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Children and Youth

Christian Education at Circular
 
Register children and youth!    Complete this form (save, complete, save again)
 www.circularchurch.org/files/11_registration_form.doc  
and email to annbirdseye@gmail.com
OR print, complete and mail to the church office. 

Our Christian education program for children and youth is designed to support our mission:
In a truthful community, we will nurture disciples of Christ
  • who learn the Biblical stories and traditions of our faith
  • who practice spiritual disciplines
  • who cultivate mentoring relationships
  • who experience faith in action
 Safe Church Policy - http://www.circularchurch.org/files/church_policies_and_guidelines/final_circular_safe_church_policyseptember2008council.pdf
 
Every Sunday morning from Rally Day (September) through Celebration Sunday (May) at 9:45 our Sunday School classes meet. See the age-group tabs on this website for more details.  Christian Education is also supported by a variety of programs and events. 
 
Programs and Events:
  • Acolytes are children age 5 through grade 5 who light the candles at the beginning of the 11:00 worship service each Sunday. Parents may volunteer their children to serve for a specific Sunday on this website, by contacting Ann Birdseye (raffieldbirdseye@knology.net) or through the church office. On-the-job training is provided the morning you serve. 
  • Worship Bags are provided during worship services. The bags hang in the entryway by the wheelchair accessible ramp. Each bag has a coloring page and crayons, books, and a small stuffed animal to keep youngsters quietly engaged during church. 
  • Rally Day begins the Sunday School year on the first Sunday following Labor Day. 
  • Second Sundays provide an opportunity for students in grades 1 - 5 to leave church after children’s time for a special Christian Education activity the second Sunday of each month during the school year. (NOTE: No Second Sunday is scheduled for December due to the many special events during worship.)
  • Children’s Choir for children in grades 3-6. The choir practices during the 11:00 worship following Children’s Time on the second and fourth Sundays of the month and will perform during worship service several times during the year. 
  • 3rd Grade Bible Presentation. Third graders will be presented with their own copy of the Bible during Children’s Time at an 11:00 service in October.
  • Worship Workshop and Presentation of First Graders: Following Children’s Time in October, first graders will leave worship for an opportunity to learn more about the worship service.
  • Advent Workshop for all members of the church the first Sunday of Advent during the Sunday School hour. A light breakfast, a mission project and crafts to prepare for the season.
  • Santa Lucia Sunday and The Hanging of the Green are Advent events centered on children and youth. An 8th grade girl is invited each year to reenact the Swedish traditions celebrating light in darkness and hospitality. The senior high and middle school youth decorate the sanctuary with holly and pine and the children help to decorate the Chrismon tree. 
  • Christmas Pageant planned by our Middle School class with children and youth participating, will be on Christmas Eve.
  • Lent Workshop for all members of the church the first Sunday of Lent during the Sunday School hour. A light breakfast, mission project and crafts to prepare for the season.  
  • Procession of the Palms on Palm Sunday is led by the middle school youth with the children bringing in the palms. 
  • Easter Sunday Egg Hunt on the church grounds follows a congregational breakfast prior to the 11:00 service. 
  • Celebration Sunday, the final day of Sunday School. The accomplishments of the year are celebrated during the 11:00 worship service. This year our confirmation class will also be presented for membership. 
  • Summer Sundays, a Sunday School program for children who have completed grades 1-5 , will be provided every Sunday following children’s time during the summer worship service. 
  • Vacation Bible School, one week in July, 8:00-noon, Monday through Friday, Free.  VBS is offered for children age 3 through those who have completed 5th grade; middle school and high school youth serve as assistants. A nursery is provided for siblings of participants and the children of volunteers. 
  • Confirmation Class is formed every other year for students in 8th and 9th grades. The class meets with the pastor during the Sunday School hour. Part of the confirmation process is participation in a mission trip. This year (09-10) the mission trip will be to Haiti.  See more information on the mission trip page. 
  • Our Whole LIves (OWL) is a faith-based sex education program which is offered to students in grades 7 and 8 on years alternating with Confirmation Class.   

 
 
Circular Congregational Church Pledge
I pledge allegiance to God’s Love
That is present all around
And to the Compassion which it creates,
One World
Living in peace,
Celebrating Diversity
With respect and acceptance for all. AMEN.

How can you help your child benefit most from the Christian Education program at Circular?
Here are some suggestions:
  • Bring your child to as many Sunday School sessions as possible. Since our children come from such a wide geographic range, they often do not attend school together or live in the same neighborhoods. Nevertheless, we have found over the years that the children who attend regularly build strong relationships that carry them through high school and beyond. Our teachers work hard to build a strong fellowship and community within their classrooms. Even though they only see each other once a week, over time, the children learn to know and love each other. Our growing youth group is a witness to this fact. If your child is coming to Circular for the first time as an older student, do not be concerned. It may take a few weeks, but our classes are open and welcoming and they will become engaged and connected. 
  • Communicate with your child’s teacher. Take a minute on Sundays to say hi, say thanks, and offer your support. If there are any questions or concerns, please let your teacher know, or contact Ann Birdseye (raffieldbirdseye@knology.net). 
  • Volunteer to help with activities and events or teach Sunday School. A volunteer form is attached.
  • Ask your child about what happened in Sunday School. Discuss topics that are in the curriculum. Model spiritual disciplines in your family life and include your children.
  • Attend adult Sunday school and church. Making Sunday school a part of your participation in the life of the church as a family strengthens your child’s connections to Circular as an active participant and member.
  • Participate in Vacation Bible School. The experience of spending a week with children and youth from church builds relationships that support participation in church activities throughout the year.
  • Nurture your own spiritual growth. In the ways that are most meaningful to you, continue to seek God’s guidance for your life and share your experiences with your children.