Education: Northwest Presbyterian Church




		Education Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 The ministry of Christian Education at Northwest seeks to offer Bible study and faith-enriching educational opportunities for people of all ages in a variety of settings. Inquirer's Class: Meets the third Sunday of each month at 9:40 AM in the Family Life Center for those adults who wish to explore faith in Jesus Christ and those who desire to know more about programs at Northwest Presbyterian Church. This class focuses on membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and specific opportunities for learning and service at Northwest. Sunday School: Meets each Sunday morning at 9:40 AM with classes for all ages. Adults typically enjoy choosing from three study classes. Basic Christianity Class offers key studies in Bible and theology. Tapestry Class focuses on faith-enriching topics such as spirituality or Christian family issues. Faith Today Class looks at current events through the lens of the Christian faith. Occasionally all adults meet together for a special guest teacher from the community or a local university or seminary. Youth (middle and high school students) have two classes that study the Bible and seek to apply its teaching to their world and culture. Elementary-age children (K5 - Grade 4) utilize the Workshop Rotation model of Sunday School whereby a certain Bible story or theme is studied for 3-4 weeks through various multi-media workshops such as art, games, drama, computer, cooking, storytelling, music or puppetry. Fifth graders attend a special yearlong class where they study an overview of the entire Bible through hands-on learning activities. Preschoolers (K3 and K4) learn the basic stories of the Bible utilizing all their senses -- sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste coupled with a stimulating learning environment and warm nurturing teachers. Infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds are cared for by our professional care giving staff in safe and eye-pleasing environment. Confirmation Class: Offered to students, eight grade or older, who wish to consider making a commitment to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Confirmation includes two overnight retreats, a mentoring relationship with an adult member of the congregation, opportunities for service to others and classroom studies in Bible, theology and spiritual practices. Young Children and Worship Program: This unique worship preparation program offers preschool and young elementary age children a special environment where their faith can be nurtured and they can be prepared to join the full life of the congregation at worship. Activities are developed around the order of worship commonly used in Reformed churches and include storytelling, art and other specially designed activities where children are led to experience God in the mystery and awe of worship using all their senses. Wednesday Night Study Classes: Several times throughout the year, Wednesday Night Suppers are followed by a series of Christian Education classes. Topics include studies that relate to the particular liturgical season (Advent/Christmas/Epiphany or Lent/Easter), the Christian Life, a specific book of the Bible, a theological topic, or current Christian book or movie with spiritual or religious themes. The classes are short term (usually 4 weeks), are frequently led by one of the pastors, church staff or guest leader, and seek to offer adults an opportunity to gain spiritual insight through small group discussion. Vacation Bible School: Preschool and elementary age children look forward to a week of fun-filled activities in our annual Vacation Bible School. Usually held the third week in July, from 9:00 AM to noon daily, Monday through Friday, the week includes Bible study, arts and crafts, games and recreation, drama and puppetry, yummy refreshments, and great Christian fun and fellowship. Several off-site trips are planned for older elementary age children. Families are encouraged to mark the dates on their summer calendars so children and friends can plan to attend. Act Together: Children (Grades 2-5) periodically have the opportunity to learn drama skills and participate in presenting a short play to our congregation and the community. The dramas are either biblically based or have a spiritual message and provide the children an opportunity to work together as a team and form friendships in our faith community while giving others a wonderful dramatic presentation. Children and Music: Elementary-age children have the opportunity to participate in an age appropriate choir at Northwest. Choirs practice during the first 15 minutes of Sunday School (starts 9:40 AM) and sing monthly during worship. Rally Day: The third Sunday in August marks the beginning of the new Sunday School year. The day is marked by the church family gathering at 9:40 AM for special intergenerational activities and the announcement of new class offerings for the coming year. Lunch is served along with special fun activities for the children following the meal. It is a celebration day to rally the church family into a new year of study and spiritual enrichment.