Christian Education
Sunday School
Sunday School is an important period in a child’s life where they learn not just the stories in the bible, but how to apply their Christian faith in their lives. Sunday School starts in the fall and ends at the end of spring. There will be two plays: Christmas and Palm Sunday. Proverbs 22:6 is a good reminder that, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” When sound biblical lessons are instilled throughout the child’s life, they will be able to experience an abundant life in Jesus.
Helping children and youth takes the church community and so there are opportunities to serve. Consider where God is leading you to serve in this area. Contact Rev. Dan Verdegan about your involvement in Pardeeville UMC Christian Education.
Sunday School Teachers: Dedicated teachers who have been background checked lead Sunday School and NurseryCare on a rotating schedule for participating kids. Lessons are pre-made with supplies ready to go.
Fill-In Teachers: There are times when Sunday School teachers or NurseryCare attendants are absent on their assigned day. Fill-in teachers, who have been background checked, teach the lesson on the Sunday that is needed. All lessons and supplies are provided. Preparation and lesson orientation should take 10 mins max to be able to be ready to teach.
Floaters: The responsibility for this person is to check into the Sunday school room as well as the nursery to be an extra set of eyes and hands. Floaters are scheduled on a rotating basis and are background checked as well.
Youth
Pre-Confirmation Classes: These are exploratory classes that run for seven weeks throughout the year to understand the Christian faith, its commitment and its impact within the person and the world. The next step after pre-confirmation class is to commit to the confirmation program.
Confirmation Program: A two year program, confirmation teaches youth in grades 8th and 9th to live out their faith. These youth are confirming the faith their parents were instilling since their baptism. Each student will be assigned an adult mentor who will journey with the student to discover, explore and integrate the Christian faith. During the two year program students will dive deeper about the Christian faith, learn about John Wesley and Methodist, participate in worship services and engage in service opportunities. The two part capstone of this program is a 1) written faith statement that they give to the congregation and 2) planning and executing a celebration worship service. Parent involvement in the confirmation is crucial for the ongoing faith formation of the students even beyond the confirmation program.
If you have a youth interested in confirmation, please reach out to
Rev. Dan Verdegan (revdan@pardeevilleunitedmethodistchurch.org)
Youth Group: A time for youth (6th-12 grade) to gather together to hang out, practice faith formation through lessons and games, fellowship around food and find security to be who God created them to be.
Adults
Just as children and youth learn about their faith and use it in the world, adults need faith formation as well to keep them on the righteous path in a world that can be chaotic and confusing. Below are crucial ways that adults can connect with others in ongoing faith formation.
Small Groups: Short term gatherings (8 weeks or less) led by people in the church and community around relevant topics that help them apply faith to everyday life. If you have a topic you want to share with others, contact Rev. Dan Verdegan about facilitating a small group.
Weekly Bible Studies: Focuses on a book of the bible. During this hour-long time, participants go verse by verse to understand God’s word. Coupled with scholarly insights, participants are able to see how God’s word applies to their lives.
