CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN

Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers September through June in the church nursery.

Church School classes are offered for children 3 years through 8 th grade. Students attend worship with their parents and then gather with their classmates following the children ’ s sermon. Three classes are available, grouped according to age. Several times through the year special activities are planned for the entire church school department including breakfasts, Christmas Caroling & Spaghetti Supper and a Lenten Lock-In.

Adult Sunday School is held in the library following the fellowship hour after worship and lasts until 12:30pm. The discussion is led by Rev. Dianne Deming and Dr. Sally Cordrey. (Note: Bible Study is not held during the months of June, July and August.)

Adult Bible Study is offered each Wednesday morning from 10-11, September through May. This group explores the Scripture and its relevance to today ’ s world.
(Note: Bible Study is not held during the months of June, July and August.)

Three times a year a Supper and Scripture Series is held on Wednesday evenings from 6:15-8:00. The studies vary and the evening includes a meal. These series run in October, during Lent and in July.

Penny Harvest The Sunday School kids and young folks literally hope to harvest pennies and many dollars this fall so that they can support Agri-Maya – a food growing and soil-saving outreach among the Maya people in eastern Guatemala.

On the slopes of the Guatemalan mountain ranges Agri-Maya, working thru the local people and communities, are organizing the planting of trees and crops so that the soil is preserved during rainfalls/hurricanes and the people will have enough food to survive and support a growing local market and economy.

Agri-Maya has a long connection with the Presbyterian Church of Guatemala and a growing relationship with U.S. churches, but they plan to remain independent and seek funds from all sources. Our children are learning about hunger, empty closets, and empty stomachs. They are learning to share and give so that others can survive and live full lives.

Can all of us help them to do that? Thank you for giving and your prayers.

Christian Education Committee

Volunteers are needed to deliver the children's story time during worship beginning September 16. A sign-up sheet is posted in the Narthex. Please put your John (or Jane) Hancock on the line next to the Sunday you would like to serve. Lay people demonstrating their commitment to Christ in this way is meaningful not only to the children, but to the entire congregation as well. Books of children's sermons are available in the church library for those who would like help getting the creative juices flowing. Questions may be directed to Rev. Dianne Deming (telephone number is available in the church office, 302-227-2109).

First Fridays with Friends is Westminster ’ s ministry with middle school youth. First Fridays w/Friends is undergoing a makeover. Instead of the monthly meeting of middle school youth, there will be several special events throughout the year to include children and youth in the three older church school classes. To get the program started, one suggestion is to build and "person" a float for the Sea Witch Festival, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

(see pictures of past First Fridays with Friends events)

Faith Explorer Computer Game Now Available for Westminster Kids of All Ages - The Christian Education committee recently purchased a companion piece to our church school curriculum that provides a fun way to reinforce the stories and lessons learned on Sundays in the childrens' own homes. It is a computer game called Faith Explorer. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to play along with their children and enjoy together!

Any interested member of the congregation is invited to download the game and try their hand! Here's what you need to do:

1. Go to www.faithexplorer.com/accounts/getgame.asp?accID=2649 on your computer.

2. Log in using the Westminster Church access information (call the church office at 302-227-2109 and ask for User Name, Password, and Access Code).

3. Click on the Download link. Be prepared, this could take awhile, but once downloaded, you should be all set for meaningful fun and games.