Christian Education Minutes from August 1, 2007

Present:  Lisa Strobel, Nick Strobel, Caroline Close, Anne Scott, Cindy Wilson, Stella Rous, Jean Ann Lansche, Pastor Pam Fine
Absent: Lissy Hallum, Hank Webb

Vacation Church School is still needing teachers for Thursday/Friday in the 3rd and 4th grade classroom and in the Preschool.  Helpers are also still needed but Anne will see if any of our high school youth would be willing to assist.
As of now:
Preschool - Sarah Balzar, J.T. Gonzales, Allison Hanel
Kindergarten- Darlene Phillips, Caroline Close (will be able to help some_
1st - 2nd Grade - Sherry Atkins, Diane O'Dell
3rd-4th Grade - Jean Ann Lansche (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), Radine Banks, Ruth Saylor (Maybe).
  5th-6th Grade -  Stella Rous, Marion Henderson
Jr. High - David Scott,  Bob Mears
The Habitat Home by Trinity will not be ready for the Wednesday Field Trip as had been planned.  Discussion took place as to other possibilities but was decided that a field trip was not a necessity so we may stay on campus that day.
Cindy Wilson has written new lyrics for our music.  Margaret Grant is excited about the song choices.
Greg Hanel has put VCS fliers together to be posted about town.
(Update:  Corky Blain will teach 3rd/4th Grade Class Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.  Rose will be hired to work in the nursery for the children too young to be in class.)

Confirmation Class will start after the Christmas Holidays and ending at Pentecost.  The committee agreed to postpone the class for many reasons.  If the class waits until spring then they can be included in the Retreat with the Bishop for Methodist youth going through Confirmation.
Pastor Pam is still deciding which material she wishes to use for the class.  She will send a letter to the families of youth to be in the class after she has tightened the schedule (within the next week and a half) to let them know when it will start.  Pastor Pam will meet with the parents and the youth to discuss the class and expectations.  It was noted that the home environment is the number one factor on children continuing in the Christian faith so Pastor Pam would like to involve the parents in the confirmation teachings for reinforcement.  It was also noted that some think jr. high students might not be ready for the class and waiting until after the holidays gives them a chance to be more ready for the questions asked of them instead of relying on their peer's choices.
Pentecost is March 28.  There may be some reading to do  this fall and perhaps and introductory meeting.

Sunday School will start September 9th.  Groupings this year will be:
4 Year to 1st Grade - Marion Henderson
                                    Nathan, Krista, Lischa, Mary, Isabella
2nd to 6th Grades   - Jean Ann Lansche and Sherry Setser
                                    Kelly, Bethany, Anthony, Sarah, Chance, Natalie, Laura
Jr. High/ High School- Revolving teachers and subject matter.
                                    Walker and Dan are the only 2 jr. high students (8th grade)
We will continue using Cokesburys' "Exploring Faith" material. 

Nick Strobel will lead study of The Soul of Christianity by Huston Smith.  The class will at the most last 8 weeks and be the only Adult Sunday School Classat this time.

Wednesday Evening Class will begin September 12th.  The time has yet to be decided. They will be studying the Disciples Study on John.

Thursday Morning Class will begin a 10 week study on September 13th on the Disciples Study of Genesis.  It will be led by Anne Scott until Barbara Dethlefson returns.  The class will go from 10:00 to 11:30.   At 11:30 those that wish to bring a Brown Bag Lunch can stay for a social time. 

Youth Group is continuing to meet and this past Sunday served at the Homeless Shelter.  August 5th will be a pool party and the District Superintendent will be there.  Hank Webb does not intend to continue in a leadership role.  Pastor Pam would like to have a meeting with the youth and the parents  August 12th during their regular time.  Pastor Pam likes the idea of a Youth led meeting and the way it is builds leaders. 

Christian Education Committee next meeting will be Tuesday, September 4th at 4:00.

Return to Education Committee Archive