Christian Education
Here at The Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Charles,
we are committed to providing a variety of programs for all ages
designed to enliven and enrich our faith. Our goal is to provide
intergenerational experiences and age-appropriate Christian educational
opportunities for our church family and community in order to increase
our love for God and neighbor.
Sunday School
During the school year, Sunday School is offered during our worship service
to preschoolers through 7th graders. The 6th/7th graders begin their Sunday
school lessons at the beginning of the service. Then on the first Sunday of the
month, they attend the worship service and partake in Communion. The other
children begin in church for part of the worship including a Moments with
Children and then go to Sunday school. Once a month, usually the first Sunday,
the children begin downstairs in room 114 for a Junior Worship experience where
children have the opportunity to usher, be acolytes, share special music, take
the offering, and give the message for the day. Our puppeteers will help offer
the message on some of the Sundays. For Sunday school, the preschoolers through
5th graders, have a rotation-style approach using Come Join the Circle and Power
Xpress curriculum. Each unit is six weeks long and explores one Bible story in
several different ways. The children experience the story through storytelling,
crafts, food and culture, mission, hands-on, games, and more. They discuss how
the stories apply to their lives and are provided with activities that help them
explore their faith. In the fall, the 4th graders receive Bibles from the
congregation, sponsored by the Christian Education Committee.
During
summer beginning on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Sunday
school continues with Bible story lessons for 3 year olds through 3rd graders.
Other children attend church.
Other youth activities and educational
opportunities occur throughout the week and year. Call the church for dates of
mission projects, events and other educational experiences. See the youth page
for information on our four youth groups. See the music page for information
about children’s musical opportunities.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is July 16-19 2012 from
9:00-11:30am and Thursday, July 19 from 5-6:30pm for 4 year olds
through 5th graders. There will be Bible stories, music, games, snacks,
science experiments, mission projects, crafts and more. Don’t
miss the fun. For questions or to receive a registration form,
call the church office at 630-584-0929 and ask for Sue Peterson.
Puppet Troupe
Our puppet troupe began in the fall of 2004 after exploring puppetry with our
middle school youth during vacation Bible school. We have had a troupe every
year since then. Our middle and high school puppeteers perform for the Sunday
school, for vacation Bible school, for the congregation in our worship services,
for nursing homes and other community parties. The goal of our troupe, God’s
Puppet Troupe, is to have fun and fellowship while learning to use a variety of
puppetry, music, dance and other creative ministries for the purpose of
worshipping God and sharing God’s love in service to our Church and community.
To schedule a performance, contact Sue Peterson at the church.
Weekday Bible Study
Join us each week as we explore the Bible! A variety of biblical themes
are discussed, with an overall emphasis on growing in our knowledge of
the Biblical stories and to have a greater awareness of our
relationship with God. Weekday Bible study is held on Tuesday
afternoons and Wednesday evenings in the fall through spring. Contact
the church office for a schedule of dates, times and topics.
Adult Education
Opportunities to go on work trips, study trips, or tours are available at different times during the year. Trips have included work trips to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi each fall, an Israel work-study-tour, a trip to England to explore our Congregational roots, a trip to Greece following the Footsteps of Paul, a trip to Italy and more. Check with the church office for current opportunities.
Novel Approaches
Novel Approaches is a discussion group based on various novels designed for those who enjoy mixing literature and
fellowship! Members host these gatherings in their homes. Everyone who has read the current selection is welcome to
participate. Check with the church office for a schedule.
Faith and Difficult Issues
This group usually meets on the second Saturday of the month in the church parlor to discuss issues concerning our
world today and how we as a community of faith react to these concerns. Each topic chosen by the group may last one
week or several weeks. Attending this opportunity will help you continue to grow in your faith and beliefs as we face
these difficult issues together.
Parenting Classes
Active Parenting classes conducted by Rev. John & Susan Rodgers and other church leaders are held each year.
Check with the church office for a schedule.
Adult Mission Trips
Opportunities to go on work trips, study trips, or tours are available at different times during the year. Trips have
included work trips to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi each fall, an Israel work-study-tour,
a trip to England to explore our Congregational roots and a trip to Greece following the Footsteps of Paul.
A trip to Italy is being planned for the summer of 2008. Check with the church office for current opportunities.
Swing Set Preschool
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young children, Swing Set has proudly educated area children
for over 30 years. Contact Sue Farr, director, for more information.