OUR MINISTRY
OF
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

for Children and Youth

Our Ministry
with Children and Youth

Purpose/Mission
The educational ministry of the Seekonk Congregational Church is to nurture children and youth in their understanding of what it means to be baptized as a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ. We seek to help each one GROW in faith by our worship and our learning together, supporting one another in community, and reaching out in caring service beyond our own walls.

Sunday Church School
Church School on Sunday mornings meets at the same time as Worship. There are two church schools~ one at 9 a.m. and one at 10:30a.m. from mid-September through May. There is one (9:30 a.m.) worship service in the summer, and Church School is at 9:30 as well for children K-5, with a separate class for pre-school on the Sundays in June, July, and August as well as the first two Sundays in September. On the Sunday between Christmas and New Years, children come with family to church for “Bell Sunday” and all ages worship together that day.
On the first Sunday of most months, beginning in October, the children and youth begin in Worship with parents or other family members and then move to the Hall for classes.

Passages on the Journey
This church believes it is essential to recognize our children’s faith development and growth through the years.
• *Beginning in Kindergarten, students are invited to serve as acolytes for the church services. This is an opportunity for them to serve the congregation as they light the candles symbolizing Christ’s light for the world.
• *2nd and 3rd Graders are honored at a Children’s Communion Celebration every other year on the 2nd Sunday in June.
• *At the end of Grade 3, each child enrolled in the church school is recognized and awarded a Children’s Bible for use at home and in church .
• *5th graders have the honor of preparing the sanctuary on the 2nd Sunday of Advent in the Hanging of the Greens service. Rehearsal is the Saturday prior to the worship service.
• An adult Bible is presented to those being confirmed on the day of Confirmation

Chapel ~ On the Sundays when the children begin in the classroom, they all gather in Chapel (Room 1) for a closing prayer, announcements and handouts. This is a very special opportunity to be with ALL of our church school family and be in community with one another. Many of the children have already established special relationships with a younger or older child. The understanding that we are all on this faith journey TOGETHER is a powerful message that can be felt even in the youngest of years ~and… we give thanks for each other.

Curriculum
At present we are using the lectionary-based curriculum called “Seasons of the Spirit” and often our pastor uses the lectionary for her preaching which then focuses the same scripture passages on a given Sunday. This facilitates the continuation of Christian education in the home as well as helping to integrate worship and education.
Our Children’s Ministry Teams are encouraged to use additional resources such as drama, puppets, games, cooking, and other creative arts to enhance student-centered learning and growth in faith.

Child Care
We offer child care for infants and toddlers every Sunday of the year. This is staffed by at least one adult and a helper. We encourage parents to feel free to stay for a week or two if the child is fearful, but our experience shows that most children are calm and happy within a few minutes after the parents go to church. If there is ever a problem, the church school coordinator will come into the Worship service to inform the parents.

Offerings
Time is set aside in Chapel/classroom for the children to dedicate their offering to God for our church and its ministries. We encourage parents to help their child develop that spirit of giving by their regular participation and set the example for their adult years.

Mission Projects
Each year we select a mission project that ties into the Wider Mission of our church and teach more about those in need. We also encourage angel gifts and food pantry gifts at Christmas time.

Worship
Believing that worship of God in praise and prayer, outreach and community, is our most important way to honor our baptism, we seek to educate and nurture our children in the act of worship. As most children learn best by ‘doing’, we try to provide opportunities for children to worship with their families and witness the modeling of the whole congregation.
Intergenerational worship services are planned several times a year and generally include:
• Celebration Sunday in September,
• World Communion Sunday the first Sunday in October,
• All Saints Sunday
• Thanksgiving Sunday in November,
• Hanging of the Greens Sunday in Advent
• Christmas Sunday in December
• Epiphany Sunday in January
• Ash Wednesday
• Palm Sunday
• Maundy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Easter
• Pentecost in May or June
• Children’s Sunday.

Communion ~ The Lord’s Supper
Seekonk Church welcomes everyone of any age who loves / follows Jesus to come to the Table and receive the bread dipped into the cup. (It is up to the parents to decide when they feel their child are ready to receive.) The Director of Christian Education, teachers and deacons nurture the children in their understanding of this sacrament.
Alternating years a special Communion Celebration Ceremony in worship on the 2nd Sunday in June. will be the culmination for those in grades 2 and 3. The Sundays between Easter and Children’s Sunday are set aside every other year to learn more about the meaning of Communion.

Baptism
This faith community celebrates infant baptism, (as well as baptism for all ages). Parents and the congregation promise, on behalf of the child, to nurture him or her into the Christian faith. The meaning of baptism is explored in the church school. A special baptismal banner with children’s names on it is being developed.. All children who are baptized receive a pottery cup with their name and date of baptism on it. Confirmation for Youth (9th grade and above) enables the young person to affirm their baptism for themselves.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a year-long program (September to June) of exploring the meaning of faith in worship, community, service, and learning. Our Confirmation program is one of commitment and community as the Youth (9th grade and above) are in worship each week at one service and in class during the other hour. In addition they are required to do at least 30 hours of community service and participate in Mission endeavors and special events.
A mentor is assigned to each confirmand in September to be a guide and friend throughout the 9 months. In May the Youth present their ‘Faith Journey’ to the Deacons and Mentors and are confirmed on the 1st Sunday in June.

Music Program
Our church seeks to provide opportunities for children and young people to be involved in a children’s choir and on special occasions~ a youth choir.
• Children’s Choir ranges in grades from Kindergarten to Grade 5
• Youth Choir is 6th grade and up…
• Tone Chimes are played in third grade and up.

Sacred Dance/Movement
All ages are invited to participate in this joyous and meditative form of praise and prayer to God in special services such as Christmas Eve, Easter, Pentecost, et.al.

Church School Library
Each week the special ‘Library on Wheels’ is set up in the Church Hall during Coffee Hour. Parents and children are invited to borrow books of faith for reading at home.

Special Events and Activities
Throughout the year, the Christian Education Committee sponsors a
variety of activities to enhance our education program.
*Vacation Bible School: (VBS)
Held 4 days in August for preschoolers through grade six~~ VBS is Monday through Thursday from 9-Noon for a nominal fee. Many from our own church attend, and we open our registration to welcome children from the community. A closing ceremony is a highlight for parents and friends.
*Celebration /Welcome Back Sunday:
A great intergenerational worship and faith community time with
surprises each year.
*Halloween Happening:
An intergenerational gathering of food, fun, and friendship
*Autumn Café
This Coffee Hour happening is sponsored by the 8th graders and features
special pancakes and food.
*Advent Workshop :
A time to create Advent wreaths and alternative gifts and cards
*Caroling Party:
An opportunity for individuals and families of all ages to offer the joy of carols to those who are homebound and in nursing centers…followed by hot chocolate and cookies at the church.
*Christmas Pageant:
On the Sunday before Christmas all children participate in the Christmas
Tableau during the Lessons and Carols of Worship
*Christmas Eve Service:
This service is designed for families with young children as well as for all ages. Children and Youth participate in choirs, drama, readings, sacred dance and other aspects of this inspiring service.

Creativity Day:
During occasional February vacations we may organize a morning of creative art activities for children. The results are shared in an art show for the whole congregation to enjoy.

Mardi Gras (Fat or Shrove Tuesday)
This event is often is held on the Sunday prior to Ash Wednesday as we help sponsor a Pancake Supper or Pizza Supper that ends with a Mardi Gras celebration of games and parade. Suggestions are made to families and individuals of ways to enrich the Lenten Journey of the forty days before Easter.

Children’s Sunday Awards / Picnic
This is an intergenerational event that invites the whole congregation to honor the children and teachers followed by food and fun.

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Church Camp
The Rhode Island Conference of the United Church of Christ (of which we are a part) sponsors many camping and retreat opportunities for children and youth at a variety of sites including Irons Homestead in Gloucester, RI. Information about the camps is generally available in the Spring.

Leadership of our Ministry with Children
Our Christian Education Program depends heavily on volunteers and their gifts of time and talents. We value all participation. Support and training are offered regularly. If you are interested in helping, please speak to the Director of Christian Education, Kristin Putney or any members of the Christian Education Committee : Lori Mowry, Kathy Glowacki, Jodie Bey, Michelle MacDonald, Megan Salgueiro, Dawn Houle, Kristen Matthes, Claire Guerra, Debbie Brzozowy, Craig Grant, Patti Lima, Maryann Bray, Cheryl Tarvis, Lori Keough, Laurie Warzycha.

Policies and Procedures:
Church School begins at 9 am and 10:30 am
If church is out early, parents are asked to have coffee and pick up children at 10 or 11:30 am.

Grade Level:
Children are to be placed in the same grade as they are in school – unless there are unusual circumstances . For preschool classes , three and four year olds should be the age before September 1 of the year they enter.

Confirmation is for 9th graders and older. 8th graders may begin their community service hours while in that grade level and carry them into Confirmation.

Child Protection Guidelines, developed by our Christian Education Committee, are in effect for Church School and we strive to be a “Safe Church” for children and youth of all ages.

Outstanding attendance awards are given to children who attend Church School regularly. Students who miss 5 or less Sundays during the year will be recognized on children’s Sunday in June. Consideration is given for attending other churches while out of town.

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A Mom/Child Play Group meets once a month on the 3rd Wednesday. We find that the children who are familiar with their surroundings in the church on a regular basis think of this as their ‘church home’ .

*Seminars for Parents are part of our program offerings. If you have ideas of helpful or informative presentations that would be great to share with others, let us know!

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