Christian Education

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12: 2

At Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Christian education happens not only in Sunday morning church school but in everything we do as a community of faith. One of the most important hours of Christian education is the worship hour, a time when the community of faith comes together to glorify God. Through worship, our community is shaped through the Word read, sung and proclaimed. Through our participation in the sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, as we gather around the table, we are transformed as the community of faith, fed for our journey, and sent forth to be agents of reconciliation in the world, spreading the Good News to all we encounter. Christian education happens in church school classes which equip the saints of all ages. We take seriously the promises we make at the time of baptism to nurture children, youth and adults in Christian discipleship and servanthood.  Through study together as a community of faith, we grow in the knowledge and love of Christ. Following is a summary of classes that we offer to children, youth and adults at Eastminster. We invite you to participate in the many Christian education opportunities our community of faith has to offer.

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL OFFERINGS

Church School Classes are offered for all ages and in a variety of learning styles.

• Preschool – 1st:  Lessons center around God’s call.  Throughout the Bible, God calls God’s people to respond to God’s invitation by faithful action. God calls us, too.
• 2nd – 5th Grade:  Lessons center around God’s call.  Throughout the Bible, God calls God’s people to respond to God’s invitation by faithful action. God calls us, too.
• 6th – 8th Grade:  Middle schoolers use a different topical study each quarter.
• 9th – 12th Grade:  This class currently studies finances as it relates to stewardship and everyday life.

Eastminster offers four adult classes.

• The Friendship Class uses The Present Word curriculum and will focus on a survey of the New Testament. This study challenges participants to see the New Testament through the lens of community.
• The Gleaners Class uses Cokebury’s Adult Bible Study series and will focus on a survey of the New Testament, tracing the birth, life and growing pains of the new church community.
• The Christian Living Class is currently using an ethical study of science versus nature.
• The Searchers Class uses a variety of methods in their study as they explore faith and life as a Christian. All who are interested in learning in different and non-traditional ways are invited to learn with us.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

• Youthminster is the name for the 6th - 12th grade youth fellowship group that meets regularly for activities which include study, worship, singing. mission, and recreation.  Eastminster youth actively participate in camps and conferences of Grace Presbytery and Synod of the Sun.
• Youth.Com is a fellowship group for children in Kindergarten - 5th grade.  The group meets regularly for recreation and mission events.  Popular events include Mission Madness Mondays during the summer. 
  

THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERIES

Our Wednesday night programs, scheduled during Lent and fall, offer both a supplement and an alternative to Sunday Church School. A light dinner, for which a freewill offering is received, is offered for the convenience of those participating in Wednesday night activities. Activities are offered for children, youth, and adults beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Our Wednesday Schedule:

• 5:30 p.m. Dinner
• 6:30 p.m. Activities (all classes)
• 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Lent 2010 Wednesday night classes begin February 24 and continue until March 24.  Rev. Sherry Holloman is teaching a study for adults entitled Knowing God's Triune Story by Michael Lindvall.  This study has been highly praised by PC (USA) Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow, who encourages Presbyterian churches across the country to unite in this offering as part of our spiritual discipline in preparation for Resurrection Day

Classes for children and youth will also be offered each Wednesday night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with the exception of Wednesday, March 17 when the class for this age group will not meet because of Spring Break. As our children and youth prepare for Easter, it is important that they also understand the events that lead up to this day of celebration we call Easter. To do this, the stories of Jesus’ last days will be shared through rotation lessons including games, creative cooking, science and music. The children and youth will learn of Jesus’ triumphal entry, the Last Supper, his prayer and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and ultimately, his crucifixion on the cross.

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