Christian Education

Office: avondale.pcoffice@verizon.net Pastor: Pastor.Meute@verizon.net

Christian Education

Preschool Classes	Childrens Classes	Middle School
Senior High	Adult Class	Vacation Bible School

Kingdom Kids

Angel Breakfast

Christian Education is a necessary step toward striving to become more like Jesus Christ. At Avondale Presbyterian Church, we strongly believe this to be true and offer a variety of classes suited for all age groups. Our Sunday School program is well rounded and based on scriptural teachings with a contemporary flare. Our classes begin each Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. Each of our classrooms has two individual teachers in them. Sunday School is not in session during the summer months. A modern facility is under construction and should be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2008.

PRESCHOOL CLASSES:

Nursery - We have a preschool class for ages prior to Kindergarten, which teaches basic stories of the Bible and helps prepare the students for the next level in their Christian Education. The program we use is by David C. Cook Publishers.

CHILDRENS CLASSES:

We have classes for Kindergarten and 1^st grade, 2^nd and 3^rd grades, and 4^th and 5^th grades. All grades all have an extensive scriptural program, with each classroom being taught by two teachers. The program we use is by David C. Cooke Publishers. Our Christian Education Committee reviews this program to provide the best in basic spiritual teachings based solely on the Holy Scriptures. A variety of audio/visual tools coupled with the Holy Scriptures form the foundation for learning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

6^th - 8^th grades -- The 2008-2009 year is loaded with fun, studies and challenges seeking the wild truth about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Skits, drama, games and serious quiet time are all components of out time together. Studies of God using metaphors such as water, rock, servant, gift, potter, inventor, comedian and child are the focus. The highlight of the fall session was a field trip to an artisan potter. He taught us how God is like a potter by taking us through all the steps of making a pot. We take time to journey deep into Scripture for the life of Christ. Back by popular demand is a real fish breakfast. After Easter, we will reenact the fish broil while dressed in period costumes during the class, eating broiled fish as Jesus and his disciples did before the Ascension.

SENIOR HIGH:

9^th- 12^th grades -- At this level, the students learn about the basics of the Bible, where it came from, as well as how to read and study it for maximum life applications. They also study in depth the life of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Heavenly Angels, as well as important events in Biblical history and the future of Christianity.

ADULT CLASSES:

We currently offer two different adult Sunday School classes, each with its own path to follow:

1. "Issues for Action" is a class which discusses popular topics and current issues that impact our lives, with the desire that our discussions would lead to constructive action by participants in our church family and beyond. All are welcome. Pastor Ray leads the discussions and tries to supply a biblical anchor for each topic. Any topic is worth consideration. Pastor Ray seeks to alert the church family on what topic will be addressed for the upcoming Sunday so that all can give some preliminary thought and bring any information that they feel is important. (Class does not meet on the Second Sunday but joins with everyone in the sanctuary for "Family Fun Time"). The class meets in the Timothy House living room.

2. Adult Sunday School, room 103 facilitated by Will Wallace: "Discussion on Themes in The Book of Genesis." Class discussions are aided by video lectures by eminent scholar R. C. Sproul, Drs., Ph.D., Ligonier Ministries. These themes are the basis for much of our Judeo-Christian heritage and the world-view that we take for granted today.

We hope all will attend our Sunday School classes and encourage those currently in our program to nurture and guide one another in our never ending search for His truth.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:

Each summer Avondale Presbyterian Church hosts a week long summer camp for kids ages 3 through 5th grade. Each year we choose a new theme to get the kids and volunteers excited about God's word. No one is too old or young to hear the message of God's love at this fun filled week.

Your children will enjoy a variety of activities each day to enhance the daily "Bible Point". These activities include: Bible Adventure, where God's story comes to life in an interactive presentation; Bible Games, where the kids play games that reinforce the "Bible Point"; Crafts, where take home projects are created as a reminder of the day's "Bible Point"; Chadder's Theater, where kids meet Chadder the Chipmunk and see how he faces challenges by relying on God's message; Snacks, where kids get reenergized on snacks made by volunteers; and Music and Skits; where kids sing and dance to uplifting music that is very contagious and will no doubt make its way into your car and home.

In addition, each VBS supports a mission for the week. In the past, we have collected shoes and school supplies, made teddy bears to send to orphans and sent Spanish Bibles to kids in need. The children's support of these missions is overwhelming. They get so excited to do something for others.

We hope to see your children and you at our next VBS. Our theme for 2008 is "Fiesta". Tentative dates for VBS are July 28 through August 1, 2008. We are already praying for your kids to come and experience God's love at this wonderful week.

KINGDOM KIDS

Ministry with children and youth is a high priority at Avondale Presbyterian Church. Ninety-Five percent of people who make a decision to be Christ's followers do so before they are twenty years old. We believe we must strive for excellence in nurturing our children and youth.

Kingdom Kids is an exciting ministry for children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Each year as fall approaches, we get ready to begin a new year for our Kingdom Kids. We meet once a month for a fun activity such as the "Amazing Maize Maze", picnicking, hiking, roller skating, hay rides and Christmas caroling.

In January, Kingdom Kids begin meeting every other Tuesday after school for "Terrific Tuesdays". The four parts of Terrific Tuesdays: 4:30 p.m. Recreation/Crafts, 5:00 p.m. Bible Discovery, 5:30 p.m. Dinnertime and 6:30 p.m. Music/Mission Time. This follows the example of the early church as described in Acts, Chapter 2.

Each dinnertime includes a theme, a game and a thank you song to be sung to our cooks.

ANGEL BREAKFAST

The Angel Breakfast is held each year at the beginning of December. It is open to children ages 2 through 3^rd grade. Each child may bring a parent. Their photo is taken on arrival. The children start the morning with a craft, then, prepare a paper Advent chain to help them count the days until Christmas. Everyone then comes into the dining area, which is decorated with clouds for a delicious breakfast. Just as breakfast begins, Angels arrive through the clouds singing Christmas carols! After they sing, they greet each child individually and share the message of the coming of Jesus. Each child has a candle at their breakfast place, along with a scroll containing a simple Family Christmas Worship Program to use at home on Christmas morning. After breakfast, the children watch a short video segment entitled "Birth of Our Savior". They go home with full bellies, happy faces and wonderful memories of the Angels that came to see them.