WELCOME!

The Christian Education Committee at Pilgrim Church endeavors to strengthen Christians of today and nurture Christian leaders of tomorrow by preparing the ground in which individual faith can grow and be supported as that individual participates in our community of believers.

 

We are assisted in our mission by staff members, Corey Lincoln and Jane Raithel, who, as Co-Directors oversee Christian Education, Middle School Fellowship Leader, Senior High Fellowship Leader and  an enthusiastic corps of volunteers who offer their many gifts in God’s service.

 

The Christian Education Committee is made up of six church members all of whom possess various gifts in the areas of teaching, fellowship, love of children and youth and  life-long development of faith.

They serve for three consecutive years.

 

Committee Members:

  

Jennifer Searle

Janet Walsh

Ellen Stone

Meg Patriquin

Jennifer Bethel

Carolyn Bessey

 

CHURCH SCHOOL

Our Sunday morning church school is grounded on the Great Commandment: to love God and our neighbors. Its instructional purpose is to provide opportunities to young people for growth in faith and service to others. The church school’s program reflects the goals of information, formation and transformation. Information that explores the essential stories of the Bible and our Christian faith. Formation of compassionate and responsible Christian discipleship. And transformation of lives through maturing faith.

 

            Schedule: Sundays, 10am-11:30am, Labor Day through mid-June.

On regular Sundays, students begin worship with their families in the sanctuary. During  the service the children are called forward to sit in the front of the sanctuary for Children's Time. This is a time in the service when the pastor shares a story with the children that addresses a moral or spiritual dilemma that this age group might face. After Children’s Time the children leave the sanctuary and go to their classes. On Communion Sundays (the first Sunday of each month), students go directly to their classes.

            Class assignments: Age 3, PreKindergarten (children enrolling in kindergarten the following September), and Kindergarten through Grade 7/8 (corresponding with grade of regular school attendance).

            Curricula:     

                        Seasons of the Spirit (Age 3, Grades Two through Six) – a United Church of Christ, Bible lectionary-based curriculum, which helps students make connections between church and home, faith and life. The biblical premise of Seasons of the Spirit is that the word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Seasons of the Spirit is lectionary based curriculum meaning the curriculum follows the same text used in Sunday morning worship. The children and youth hear the same text in Sunday school as in worship.

                        Godly Play (PreK Kindergarten, Grade One) – applies Montessori methods to the sacred stories of Christianity

                        Reel to Real (Grade 7/8) -- examines moral themes and values of mainstream movies from a Christian viewpoint.

            Teachers: Parents, high school students and adult members of our congregation who volunteer to teach a six-week session. Lots of training, support, resources and encouragement available.

            Other activities: Music (Cherub and Junior Choirs), service projects, know-by-heart Bible verses, and special observances such as Bible Sunday (presentation of Third Grade Bibles), the Christmas Tableau, Youth Sunday, and the year-end Pancake Breakfast celebration.

 

FAMILY WORSHIP

Pilgrim Church encourages intergenerational worship both by integrating young people into the regular worship life of the church and also by creating unique worship services which are particularly family friendly in their design. For our regular 10am worship service, church school students serve as acolytes throughout the program year and as greeters, ushers and lay leaders on the second Sunday of each month. Special services include:

            Family Christmas Eve Service, 5pm

            Youth Christmas Eve Service, 7:30pm

            Family Communion Service (first Sunday in March)

            Family Easter Service, 9am

            Confirmation Service (first Sunday in May)

            Youth Sunday (second Sunday in June)

 

NURSERY

Our nursery offers children, aged six weeks through 36 months, loving care while their parents are in worship. Staffed by a professional child-care adult and two student assistants from our congregation. Available 8am-12 noon September-June and from 8:45-10:15am during the summer schedule.

 

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Pilgrim Church’s youth fellowship programs give young people a safe haven to explore Christian values in a complicated world, to have fun with peers, and to serve others. Open to all regardless of church affiliation; partially funded by participants’ fees. Led by church staff with the support of volunteer advisors.

            Middle School Youth Group: For children in 6th and 7th Grade. Twice monthly meetings, including some supper meetings, at Pilgrim Church for middle-school students during the school year.

            Senior High Youth Group: For teens, Freshman - Senior in High School. Weekly supper meetings at Pilgrim Church for high-school students during the school year.

            Work Camp: Working mission trip for high school students during April public school vacation week.

            Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective: Nine-week course, based on the UCC’s

Our Whole Lives, offered for eighth graders in the Fall. Helps young people reach informed, healthy decisions about their sexuality and maturing relationships with others in the context of their Christian faith.

 CONFIRMATION

Pilgrim Church’s confirmation program asks young people to consider the basic beliefs of our faith, the meaning of being Christian in the world, and the choice to become a full member of the Church on Confirmation Sunday in May. Led by pastor with the assistance of volunteer advisors and adult mentors from our congregation. Weekly supper meetings for eighth graders in the winter and spring.

 

ADULT EDUCATION

Pilgrim Church offers a variety of adult education opportunities including:

            weekly Bible study

            prayer and sharing groups

            retreats for families and for women

            book discussion groups

            Lenten study courses

            gatherings with our sister church, Bethel AME

            open discussions in response to sermon messages

            confirmation class mentoring

            church school teacher training

            library

All are welcome to join an existing group or to come forward with an inspiration for a new group or activity.