Christian Education Programs
For Adults
Adult Education classes and seminars are offered at various times during
the year. Some offerings may be single session discussions on topics of
interest and importance to the Christian community. Others may be multiple
session instruction on the Bible, on Christian music, or other topics
requested by, or offered to, members of the Congregation.
For Children - Our Mission
The members of the First Congregational Church have a strong
and lasting commitment to children and their families. We believe that the primary influence
of spiritual development lies within the family. With this in mind we strive to serve as a
significant partner for families as they grow faith toward God.
The children's programs we have developed encourage multi-dimensional experimental learning.
The Bible remains the primary source for all of our lessons. It is the hope that each child
who comes through the doors of our church will not only learn about the Christian faith,
but also experience the loving presence of God.
For Children - Our Approach
At the First Congregational Church, we use a creative model of Sunday School
for children in PK-7th grade called the Workshop Rotation Model. Bible story lessons are presented in 2-5 week units.
Children rotate with their age group to a different workshop each Sunday.
Workshops can include art, drama, music, puppets, gardening, cooking, movement, games and movies.
The rotational approach recognizes that we learn best when our senses are engaged.
Furthermore, children all learn differently and need repetition to gain a lasting knowledge of materials presented.
This allows our children the opportunity to learn the Bible in their own unique way and
it gives our teachers the opportunity to teach the Bible using their own special gifts and talents.
In addition, this approach provides countless opportunities to extend these creative offerings in worship
and through adult and cross-generational learning programs.
Our Sunday mornings begin together in worship in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. The children
are called forward for the Children's message, then they go to their various workshps until worship has ended.
Amy
Middleton, Church School Director
Amy Middleton, a native of Atlanta, Ga. and Vero Beach,
Fl., received her undergraduate degree in advertising and studio art from
Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Tx. After she graduated, she
moved to Boston, where she continued her post-graduate studies at Massachusetts
College of Art and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Her professional
background includes advertising, art and art education. She has been working
as an artist and art educator since 1994.
Having spent her childhood summers in Chatham, Amy
wanted to return to the area that had brought her so much happiness. She
was named Church School Director in 2004, having previously served on
the Board of Christian Education. She is also a church school teacher
in the pre-kindergarten class. She sees our church as a "warm and inviting
place where children can learn and grow in their spiritual development."
She leads our summer Children's Art Studio. She resides in Chatham with
her husband and two sons.
Bible Babies Nursery
We offer a comfortable, clean and safe environment for infants
to children, ages 3. All toys are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized each week.
Our experienced Nursery Attendent, Ken Eldridge, is CPR certified. He engages little
ones through games, songs and other age-appropriate activities.
 |
 |
 |
|
|
