Mission and Goals for 2007

The mission of the Christian Education ministry of Village Christian Church is to strengthen the faith of its members through study, faith conversations, prayer, and thoughtful reflection upon scriptures, theology, traditions of the church and current issues.

Our Christian Education Ministry goals for 2007 are:

• To establish a CE Ministry mission statement
• To have every participating member of VCC involved in at least one educational event of some sort in the year
• To continue to provide two Adult and one Children’s Sunday School on Sunday AM
• To hold at least two short term Disciple Bible Study courses
• To have a three topic series on issues of broader community interest, each with at least 4 sessions
• To present a Newcomers Class for those who have joined the church in the past two years
• To provide a “Children’s Church” for children of elementary school age during the worship that is different from the nursery care
• To hold a study in the Northeast quadrant of the Colorado Springs metroplex

Welcome to our Christian Education Ministry

We have a variety of Sunday School classes and a new Bible Study at the heart of our Christian Education program.   Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM Sunday mornings. 

Jesus Journeys

The Young Children's Sunday School class, fondly nicknamed "Jesus Journeys", welcomes all kids of multiple ages.  Although this is mostly a K-3rd group, we have had older children visit.  The curriculum is multi-age so the same message is learned, the same scripture studied, but the bible research and arts/crafts projects are customized for a variety of ages  The methodolody for teaching is Montessori. This class follows the liturgical calendar in its study.  The children learn about Bible stories, Jesus' like and teachings and the church calendar through a variety of activities.  The "Story Corner" tent provides a change of pace and scenery for story time, plus a "worship center" including Christian symbolism remains a focus for more prayerful and meditative times.  Each week the children take the lesson and expand on it and it's meaning through a variety of games and crafts.

Faith Builders Sunday School

A small group of 8 - 12 people of all ages this class gathers to discuss and share wisdom on the sermon text of the day.  Bracketed by prayer each class session is an opportunity to learn about the day’s text through the experience, wisdom and questions of the faithful disciples who sit around the table.  Each person’s perspective and sharing is welcome and growth is inevitable. We meet in the Study Room across from the kitchen down the hall from the Office entrance to the church.

Village Seekers Sunday School

Meeting in the Bausch Room across from the VCC office this class meets every Sunday to explore and study the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke).  A study is read and discussed together as thoughts are shared.  Every adult interested in the gospels is welcome!

DISCIPLE Bible Study

The DISCIPLE Bible Study is an all-ages 8 to 11week course. The format of the study consists of video presentations, large group discussion and small group breakout sessions.  Each participant is required to complete an assignment each day of the week prior to coming to the study on Wednesdays.  Participants have found this to be a challenging, yet very rewarding committment to the Scriptures.  This series of studies is published by Cokesbury.  Our congregation has completed an "Introduction to the New Testament" course with 15 participants and will be offering another study in the Fall of 2007. 

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 2007

“Issues of Homosexuality Reviewed in the Light of Scripture!”

          Leaders: Rev. Don Sarton and Mrs. Gail Wilder

          4 sessions: Wednesday, April 25th; Wednesday, May 2nd, Monday, May 7th & Wednesday, May 16th, 2007.

        This study was a great success and may be offered again in the fall or spring of 2008, depending on interest.  If you are interested contact the VCC office.

"Dear Sudan"

        Leader: Katie Pelikan

        4 sessions - Tuesday evenings at 5:30 PM June 26 through July 10, 2007

        Examining the genocide crisis in Darfur through the lens of faith

Disciple Bible Study – Short term

          Invitation to the New Testament

          Leader:  Pastor Marlene or a grad of the previous class

          8 sessions (2 hours once a week with 30 minutes reading for each

day)

          no more than 12 participants (no fewer than 5)

Disciples Bible Study – Short term

          Invitation to the Old Testament, Invitation to Romans, Invitation to  

John or Invitation to Genesis

          Ranging from 8 weeks to 11 weeks with weekly mtgs and daily reading

          Best for 8-12 people per group

          Leader: Pastor Marlene        

Faith Builders Sunday School

          Based on the Sunday scripture

          Faith-sharing with little “official” teaching

          Leader:  Pastor Marlene

Village Seekers Sunday School

          Leader: Leona Smith

          Study of synoptic gospels

Christian Women's Fellowship Esther Study

          Study leader:  Pastor Marlene

          Women who encoutered Jesus

          Using two books: Do What You Have the Power to Do & Back to the Well              

          Second Thursday of the month from 10:30 – 11:00 (off for the summer, resume in September)