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A Brief Look at the Ministries within Christian Education
Sunday Church School
Download a Sunday Church School Registration Packet
Sunday Church School classes meet during the Sunday morning Education Hour, at 9:45 a.m.
The Sunday Church School ministry provides faith-learning experiences for children from 2 years of age through the 5th grade. We are currently using the SPARK curriculum by Augsburg Fortress for most of the classes. The Bible stories are selected to tell the salvation story over a two year period. Each lesson also provides activities for parents and children at home. The classes also use a Lutheran Enrichment piece as a preparation for their Affirmation of Baptism. These materials look at one aspect of Luther’s Small Catechism, Lutheran Worship, and other related topics.
Adult Education
The goal of the Adult Education program is to offer a variety of opportunities for personal spiritual growth and continued discipleship for our adult membership. Small Group Bible Studies, including: Tuesday Morning Men, Tuesday Morning Bible Study, WATCH (Wednesdays At The CHurch) and The Breakfast Bunch on Saturday mornings provide several opportunities to gather around the Word of God. We also offer multiple classes during the Adult Education hour on Sunday mornings to meet the variety of needs and interests in our adult membership. Summer Sunsets, Wednesdays during June, July and August, feature one-time presentations on a variety of topics.
ABC Ministry: Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)
ABC Ministry classes meet during the Sunday morning Education Hour, at 9:45 a.m.
Our faithful teaching team continues to challenge our young people (in 6th through 8th grade) as they prepare for the Affirmation of their Baptism. The students study the Old and New Testaments, Martin Luther, the basic tenets of the Lutheran faith, liturgy, and discuss questions of ethics and related issues of faith. The Mentor Ministry links adults of mature faith with the young people to support, encourage and engage in discussions on faith issues during their three years in ABC.
Communion Class for Kids
In Holy Baptism we promise to support parents as they introduce their children to the faith journey, and get ready for the child’s participation in the Lord’s Supper. The Communion Class for Kids Ministry gives families an opportunity to share together an understanding of the Meal by using “The Welcome Table” and “A Place for You,” two books designed as instruction for young children. The age at which children first come to the Table is a personal, family decision made in partnership with Pastor McEachran. Our mission is to assist and support the parents when that time comes.
 Faith Stepping Stones
Faith Stepping Stones provides a way for parents and the church family to bless children again and again as they grow and learn more about God and God’s love for us. We are all caretakers of the faith…faith in relation to the temporal blessings (God’s provision while we are here on earth as reflected in the gifts of Bible, catechism, stoles, quilts, prayer pillows etc.) and the eternal blessings of everlasting life with God. Faith Stepping Stones also assists parents in fulfilling the promises made at baptism to:
1) teach the Lord’s Prayer and Ten Commandments;
2) place the Holy Scriptures in the hands of their children; and
3) provide instruction in Christian faith so the children may lead a holy life.
2010-2011 Schedule of Faith Stepping Stones Classes and Gifts
 The Ten Spot
A special opportunity for high school youth (grades 9 to 12) is the Bible Class on Sunday mornings during the Education Hour at 9:45 a.m. Here they are able to build on their foundation of faith following the Affirmation of Baptism. The High School students meet for Bible studies, discussions on current issues, a look at other faiths and religions, and a variety of topics of interest to students during their high school years.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School at Saint Andrew’s is usually held in July for children from 4 years of age through those entering 7th grade in the fall. The students are given an opportunity in a relaxed atmosphere to experience God’s Word in drama, singing, games, puzzles and crafts. Students in grades 5-7 are part of a VBS Camp experience, traveling each day to a different environment that relates to the story in some way.
Library
The library contains almost 2,200 books and videos in the adult and juvenile collection available for check out. The circulation has increased from approximately 3 or 4 books signed out per month to an average of 10 to 15 books signed out per week. The library is open on Sunday mornings for checking out books, using the computers, or simply as a place for quiet conversation over a cup of coffee. The library also serves as a conference room for a variety of meetings and the early morning Men’s Bible Study.
Cradle Roll
The Cradle Roll ministry supports and encourages new parents as they nurture their children, birth to two years of age, by sending newsletters which focus on physical, social, and faith development. Saint Andrew’s is working to grow this ministry within Christian Education by reaching out to parents from the point of baptism until they enter the Sunday Church School.
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