Peace Memorial Church

“Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” – Deuteronomy 4:10

Our children’s ministry at Peace Memorial Church United Church of Christ is highly valued in our faith community. We have a long history of ministering to children both in our church and in our community.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Toddlers
Our program begins with church school for toddlers (walkers through three-year olds). This class includes play which is their work, an easy craft and a Bible story. The teachers are committed to creating a loving atmosphere for all of the children.

Pre-School
The Pre-School class is designed for children who will go to kindergarten within the next two following years. It is more structured and includes crafts, stories, and application of the Bible story to their lives. The teachers in this class are highly dedicated to Christian education and have a strong faith to share with the children.

K through 5 – Faith Journey
For our elementary school children, kindergarten through the fifth grade, the Sunday School program is based on a workshop rotation model we call Faith Journey. This teaching model reaches children through a variety of learning styles and experiences. We teach the major Bible stories and concepts through kid-friendly multimedia workshops such as cooking, science, storytelling, drama, crafts and games. This EXCITING approach to Christian Education allows children to learn the Biblical stories in a very hands-on way.

CONFIRMATION

6th Grade – Pre-confirmation
The Sixth grade students are involved in the youth programming and consequently have their Sunday morning Christian education separate as “Pre-Confirmation.” This class is geared to learning the basics of the faith emphasizing the use and understanding of the Bible. These fundamentals serve as an excellent springboard for the following two years of confirmation.

7th & 8th Grade – Confirmation
We believe that confirmation is a significant moment in which young people affirm the faith into which they are baptized. Confirmation isn’t simply about gathering information and increasing knowledge; it is also about standing before other believers and saying, “I too believe.” It’s about taking responsibility for one’s own faith journey and practicing the principles and tenets of Christianity in daily living. In preparation for their confirmation day, these youth have an opportunity to begin the lifelong journey of taking responsibility for their faith development.

The confirmation program at Peace Memorial Church is a two year program. The first year consists of weekly classes with the pastors. The purpose of these sessions is to offer our confirmands solid Biblical study and investigation into God’s word with activities designed to help them “frame” their own beliefs and faith. The second year consists of field trips and retreats designed to help confirmands think about their own faith life and the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ to which they have been called, outside the walls of the local church.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Two special programs that our children and families look forward to every year are our annual Christmas Program and Vacation Bible School.

Christmas Program
All children and youth are invited to participate in the Christmas program that is usually performed during a Sunday morning worship service prior to Christmas Eve.

Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a much anticipated event in the life of our church and is open to the community. Children ages 4 to through 5th are invited attend, while older children, teens and adults serve as helpers, guides and teachers.