Church School
Story Time
Story Time is a great inter-generational opportunity here at Immanuel. We now have four women who have volunteered to read stories to our youngsters: Jean Hafner, Linda McNair, Harriet Dyer and Betty Allen. We thank them for sharing their love it our children and hope that you will encourage your children to gather in the Parlor for a "good read" during coffee hour on the first Sunday of each month.
Story Time is also a good idea at home. The season of lent is an ideal time to start a new spiritual habit with your children. The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) Like brushing your teeth, good habits started in childhood can have results that last a lifetime. Reading a story from a children's Bible on a regular basis is a good foundation for developing faith. It could be everynight or once a week; the idea is to make an effort to be consistent and to build a habit that everyone enjoys. Make it cozy, make it fun. The love you put into it will become a lasting part of the experience.
Another opportunity for reflection with your children during Lent is provided by the Creative Classroom. This month, Joan Cooney will be leading the first through sixth graders in an exploration of images of Christ. Talking with your child about this special session may be a way for you to share your thoughts about how you "see" Jesus.
-- Rev. Nancy Allen, Ministry with Children
The Mission of Our Church School
The mission of Immanuel's Church School is to shape the spiritual formation of children and youth through study, worship, outreach and community building.
Our dedicated Church School teachers seek to help young people, from birth through high school, develop an identity as beloved children of God within our community. Through study and classroom activities, children and youth are invited to appreciate the richness of our biblical heritage, explore the call to discipleship and mission, and grow in their understanding of the Christian life. Throughout the year, we offer special events for children and youth, as well as intergenerational programs: for example, an Advent workshop, Christmas Pageant, and Walk Through Holy Week. Please check our church calendar or Immanuel's newsletter, The Voice. (see the home page for this month's edition of The Voice.)
Stewardship and mission are important aspects of our Church School program. In 2001-2002, the Church School offering supported Heifer Project International.
Teachers
The Christian Education Board seeks to form teaching teams of at least three persons; two teachers lead the class each Sunday, following a rotation schedule determined by the team. We are currently compling a list of "resource people," who are willing to share their special gifts with a class, or classes, for example, in art, drama, music, storytelling, computers or mission. The CE Board provides teacher training, ongoing support and creative resources. If you are interested in serving as a Church School teacher or as a leader in youth ministry, please call the Church Office (860.527.8121) or email Rev. Nancy Allen at nancy.allen@iccucc.org .
Nursery
On Sunday mornings during the school year, from 9 - 11:30am, childcare is offered in the nursery for children 2 years and under. Two adult caregivers/teachers share with the children stories and activities drawn from the UCC Church School curriculum, Seasons of the Spirit. Informational leaflets are available for parents. We welcome your requests for any special needs that may arise for your child. Beginning on September 15th, 2002, a new toddler room will also be available for children ages 2 and 3, from 9:30 - 11:30am. Parents may choose to leave toddlers here before the 10am worship or have their children attend worship through the Children's Message.
Children
At 10am on Sunday mornings during the school year, the whole church gathers for worship. Children attend with their families and stay through the opening part of the service. After a special message for the children, they are invited to go to their Church School classes, accompanied by their teachers, until 11:10am. Parents of students through grade 3 are asked to pick up their children in the classrooms. Children remain in class if worship continues past 11:10am.
The first Sunday of every month is Communion Sunday and Immanuel's children are encouraged to participate in Holy Communion. On these Sundays, children in grades 2 and up are asked to remain in worship. Children bring their offerings to worship through music (the IMM*Arts Choir) and special readings.
The invitation to the Lord's Table at Immanuel is extended to all persons, whether members of this church or not... And being sensitive to the nurturing of children not yet confirmed, it is further moved that such children be welcomed to the Lord's Table, when their parents, guardians, or other appropriate adults deem them ready, in order that they too may experience the joy and grace of this sacrament 
of the Church as they mature.
--From the Board of Deacons' Statement of Policy Concerning Open Communion Table.
Our Church School uses the new UCC curriculum Seasons of the Spirit for Nursery Children through grade 8. The curriculum follows the Revised Common Lectionary and all classes will follow the same theme in ways appropriate to each age level. An open house for parents and friends will be offered twice a year so that communication remains open between families and teachers. We encourage parents and other adults to express interest in what the children are learning at Immanuel, in worship and the classroom.
Youth (Grades 6-12)
At 10am on Sunday mornings, during the school year, the whole church gathers for worship. Along with the young children, youth are invited to stay in worship on the first Sunday of each month, in order to participate in Holy Communion. They bring their offerings through music or readings, and their service as ushers. On the remaining Sundays, youth through grade 8 are asked to attend the opening part of the worship service; church school classes begin after the Children's Message. The Church School uses the UCC curriculum Seasons of the Spirit.
On Sunday mornings, Senior High Youth (grades 9-12) will be meeting twice a month for discussion: usually on the second Sunday, at 8:45am for Breakfast Club before worship, and on the third or fourth Sunday at 11:30am for Food for Thought. Please check the Youth Newsletter for specific dates this coming Fall, 2002.
The aim and hope of Immanuel's Youth Fellowship is to provide a safe space for community building, discussion of topics important to teens, service projects, and varied worship experiences. Youth fellowship activities are scheduled prinicpally on Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings. Each youth receives a monthly newsletter and may find updates in The Voice, Immanuel's newsletter.
Confirmation Class
At present, Confirmation class is held every other year. The Confirmation class uses the resource Making Disciples, which is based on the belief that our congregation has all the requisites for making strong, vibrant Christians for today's church. Adult mentors and church members, including older youth, work together in facilitating this program. Confirmation at Immanuel Congregational Church has discipleship as its guiding principle, that is, the ongoing process of helping young people to grow as disciples of Jesus in their lifestyle, beliefs, and values. The Confirmation experience therefore includes several dimensions: study and discussion, participation in service projects, worship at Immanuel and in defferent faith communities, sharing with adult mentors, and special retreats.
Please contact the church office for a class schedule and further information about our Confirmation program.
