Christian Education Summit, January 2006
Christian Education Summit
January 28, 2006
Yesterday morning more than two dozen FBC members met for several hours of analyzing and planning for the children’s and youth education program at the church. Led by Alan Newton (our ABC area minister), as well as Patti Burkett and Mary Farmer, the group worked through a series of exercises to help us envision and structure a program that will meet the spiritual and educational needs of our community while responding to the realities of our congregational dynamics.
The list below reflects a lengthy conversation about our own program and what we would like to see as part of it.
- Lots of play
- The opportunity to build relationships with peers, teachers, and church leaders
- A focus on peace and justice work
- Creative outlets, including music, theater, fine arts, dance
- Understanding the Biblical call for justice
- Having chances to be together away from church
- Incorporate a variety of others’ faith testimonies
- Caring, positive, faith-centered mentoring
- Utilizing the expertise of members of the congregation
- Being consistent
- Providing opportunities to exercise responsibility
- Providing opportunities to express our faith in action
- A real and continuing effort to reach out to parents
- Creating and sustaining an inviting community for high school aged youth
- Meaningful, regular participation of children and youth in Sunday worship
- Teaching the stories of the faith
- Instilling a love of God and an understanding of the message of Jesus
- A fluid structure based less on ages and more on the needs of our children
- Short term activities that invite adults to interact with children and youth
- Opportunities that are enticing to children, youth, and families
- A clear and sustained commitment to the youth and children’s program
We invite and encourage you to talk with members of the Christian Education committee about items on these lists, your suggested additions, your feelings and hopes for the Christian Education program, or to volunteer your time and talents.
Patti Burkett, chair
Gini Lohmann Bauman
Nancy Dobbelaer
Kelly Ebersole
