First Congregational Church
Children's Sunday School
Philosophy
Our children and youth are a precious and essential part of our congregation. Our goal is to create a place where children feel safe, valued and loved for who they are; and to nurture their growing faith through worship, education, fellowship and service.
Sunday School
Sunday school is offered during our 10AM worship service to children in preschool through grade 8. It meets every Sunday except for the last Sunday of each month, which is when we have our Together-As-One, Family Worship Service.
All classes use the "Seasons of the Spirit" curriculum www.spiritseasons.com . This curriculum is lectionary based and age appropriate. In addition to the curriculum, our volunteer teachers help the children connect with the bible and its stories in ways the children can relate to their own lives and life experiences. Lessons are taught through drama, games, crafts, and a variety of service projects.
What We Are Learning - Grade Level Objectives
By the end of the school year, the students in each grade shall be familiar with these important elements of our faith and worship.
3 & 4 - year olds - Gloria Patri
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen.
Kindergarten - Doxology
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
1st Grade - The Great Commandment
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, "Love others as much as you love yourself." All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.
2nd Grade - The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
3rd Grade - The Ten Commandments
1. You shall not worship any other god but the LORD.
2. You shall not make a graven image.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain.
4. You shall not break the Sabbath.
5. You shall not dishonor your parents.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not commit perjury.
10. You shall not covet.
4th Grade - The 23rd Psalm
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
5th Grade - The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
6th, 7th & 8th Grades - 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Confirmation
Confirmation at First Congregational Church is for all students, 9th grade and older, who are interested in learning more about the Church and their faith. Confirmation is a nine-month course of study leading to the student's decision to become a member of the First Congregational Church of Branford. Classes are Sunday evenings, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., with the Rev. Gary Smith. Confirmation is May 3, 2009.
Nursery Care
Our nursery is a safe, fun and nurturing environment for children from birth to age 3. Nursery care is available during our 10AM worship service from 9:45 to 11:15. Nursery care is also available during holiday services.
Communion Sunday Service
On the first Sunday of each month the Sunday school children receive communion in Walker Chapel, just as the adults do in the Meetinghouse. After being dismissed during the 10AM service the children go directly to Walker Chapel, where each class sits together for communion. After a short service, the children go to their classes with their teachers until 11:15 a.m.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our programs for Christian Education for children, please contact our Youth Minister at 203-488-7201 or e-mail our Christian Education Director at cedirector@firstcongregationalbranford.org