Children's Ministry First-Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ 2000 "D" Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68502-1698 Office (402) 476-7565 Fax (402) 476-8402

Board of Christian Education

This board provides for the educational and spiritual growth of children, youth and adults at First-Plymouth Congregational Church.   The board's work includes educational experiences, weekly classes, studies, workshops, puppet ministry, storytelling ministry, retreats, camps, children's music, fellowship cooperative efforts for special worship services and outreach events.

Children's Ministry

(Luke 18:16)

CHILD CARE

Child care, provided by a consistent, experienced staff, is available in the west wing, lower level nursery area during worship services Saturdays from 5:15 - 6:15 PM and Sundays from 8:30 - 11:30 AM for infants through threes who are not yet in church school.

Church School Classes are provided for children during worship services each Sunday for those who will be three years old by Oct. 15, 2006 through sixth grade. The first session is from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. Note: we have classes for a full hour (even though the worship service is less than one hour). The second session is from 10:30 - 11:30 AM.

CLUB PLYMOUTH
(for grades 4th - 6th)

 * Club Plymouth provides a choice of rotation topics (5-6 weeks each) where children experience 1) languages and traditions of other cultures; 2) participate in sports and games; 3) make crafts as service projects, OR, participate for a full year in either Storytelling or a percussion group.

The Board of Christian Education sponsors events designed for children and families each month including game nights, holiday workshops, picnics and retreats.

Summer programs for children ages 3 through Kindergarten, first grade through third grade, and 4^th grade through children going into 7^th grade. Classes provide worship experiences and interactive learning on Sundays June - August.

Youth in grades 6th - 12th are invited to join our puppet ministry which meets on Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the Youth Room.

Threes (3 by 10-15-06)
West side of building, off 20^th street, lower level, north end across from child care.

Kindergarten
East entrance, off 21st St., second door on right.

First Grade
Classroom B - west wing of building (off 20^th St.), upstairs to top floor, south end.
Beginning September 3^rd , 1^st - 3^rd Grade will meet in the Chapel for Music at 9:00 and 10:30 AM,
then go to classrooms.

Second Grade
Classroom C - West wing of building, off 20^th St., upstairs to top floor, south end.
Beginning September 3^rd , 1^st - 3^rd Grade will meet in the Chapel for Music at 9:00 and 10:30 AM,
then go to classrooms.

Third Grade
Classroom E - West wing of building, off 20^th St., upstairs to top floor, south end, .
Beginning September 3^rd, 1^st - 3^rd Grade will meet in the Chapel for Music at 9:00 and 10:30 AM,
then go to classrooms.

Fourth Grade
Classroom H - West wing, off 20th St., upstairs to top floor, north end.

Fifth Grade
Classroom D - west wing of building, off 20th St., upstairs to top floor, south end.

Sixth Grade
Tower Room - west entrance of building (off 20^th St.), downstairs to lower level. Watch for signs.

Baptisms are scheduled by families usually at Saturday services or Sunday 10:30 a.m. services for infants through adults.

The age of participation by children in Holy Communion is a family decision with encouragement for the inclusion of children in the sacrament and opportunities for church school classes and families to explore the heritage, symbolism and traditions of Communion.  Fifth graders and their families have a time for learning about Communion on Ash Wednesday.

Program Highlights

Listed below are some of the highlights of Christian Education at First-Plymouth:

• Over 80 teachers volunteer to serve on our Church School staff, Bibles are presented to 4th graders during Epiphany, with orientation meetings for students and parents,

• Lenten and Advent workshops are conducted for all ages,

• A Puppet Ministry assists in church school classes, vacation church school as well in outreach to the community,

• A Good News Storytelling Ministry assists in church school classes, Vacation Church School and special worship services,

• Classes cover the history of the Christian Church, United Church of Christ history and First-Plymouth's heritage,

• Lectionary Bible studies are provided for Church School teachers and other interested adults,

• A redesigned 6th grade curriculum includes the heritage of First-Plymouth, the United Church of Christ and an outreach discovery project,

• Junior/Senior High programming, including sports, ski trip, fellowship, bike rally, lock in, discussion groups and classes,

• Confirmation classes are conducted for youth committed to becoming members of the church,

• The board works with other committees in conducting special activities and worship services,

• Service projects and community outreach for youth and adults,

• Regular weekend retreats and Kamp Kaleo church camp for youth and adults,

• Computer and media programs enrich Church School and adult studies,

• A biblical timeline of eras, events, characters, and books is being developed as a mural and a page on the church's website..

If one or more of these ministries or activities is of interest or concern to you, we need your input and help in meeting the Christian Education needs of the members of First-Plymouth Congregational Church and our community.