Fall Sunday School

It is that time of year again, when summer begins to wind down, we settle into school schedules and cooler weather is upon us. Maybe even attend a football game or two! As we start this fall season, I want to take this opportunity to make you aware of changes to the 2009/2010 Children's Ministries Sunday School Program and upcoming events.

To begin the year, the first week of Sunday School will be September 13th. We will also be hosting an open house on September 20th in Asbury Hall after the 10:30 worship service. This will be an opportunity to visit with Sunday School teachers, check out the curriculum, and ask any questions. In addition, you have a first hand opportunity to find out about other programming and see our calendar of events. There will be information on how to become a child liturgist, acolyte and cross bearer, or become an active part of Children's Ministries at UUMC. Remember, you do not have to teach to volunteer this open house is for all of us. Our children need to be loved and nurtured in the faith, by as many members of the congregation as possible. So come find out what all the fun is about!

Also, our 9:00 am Sunday School classes will look a little different this year. Our class offerings are: Family Bible Study, Confirmation and Senior High Sunday School.

• Family Bible Study is a lectionary based study for adults and children alike and will meet on the lower level in room L04, also known as the kitchen room. Various families will lead us each week in informal conversation about the scripture. We will discuss the text, participate in related activities, enjoy a light breakfast, and fellowship with one another. "Family" in this context applies to anyone who would like an intergenerational experience as we are all part of the UUMC family.

• Confirmation is for all youth 6th grade or older. Pastor Kennetha, Pastor John Ross and Jim Doyle will be leading the class and will be using a curriculum called Claim the Name. You can find out more about the curriculum at www.cokesbury.com, at our open house on the 20th or by contacting one of the pastors. If you are in Grades 6-8 feel free to join this class, even if you are already confirmed, but would like to participate in a 9:00am Junior High Sunday School class.

• Senior High will be taught again this year by Zach Constar and will meet on the Lower Level in the Youth Lounge. He will be teaching from a curriculum called Seasons of The Spirit. You can also find out about this curriculum at www.cokesbury.com, at the open house or by contacting Krista Rowe, the Children's Ministries Director.

Our 10:30 Sunday School options have undergone changes as well.

• Children's Worship will now be held in the Sanctum on the Lower Level and be offered for children Grades 3-5 only. We will have instruments, prayers, songs, and lessons that follow an order of worship similar to that of the adult worship service. Also, children Grades 3-5 will be in adult worship on the first Sunday for the entire worship service. Our hope is that they can experience communion, as they approach an age where they will begin to make decisions about confirmation and will have an experience of the larger congregation that they are choosing to become a part of.

• The child liturgist has also moved from the second Sunday of the month to the first as a result. We are really excited about our new space and format and can't wait to worship with you.

• Grades 1-2 will have a new Sunday School class in the church archives room on the upper level. Karsha Sathianathan will be the primary teacher and will be using L.I.V.E. Big as her curriculum. More information about this curriculum can be found at www.grouppub.com.

We look forward to all the wonderful opportunities available to us this year. Whether you were raised in this church, have attended VBS, or will be joining us for the first time we are in joyous anticipation of our time with you. Please contact Krista Rowe at kristashalom@.tds.net or at the church office at 517-351-7030 if you have any questions or comments.