In the spring of 2009, on recommendation from the Children’s and Youth Ministry Committee, the Session adopted these goals for the church school.
Goals for 3s and 4s
- Introduce/familiarize children to fundamental Bible stories and characters.
- Introduce/familiarize children with basic elements of worship
- Establish and cultivate comfort in Sunday School.
- Introduce/familiarize children to the church and church staff
- Introduce core Christian values as they relate to Bible stories.
Goals for Ks
- Introduce/familiarize children to fundamental Bible stories and characters.
- Introduce the idea of the Biblical narrative; begin to develop children’s understanding that the fundamental Bible stories and characters connect to one another.
- Introduce/familiarize children with basic elements of worship
- Cultivate “Sunday School comfort.”
- Introduce/familiarize children to the church and ministers.
- Introduce core Christian values as they relate to Bible stories.
Goals for 1st grade
- Introduce the idea of the Biblical narrative; begin to develop children’s understanding that the fundamental Bible stories and characters connect to one another.
- Teach children how to follow the structure of and participate in the worship service.
- Introduce the sacraments and their significance.
- Continue to develop core Christian values as an outgrowth of what is learned from the Bible.
- Nurture “Sunday School comfort.”
Goals for 2nd-4th grades
- Develop Bible study skills and tools.
- Enhance children’s ability to participate in worship.
- Enhance development of core Christian values with greater attention given to life application and community awareness/outreach.
- Develop children’s understanding of the Biblical narrative; increase children’s understanding of the relationships between fundamental Bible characters and how those stories connect to one another.
- Nurture “Sunday School comfort.”
Goals for 5th-6th grade
- Solidify children’s understanding of the Biblical narrative as a whole; develop the “big picture” (i.e., Creation to Israel to Jesus to beginnings and development of the church).
- Develop children’s understanding of Biblical history.
- Nurture and support children’s development of relationships to peers and adults.
- Enhance and develop children’s understanding of outreach as an expression of Christian faith.
- Begin to develop a more mature faith perspective and enhance children’s worship experience.
Goals for 7th grade
- Prepare youth to make a public affirmation of their belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and become active members of the UPC congregation.
Goals for the 8th grade
- Develop and encourage habitual study of the Bible as a resource for life.
- Develop thinking about and application of Jesus’ core teachings as revealed in the Gospels.
Goals for 9th-12th grade
- Solidify student’s understanding of the Biblical narrative and its application in their lives.
The Curriculum: Rock Solid: Building A Heart of Faith
UPC has chosen a Sunday School curriculum that fits well with our goals. Research shows that a child’s faith is developed through interacting with adults of faith (UMPH, 2009). The Rock Solid lessons offer resources to help teachers provide three important experiences for their students:
• A personal connection to God as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ• Friendships among children• Bonds between parents, leaders, and children
The Rock Solid curriculum covers core biblical stories over a three-year cycle. The curriculum will be used in classes for preschool, elementary age children, middle school youth. Confirmation class for rising 7th and 8th graders will be offered in the 2011-12 church school year.
High School students will use a variety of resources including print, video, audio, web, and speakers as they explore understanding the application of Biblical truths in their daily lives.
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Latest update: 2011/9/8
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