Children & Youth Christian Education

Sunday school classes for children at St. Francis are designed with the recognition that the parent is the child's primary teacher. Learning and discussing the Bible with other children or youth, discussing how to live in our society as child and servant of God, as well as learning to obey God can only solidify the religious foundation formed at home. Any child is welcome to attend Sunday school classes.

The children and youth who attended Sunday school in 2008 were divided into two classes grouped by age: grades 6 and up and grades 5 and below. The youngest children (aged 2 and below) play in the nursery. Volunteer adults prepare and teach one of these classes. Classes were held at 9:30 - 10:30 am each Sunday from the Sunday after Labor Day until the Sunday before Memorial Day. We didn't meet on Easter Sunday or during the summer and took a two-week break at Christmas.

2008 Highlights

• The theme of each class centered on the Bible.
  
• In the fall of 2008, the elementary class began using the American Church Union Church School Series. This curriculum teaches the child the Christian faith as stated in the Nicene Creed and handed down through centuries in the Anglican tradition. It follows the Church liturgical year, draws directly from Holy Scripture, and teaches the use of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Each Sunday includes songs, a dramatic telling the story using simple props, a questioning time, an art activity, prayer time, and the favorite part of all - snack.
  
• The youth in grades 6 and above discussed the lessons that are read during the Sunday service. The discussion begins with reading the lessons and then answering the questions published by the Lectionary Bible Study published by Paraklete Press of California as well as any conversation that moves from this.
  
• A nursery was staffed during Sunday school to accommodate the younger siblings and allow the parents to attend church.
  
• The children in the elementary class created mite boxes during lent and donated the money ($130) to the Altar Guild for flowers.
  
• Shortly before Thanksgiving, the children assembled 30+ boxes with donations from the parish for Operation Christmas Child.
  
• The children in the lower two classes presented the 2008 Christmas Pageant on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

2009 Plans

• Classes will continue with the same format January through May.
  
• The older class will have adult teachers rotating every couple of months. This gives the teens a variety of perspectives and the adults the experience of working with this great group of teens.
  
• Investigate presenting a unit on how to pray for the older class. Since prayer is vital to a vibrant relationship with the Lord, why not be sure our youth are equipped to pray?
  
• The younger class will be taught by two teachers who alternate weeks teaching with staffing the nursery.
  
• Continue to meet with Fr. Len to gain his insight on the lessons each the younger children should be learning during each lesson.

Needs for 2009
Susan Rambin has graciously volunteered to work with the younger children for the past two years. She has decided she would like to devote her energy elsewhere. A co-teacher for the younger class is needed beginning in the fall. Anyone who is interested in working with our youth class is welcome to teach a session of 8 weeks.

Teachers

• Amy Crandell, Susan Rambin, Mike Ready, Tim Williams, Steve McCown
  

Participants

• Youth class: Philip Crandell, Micah Looke, James Rambin, Ellen Stults, Wes Stults, Sophie Pangle, James LaRoux (beginning in Sept), Victoria Stults
  
• Elementary class: James LaRoux (Jan - May), Mary Lauren LaRoux, Jed Hoard, Will Hoard, Harriet Nelson
  
• Nursery: Judy Nelson and Ian Hoard

Others who helped

• Parents who brought their children to Sunday school.
  
• St. Francis members who donated cash or goods for the Operation Christmas Child boxes
  

Amy Crandell, Director