Woburn United Methodist Church

Church School Activities

September 2007 to June 2008

Typical Sunday Morning Schedule:

Nursery

Our church nursery is located in room 2, on the basement level. It is supervised by a wonderful caregiver who is also the Teacher Assistant for our preschool. She is present every week. A rotating group of volunteers assist the Nursery caregiver so that there are always two adults present. Infants and toddlers up to age three are welcome to come play for all of the Sunday service or just a portion of it.

Children's Assembly

The children's assembly time for ages 3 through grade 8, takes the place of the remainder of the adult worship service upstairs. The children sing songs, express their own concerns and celebrations, and pray together. Class time follows. Grades 9-12 remain in worship for the sermon before going directly to their class.

Church School Offering

An offering is taken in Church School. Envelopes are provided at the beginning of the year and as needed. During the fall, after receiving instruction about the meaning of stewardship, all children and youth are given an opportunity to make a formal pledge for the upcoming calendar year. The monetary amount of the offering is less important than the students' experience of giving to their church. We work with parents to help their children learn about stewardship of time, talents, and money. Even young children who have no regular income of their own can learn a great deal about giving back to God from the weekly ritual of putting money in their offering envelope.

Bibles

Bibles are given to children at the conclusion of first grade. A children's version is chosen, to be replaced at the time of confirmation classes by a more adult study Bible. An activity packet is normally completed in the fall of second grade, so that children know how to use their Bibles.

Attendance Awards

Every child and youth receives recognition on the tenth, twentieth, thirtieth, and fortieth Sundays they attend during the year.

Curricula and Topics for the Year

Preschool Curriculum

Children age 3 through grade 1 will be using a new curriculum called Bible Zone Live! This program will use hands on experiences to tell the stories of the Bible.

Curriculum for Grades 2 - 5

These children will continue to use Power Express, a popular rotation model church school curriculum. Students will be immersed in a Bible story, rotating each week among four or more workshops such as art, cooking, games, video, music/movement, science, and storytelling. Something new every week, and all grounded in God's love for us. Learners who prefer different styles will all find something to excite them. This program will be held in the new Power Xpress room.

Curriculum for Grades 6 - 8

Our middle school group will be working on mission-based projects of their choosing. They may include planning and setting up the advent fair, organizing the food for special food pantry collections, or planning and making banners. This helps the children put into action some of the things that they are learning in class. Watch the newsletter and bulletin for these activities.

Curriculum for Grades 9 - 12

Our high school youth will have a discussion-based class that will include discussion on the Sunday sermon, the ups and downs of school, and other topics of interest, as well as mission projects throughout the year.

Topics Planned for the 2007-2008 Year

September - The Beatitudes
October/November - Stewardship
December - Advent
January - Christian Black History
February/March - The Lord's Supper
March/April - Easter Go & Tell
May - Pentecost
June - Church School Celebrations

Other Christian Education Programs

• Vacation Bible School --
  Vacation Bible School is a summer program offered for two weeks. One preschool week and one school-age week. This is a community-wide event enrolling 150 or more children and youth. This program is presented in partnership with the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
• Human Development and Sexuality Studies --
  A biannual course in human development and sexuality will be offered to youth in grades 5-7.
• Confirmation Program --
  Our confirmation program includes several different components: the Sunday morning class; additional classes with the pastor throughout the year; regular structured discussions with a parent or adult mentor; service within the church; a series of retreats or field trips; and mission outside the church. Confirmation is available to those in grade 9 and above and will be offered when there are young people of this age who have not been confirmed.
• Youth Group Activities --
  Both our grades 3-8 students and our high schoolers will enjoy additional recreational and service activities beyond their Sunday morning classes. Watch the church bulletin and newsletter for regular updates on activities.
• Mission Trips --
  Especially of interest to high school students and other adults and families in the congregation are our mission trips to Downeast Maine. These can include a VBS weekend or a week long trip. There are other opportunities, through our conference, to go on mission trips to other areas.
• Camp Programs --
  A variety of camp programs are offered throughout the year, but especially during the summer, at the four United Methodist campgrounds in New England. Information about offerings will become available in early spring. We offer partial camperships to young people from our church who attend.

Adult Education Opportunities

Other Church Sponsored Programs

• After School Club. --
  The After School Club is a high-quality after school program for Woburn children in grades K-7. It is a joint ministry of this church and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
• The Children's Space at UMC. --
  This preschool program offers a learning experience that uses exploration and skill building activities to encourage growth and lifelong learning.
• Parents' Night Out --
  A once a month opportunity for adults to have a "grown up" night out while their children (ages 2-8) enjoy activities, pizza, and socialization with their peers. A group of adult and youth volunteers will provide the activities in the safe environment of the preschool classrooms downstairs. Parents' nights are held on Friday evenings from 6 - 9 pm.
• Toddler Time --
  Weekly social interaction opportunities for toddlers. Activities and games are planned by Janet Fiore, the Sunday Nursery caregiver and Teacher Assistant of the preschool program. Toddler Time is held on Wednesdays from 9 am - 12 pm.

Updated 09/30/07