk Night, adults and youth participate in Bible studies around a specific topic or hear from invited speakers who share information about community and Christian ministries.
• Kingdom Kids: Kingdom Kids is a ministry with children 2^nd through 5^th grade.   This ministry includes Wednesday Night dinner and an enrichment time that rotates around arts and crafts, service projects, games and study.  Outside activities such as picnics, field trips and summer music camp, are also planned.
• Route 66: Middle School students gather after Kirk Night to study Scripture using the Route 66 curriculum.  This curriculum explores all 66 books of the Bible!

Elderberries

• This group for retired-age church members gathers on a regular basis for fellowship.  Activities include  monthly movie nights (all year long!) and special outings from September – May (mountain train ride, winery visits, and more!).

Vacation Bible School

• Held in the morning for one week every summer, VBS is a favorite children’s educational experience that involves just about as many youth and adults as it does children.  We immerse ourselves in stories of the Bible through storytellers, crafts, snacks, recreation and much, much more.