First Church of Christ, Sandwich, Massachusetts

It’s never too late to join any of our programs. You are always welcome! Email Nancy Lawrence, our Director of Christian Education or call her at 508-888-0434.

Church School Schedule
* 2009-2010 Church School Registration Form
(requires Adobe Reader download here)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, UCC

Our Christian Education Mission: To equip students, supplementing the religious education begun in the home, with the knowledge and tools they need to know the love and will of God, helping them to be educated in the ways of the Lord and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

OUR CURRICULUM

We use a variety of methods to reach all students, recognizing each individual’s learning style.

Godly Play - for our pre-k (3's and 4's) and kindergarten/grade 1; Montessori-based, story education that creates a sacred space and encourages students to be themselves, learn to live in community, come closer to the mystery of God's presence, learn the Christian language; it is a "wondering" environment. Meets in our Godly Play classrooms on second floor at 9:00 only.

Rotation Workshops - for grades 2-6; uses the multi-intelligence theory to allow each student to grasp large concepts through specific, in-depth study of a broad topic; grade groups rotate weekly to a new workshop addressing the rotation topic over four or five Sundays. Meets in vestry and on second floor.

gather 'Round - for grades 7/8 & 9/10; a Bible-based curriculum nurturing youth in becoming followers of Jesus: people who know and love God, interpret God's word, belong to God's gathered community, and share God's good news. Classes meet on the second floor at 9:00 only.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School (9-12), Junior High School (6-8), and Middler Youth Groups (4-5) are available beginning in fourth grade. All groups meet on Sunday evenings, except when a special activity is planned. High school and junior high typically meet weekly, and middlers meet twice a month. An emphasis on fellowship and outreach allows youth to make connections with each other and the world around them.

Youth Groups will begin in September. Both Junior High and High School will meet from 6:00-7:30 at the church. Middler Youth Group 5:00-6:30 twice a month. Programs will offer a variety of fun, service, and learning that will connect us, creating a stronger community both in and out of church.

OTHER FUN & VALUABLE EXPERIENCES

In addition to regular church school classes, opportunities for service and fellowship are offered for families during festival times of the church year: the Advent Workshop, our Christmas Pageant, Lenten workshops and other meaningful programs.

Confirmation will resume in 2010 with our 10th graders. If you need further information, please contact Pastor Dan.

2010 Vacation Bible School will be held August 9th - 13th. Volunteers should call 508-888-0434 or email Nancy Lawrence our CE Director.

Camp Information for The Horton Center, Pine Mountain, NH
Summer camp is great experience, especially at Horton Center. Visit www.hortoncenter.org for detailed information or feel free to discuss our camping program with Pastor Dan. For 2010, our High School group will be going the week of August 1st - August 7th and our Junior High kids will be attending July 25th - July 31st.

WE ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF LEADERSHIP! You don’t have to have camp experience to be a volunteer, and all it requires is hanging with the kids to ensure safety and community. Please think about helping out – it will change your life! The mission of Horton Center is “to invite all God’s children to experience Christian community in the natural world” so hiking, rock climbing, outdoor games, and nature are a focus of the camp. Daily spiritual discussions, goofy games, music, crafts, yummy food, and general camp mayhem are part of the fun too! This will be our fifth year at Horton Center, so talk to some of the kids who have gone to hear all about it!