Rev. 9/10/08 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. Children and Youth On Sunday mornings during the school year (September to June), from 9:30 to 10:30am, Christian Education is offered for all ages at First Presbyterian. In 2008 FPC transformed the third floor of our Education Building. Dreary, tired offices were converted into "The Upper Rooms." 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 Room Jericho Theater - Audio/Visual Room Memory on the Mount - Computer Room Sinai Stage - Drama/Storytelling Room and Tower of Scrabble - Games/Puzzles/Bible Skills Room. Even more important than the room transformation, our Christian Education program for Kindergarten through 8th graders 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. In the first 4-week rotation (September-October), they explored The Great Commandment, (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Matthew 22:34-40). In each four week period, each class will experience important issues in five different ways. 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. The Upper Rooms And the Walls Came a-Tumbling Down   An added bonus - the Rotation Model provides short-term opportunities for additional adults to participate in teaching, drawing on their individual skills and interests. Of course, we need to find a new home for the Last Supper (note the crumbs on the floor). Moveable Feast 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 children 0-6 years. LIBRARY The adult 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. 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. Men's Bible Study and a Women's Spiritual Growth group (see below) meet regularly during the year to foster spiritual growth and fellowship. 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 Groups Once a week two 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 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 November a core of the groups spent a weekend together at Weston Priory in Vermont, where Presbyterian men joined in worship and meditation with monks of the Benedictine Order. In March the men sponsor an all-church spaghetti dinner where the Great Hall is transformed into an Italian restaurant. 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 Spiritual Group Our women's spirituality group has been formed to provide a venue for consideration of spiritual issues as these are encountered in women's lives. Most recently, our monthly food and fellowship evenings focused on "Welcoming the Stranger" from the journal Weavings. Past topics have included: A selection of readings from women's diaries during the English Reformation (presented by Margaret Hannay, Professor of English Literature at Siena College). A presentation by Gloria Wood concerning quilting, sewing, and other work with fabric. She talked about these crafts in history, the variety of materials used, and what inspires her work. A potluck supper, followed by a program led by Margaret Zettle concerning Marcus J. Borg's recent book, "The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith". Our Women's Spiritual Retreat (at Weston, Vt.) also drew from this material. Every month brings new opportunities for reflection, refreshment and lively discussion.