Children need to build a strong faith foundation so that when the storms of life overwhelm them, their house of faith will not fall away. It will stand strong and give them the comfort, strength, and shelter found only in a loving God.
At each age level, the children will be invited to a faith experience. It is during this time that they can come to a better understanding of God and what God calls them to do. They come to know Jesus and take his messages to heart. They seek where the Bible speaks to them today.
Classes:
The Lambs, preschool and kindergarten; and The Doves, first and second grade; will be combined in one classroom. The class size averaging about six children, will allow them to build a sense of community and have fun. Projects may be slightly different for their individual abilities.
The Lions classroom is for third, fourth and fifth graders. It continues to be a place for lively discussion and a strong faith based community. This class will be based more on discussions and leadership.
Worship:
The children start their day at church in worship with their families at 10:00 a.m. After the children’s message, about 10:15 a.m., the children are sent off to their worship center, room 1. Together all the children, sing, worship and discuss plans for the church day. The children go to their classes after worship about 10:30 a.m. The first Sunday of the month communion is celebrated. The children start in their worship center at 10:00 a.m. When the communion prayers begin, the children will join their families.
Service Projects
During the Sunday school year, service will be an ongoing theme. Children should learn as early as possible that life is give and take. We can put requests to God for things we want, but we should also ask Him how we can help others.
Home: The first important lesson is that “charity begins at home”. Home-based service projects will be designed by the children and carried out at home. The home-giving series will be a “coupon program”. This will plant the first seeds for a lifetime of charity.
Community: Service projects will include established, well-known charities like the Northfield Food Pantry and Project Linus, as well as making cards or cookies for home-bound members and friends. It will give the children a connection to their neighbors and community.
National and International: Well-established charities have paths that have already been carved out. The children will come up with fundraising ideas and implement them. Yes, kids can change the world!
Service projects will be implemented every month throughout the year. The projects will start at home – lucky parents and grandparents! As these projects unfold, parental help and guidance will be needed.
Offerings: The children are encouraged to continue to bring in a weekly offering. The children will direct these funds towards one of their projects.
Safe Sanctuary:
The purpose is to promote a caring and secure environment for children in all phases and activities. There will be appropriate adult supervision at all times, with the goal that NUMC will be a “safe haven” where all are protected from every form of child abuse.
