ORGANIZATION REPORTS

Christian Education - Children & Youth

Church School

 

What a fantastic year we experienced in Christian Education in 2008!  St. Theodore’s is blessed with caring and talented teachers, loving and committed parents, and a wonderful group of children and youth.

Winter/spring 2008   Our Sunday school classes and Children’s Chapel continued to thrive.  Our teachers taught our children about sacrifice and giving during the season of Lent and also celebrated that “He has Risen” during Easter.  The children placed their mite boxes on the altar on Easter morning as well as had a good time at the EYC- sponsored Easter Egg Hunt.  As our school year came to a close, St. Theodore’s recognized the youth in our church at “Youth Sunday.”  The young people at St. Theodore’s read, played music, sang, served as acolytes, ushers and greeters at the special service dedicated to them. What an amazing service led by some amazing young people! 

Summer 2008  Although Sunday school was on “summer break,”  Children’s Chapel continued through the summer with success.  Also during the summer, Lisa Leak put many hours into planning St. Theodore’s 2008 Vacation Bible School.  Many adults and EYC members committed to help with “Lift Off!  Soaring to New Heights with God.”  It was planned for June 9th, 10th, and 11th.  What happened to the saying “If you build it, they will come?”  Well, we had our program ready to “soar,” but they didn’t come!!  With only three children registered, we reluctantly cancelled our VBS.  Thank you to Lisa who put many long hours into VBS preparation.  Lisa and the Christian Education Committee began to look at 2009 and to think “outside the box”. Stay tuned to our next VBS venture!

Fall/winter 2008   Rally Day was a huge success with many new children registered for the school year 2007/2008. Church school began on August 24th with great enthusiasm and excitement with a whopping 34 children and youth attending that first day. We kicked off our 2008 school year with a “Super Sundae” party for all students, parents and teachers.  What a fun way to kick off this fantastic year!  The congregation helped to get our school year off to a great start by picking an apple from the “Wishing Tree”. Teachers put school supplies, craft items, and other needed supplies on apples which were “picked” and then brought in. Thanks to everyone who helped stock our shelves for the 2008-2009 school year!

Brenda Parks led two Godly Play training sessions in the fall.  Nine new teachers were given the instruction and training to teach Godly Play this year.  Our newly trained Godly Play teachers are Linda Lawhon, Leann Brown, Amy Guess, Kathy Emeterio, Missy Hummel, Julia Davis, Michelle Harris, Lisa Leak and David Spooner.   In October the children of St. Theodore’s enjoyed Halloween with the church at “Trunk or Treat” with EYC serving hot chocolate and cookies.  In November on All Saints Day, youth and children remembered those loved ones who have died. They all contributed to linking up a “Saints of God” paper chain and placed it on the alter during the 10:30 a.m. service. Also in November, the Sunday school kids participated in a food drive competition to benefit Helping Hands. The Advent season began with the making of the Advent wreaths with family and members of the congregation. Mary Jane Cole and the EYC did a wonderful job organizing this event for everyone.  Last but not least, there is the Christmas Pageant. The Greatest Story Ever Told performed by our own youth and children. Thanks to Ginger Hamilton and Sherri Little for their tireless direction and to the parents and volunteers for their time and support and of course to the talented performers. This was certainly the highlight of the 2008 year!

Our Sunday school has 42 children enrolled with an average of 25 students each Sunday.  Children’s Chapel’s average attendance is approximately six children but ranges from 2 to 11 years old.  We have 18 Sunday school teachers and five Children’s Chapel teachers. (See separate Children’s Chapel report.) Our teachers are a dedicated group of men and women that give their time and talent, while demonstrating their love of Christ through their lessons and teachings.

Godly Play I: 

Brenda Parks and Linda Lawhon (1st quarter)

Leann Brown and Amy Guess (2nd quarter)

Brenda Parks and Kathy Emeterio (3rd quarter)

Missy Hummel and Julia Davis (4th quarter)

Godly Play II

Amy Glazier and Michelle Harris (1st quarter)

Joy Rodda and Mary Jane Cole (2nd quarter)

Lisa Leak and Amy Glazier (3rd quarter)

Lisa Leak and David Spooner (4th quarter)

Godly Play Trainers: Father Ken and Brenda Parks

4th-6th grades:  Tregg Brown with Beth Brown and Jeri Ohlander assisting

7th-12th grades:  Gary Lowe with Sherri Little assisting

 

Amy Guess, Christian Education Director