Rev. 9/17/10 We Never Stop Learning Christian Education at First Presbyterian means much more than Sunday School for children. Adults share the need for spiritual reinforcement and character development. Sometimes, the more you learn about your neighbors or enemies, the harder it is to love them. Since Isaiah foretold "A little child shall lead them", we will start with them. NURSERY Children of all ages are welcome at both worship services, and the participation in worship of children 5-6 years and older is strongly encouraged. A staffed Nursery is available in two rooms on the second floor of the education wing on Sunday mornings between 8:30am-12:00pm for families who desire childcare for infants through 5 years old. This also offers opportunity to young parents to participate in Adult Education activities, as well as our two worship services. Children and Youth On Sunday mornings during the school year (September to June), from 9:30 to 10:30 am, Christian Education is offered for all ages at First Presbyterian. Preschool Class meets on the the second floor of the Education Building to explore Bible stories hands on, and participate in art projects.  "Young Children and Worship" curriculum is used for this age group, helping them learn the rhythm of the church year and God's love for them. Education classes for kindergarten through 8th graders are held in the Upper Rooms, on the third floor of the Education Building.  In 2008 FPC transformed this space from dreary, tired offices into an incredible setting for our children. More than a fresh coat of paint, we took out walls, created a central gathering space (dubbed "The Oasis"), and provided our education program with: Galilee Gallery - Art Workshop Levi's Lab - Science Workshop Jericho Theater - Audio/Visual Workshop Memory on the Mount - Computer Workshop Sinai Stage - Drama/Storytelling Workshop Tower of Scrabble - Games/Puzzles/Bible Skills Workshop, and Capernaum Cafe - Cooking Workshop Even more important than the room transformation, our Christian Education program for Kindergarten through 8th grade follows a "Rotation Model". Children meet in the Oasis on the third floor each Sunday at 9:30 for a gathering time. Their "shepherds" then take them to the workshop assigned for that particular Sunday, to explore a Biblical story in various ways. The Rotation Model provides opportunities to explore each topic through drama, science, computers, music, dance, cooking and art projects. Churches across the country are finding that when learning uses all the senses in varied forms, the material is not only retained better, it creates enthusiasm and interest in the children. An added bonus - the Rotation Model provides short-term opportunities for additional adults to participate in teaching - drawing on their individual skills and interests. Senior High Youth meet in the Youth Director's Office on the second floor of the Education Building for their class.  In 2009-2010 the youth dealt with "Creation" which inspired them to examine the role of the church with respect to our environment. This year, This year the Senior High Christian Education class will focus on questions about God:  Where is God?  Who is God?  Why did God allow sin into the world?  Does God know what will happen before it happens?  Does God cry when we cry and laugh when we laugh?  Why do people believe (or not believe) in God?"  We will be using curriculum from the PCUSA curriculum program entitled, "We Believe: Faithfully Asking Questions".  We will also be using curriculum developed by "The Thoughtful Christian."  To enhance and promote discussion, the class will view a variety of film and television media.  Some of the films include "Signs," "Knowing," "Doubt," and "Religulous."  Many of the questions posed in this year's curriculum are illustrated in the popular television series, "Joan of Arcadia."  We will be viewing selected portions of that series throughout the fall and spring.    The Senior High students are also offered many opportunities to attend and/or participate in outside activities that speak to the issues we are discussing in class.  As these opportunities arise, we make plans to participate.  Sometimes these activities involve going to the theatre, as we did last year to see the Broadway musical, "Wicked," or planting a garden on church property, which the class did in the spring.  This project continued through the summer and into the fall.  Both of these activities were related to last year's curriculum. This year's Youth Musical is also related to this year's curriculum.  Although our curriculum is focused, we find there are many opportunities to explore specific topics within and outside the confines of the First Presbyterian Church environment.  The High School curriculum seeks to expand the youths' thinking and discussions beyond the Sunday morning classroom and to discover relevant applications for the curriculum in the world in which we live. Adult Christian Education Adult Christian Education has its own excitement while children and youth are attending their classes. These discussions are led by the pastors, members of the congregation or guests and follow a course organized around specific themes. Currently we are exploring what it means to be a Christian in the twenty-first century. Special sessions occur throughout the year, such as during African-American Heritage Month in February. The More Light Committee sponsors special events each Spring. An Inquirer's Class for adults is held in the Spring and Fall for prospective new members and others wishing to learn more about the church. Small Groups meet regularly during the year to foster spiritual growth and fellowship. A Christian Small Group is an intentional, face-to-face gathering of ten or fewer people, for the purpose of growing in relationship with God and each other. Our faith journeys are further enriched by special educational events such as the Lenten evening study series, the Fall mission fair, and our celebration of African-American history in February. Men's Bible Study Small Groups Once a week three groups of quietly enthusiastic men gather for an hour of prayer, Bible study, and talk. Tuesdays at 7:45 AM and Thursdays at 7 AM and 6 PM are the times that 5 - 8 men in each group meet. Each session has three essential elements: Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. In September all the men of the church are invited to a covered dish supper where members of the groups explain their purpose, map out a plan for the year, and sign up for a time to meet. In fall and/or spring a core of the groups spend a weekend together at Weston Priory in Vermont, where Presbyterian men joined in worship and meditation with monks of the Benedictine Order. The study for the past few years has centered on the lectionary. Each week a member of the group volunteers to lead prayer and facilitate discussion. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone."  Ephesians 2:19-20 Women's Small Groups Several Small Groups exist for women at First Presbyterian. These groups covenant/agree to meet twice a month for sharing, study and prayer.  One group meets during the day on the west side of the Hudson River. Another group meets during the day on the east side of the river.  A third group meets at night at the church, Deep relationships develop and faith formation is deepened. LIBRARY The library, on the first floor of the education wing, contains a broad range of books and periodicals on theology, ethics, religious education and Biblical studies. Of course, book study is prominently featured in our Adult Education program.