We strive to be faithful disciples, to commit ourselves to the Christian education of children, youth and adults, to explore God's Word with excitement, share the Word with energy, and actively and vigorously live the Word each and every day.
At SSPC there are many opportunities for Spiritual Development
We believe that Christian education is a lifelong process, and we offer weekly opportunities for people of all ages to deepen their faith, enhance their knowledge of the Bible, and learn what makes Christian life distinctive.
Sunday School
We encourage our children and youth to begin worship with their family and the congregation at 10 am. Following the children’s message, they are invited to join together for lessons of the day, fellowship and a hymn sing ending by 11:25.
Our nursery attendants are happy to take care of infants and toddlers during the worship service. Friends of our children and youth are alway
s welcome.
Children in Pre K thru First Grade will learn through hands-on activities and enjoy routine and ritual. Because motor skills are developing and creative imagination is taking hold, Sunday sessions make use of songs, fingerplays, group activities, and simple craft projects. Bible stories are explored through interactive storytelling, using puppets, art images, and drama.
Children in our 2nd through Fifth Grade Class have or are beginning to develop strong literal and concrete thinking skills and the ability to think abstractly. They enjoy working with a group of friends. As they enter the Bible story through imagination and life connections they are encouraged to develop Bible skills, ask questions, and explore faith traditions. Projects help them connect with issues of justice and fairness. Mission activities are offered at times and include making cards for Meals-On-Wheels recipients, collecting toys for children of inmates at the Bedford Correctional Facility or raising coins for the Presbyterian Church USA One Great Hour of Sharing collection.
Faith Development is offered to our Middle School youth who have longer attention spans, which allow them to be more self-directed in their learning. Friendships are important, and they are beginning to recognize a variety of viewpoints. Sessions provide opportunities for active exploration of Bible stories and encourage beginning reading and writing skills. Varied activities meet the needs of different learning styles, and mission projects help encourage a connection to the wider community. The first Sunday of each month, Youth are invited to stay in the worship service and participate in Communion.
2009-2010 Program
The Christian Education Program for our youth and children follows the cycle of the seasons of the Church year.
Pentecost 2 (September—November)
Advent, Christmas, Epiphany (December—February)
Lent, Easter (March—May)
Pentecost 1 (June—August)
Currently we use the program Seasons of The Spirit which connects the Bible passages of the Christian year to faith life – at home, in the community, and in the world.
Confirmation classes
Eighth and Ninth graders and those older youth who have not gone through confirmation yet are welcome. The Pastor and other adult leaders design and lead each year’s program which includes a study of other world religions, an exploration of who God and Jesus are, and discussions on the purpose of the church and what being a church member means.
Adult Education
On Sundays at 9:00 A.M. (May 2, 9, 16 and 23)
an adult education class on Reading Scripture is being led by John Bergstrom in the Mead Room. The purpose of the class is to explore techniques to deepen our understanding of scripture through reading aloud.
John spent fifteen years as a professional actor, performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional and repertory theatre as well as in summer stock. His translations of Henrik Ibsen plays and other Scandinavian drama have been produced in New York and London. He received his M.A. in theatre from Indiana University, spent two additional post graduate years in professional acting conservatory training, and he has taught acting and dramatic literature at Case Western Reserve and at Illinois Wesleyan Universities.
