The Department of Educational Ministries Mission:

To teach the story and spread the good news.

       The Department of Educational Ministries offers programs and events for church members and friends of all ages who seek a deeper understanding of Christian scripture and tradition and a community in which to explore their faith journeys. We are proud of our Church School, youth groups, Bible studies, intergenerational events and programs and hope that you will find what you are looking for among them.

 
The Department of Educational Ministries offers educational programming designed to foster a warm, welcoming environment for people of all ages and levels of Bible knowledge and faith development. You are warmly invited to join us for any of our events.

Joy Fellowship, Junior Pilgrim Fellowship, Senior Pilgrim Fellowship, Confirmation,  Church School,  Vacation Bible School,  White Gift Pageant,  Adult Education, Intergenerational Programs

Here is a look at some of what we have to offer:

FOR CHILDREN

At the heart of our Christian Education program is our Church School.  From the beginning of September until the beginning of June, classes meet weekly during the 10:00 am worship hour with the exception of the week after Christmas.  Classes are offered for children in Kindergarten through the Seventh Grade and there is a pre kindergarten class as well. Our curriculum, Seasons of the Spirit, is lectionary based and is taught by a dedicated group of volunteers. We also offer a nursery for younger children.

                                                                                                                                        

Every Sunday at the 10:00 am worship, adults and children gather in the Meetinghouse sanctuary and there is a Children's Story at the beginning of worship before the children go to their classes. Even though our primary goal is to teach our children the story of God's love for us, we also want them to feel that they are an important part of our worshipping Church community.

 

 

     

The Joy Fellowship Program: We offer a fellowship program for children in grades three through six.  The program offers a variety of games, activities and conversations. It meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 11:30 am and is led by our Minister of Christian Education and volunteers.

Vacation Bible School:  During the summer vacation, we offer a one week Vacation Bible School for younger children.  It is held at different times depending on the availability of volunteers, and it is a delightful experience. Children are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors.

The White Gift Christmas Pageant:  One of the highlights of the Church School year is the White Gift Christmas Pageant which is celebrated on the second Sunday in Advent.  On that day, the children help to show us the meaning of Christmas while acting out the story of the birth of our savior.  At the conclusion of the pageant, the congregation brings forward gifts wrapped in white paper, gifts they have purchased for families in need in our community.  In past years we have worked with social workers from Head Start, Covenant to Care, Boys Village and we have distributed gifts to the children of inmates in the Niantic Women's Prison. 

Other Programs: Throughout the year, there are number of events and celebrations, many of them traditional, that highlight our Church School year. There is the Church School Celebration Day service in June, Bible Workshops, an Advent gift workshop, an Easter Egg Hunt, a Halloween Party.

FOR YOUTH

Senior Pilgrim Fellowship:  The Senior High Pilgrim Fellowship is open to High School Students, grades nine through twelve.  It meets weekly, usually on Sunday evenings throughout the school year with some additional programs in the summer. Adult leadership in the group is provided by our Associate Pastor and volunteers. Programs include discussion groups, retreats, games, group-building activities, an annual youth-led worship service, dances, hayrides, movie nights etc.  Every other year, the Senior High Fellowship takes on the responsibility of raising funds for a week long mission trip to work on a housing project for people in need.

Junior Pilgrim Fellowship:   The Junior High Pilgrim Fellowship is open to students in the seventh and eighth grade.  It meets weekly, usually on Sunday evenings throughout the school year with some additional programs in the summer. Adult leadership for this program is provided by the Minister of Christian Education and volunteers.  Programs include discussion groups, retreats, games, group-building activities, the annual 24 hr. Rockathon for charity ,  hayrides, movie nights, Food Closet scavenger hunt, Christmas gift-wrapping for Covenant to Care, etc.

Confirmation and Pre-confirmation:  Our confirmation program at First Church is taught by the Pastors and it is designed to help our young people confirm their faith and to prepare them for Church membership.  It begins with an eighth grade pre-confirmation class and moves on to a ninth grade confirmation class, although some high school students choose to take the class later on. Our confirmation program involves a commitment to worship and learning.

FOR ADULTS  

Intergenerational Programs:  The Department of Educational Ministries offers a number of intergenerational programs and they include:  Church School Family Meetings, Church School Family Breakfast, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Advent Wreath-making workshop, Palm Cross Tying/Egg Dyeing workshop, storytelling gatherings etc.

Adult Education:  There are a number of opportunities for adult education at First Church. At various times throughout the year, there are Bible Studies offered by the Pastors and occasional Book discussion groups, and seminars.  There is a Woman's Ministries Program, which includes  an annual Women's Retreat, and worship on Mother's Day is often led by the women of the church building on their retreat experience.

    If you have any questions about these programs, please don't hesitate to call us at 877-4277 and ask to speak with the Minister of Christian Education or one of the Pastors.

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