Our Church School
The Church School at Second Congregational, UCC provides faith formation for all children age birth to grade eight. Ninth grade confirmands and high school youth are encouraged to participate in the church through assisting with classes or attending worship in addition to other classes and activities for their age group provided at times other than during worship (Please see the Youth Ministry page).
Our traditional Church School program runs from September through May, with special events during the months of January and June. Every January the children and youth are assigned to inter-age teams to participate in Bible Olympics. June term allows the whole church school to focus on a Bible story by exploring it together through drama, games, cooking, etc. Mission project are an integral part of our program year, including collections for UNICEF and food drives for the hungry in the local community.
With the exception of our childcare providers in the infant and toddler room, all of our other teachers are dedicated volunteers who have a passion for helping the children of our church grow in their relationship with God. Some of our volunteers teach for a semester, others commit for the whole year, others teach as part of a team that rotates responsibilities, and still others simply help out with special events and workshops. We have opportunities to match numerous gifts and passions. In line with our mission to provide safe environments for our children, each class has at least two teachers who have cleared a CORI check.
Curriculum: Nurturing the faith of our children
The Second Congregational, UCC Church School proudly uses Godly Play, the Gather ‘Round Curriculum, and the Journey to Adulthood Curriculum.
Ages birth thru age 3 We have experienced caregivers providing a fun, safe and age appropriate space to play, hear stories and music about God.
Age 4 thru Grade 2 Godly Play Curriculum: The children in these classes experience the Bible through a Montessori-style curriculum that encourages authentic experiences of God, discovery and meaning making and self expression while addressing the multiple ways children learn.
Grade 3 thru Grade 5 Gather ’Round Curriculum: The sense of community is continued in the upper elementary grades with a curriculum that nurtures Biblical literacy while stressing issues of justice and compassion and addressing multiple intelligences and diverse learning styles.
Grade 6 thru 8 Journey to Adulthood: Middle school youth are engaged in deep conversation through a curriculum that celebrates the individuality of each young teen and their creative potential, while exploring Biblical stories of God and God's people.
Children and Communion
Children are welcome at the Table. On the first Sunday of each month the children start in their classrooms at 9:30. Children in Godly Play II and older will return to the Sanctuary to receive communion with the congregation. Children will sit as a class unless parents choose to have their children sit with them. Parents who prefer for their child not receive communion, are welcome to have their child join them when all the children return to the sanctuary.
Bible Sunday
Each year, all children in Grade 2 and any older children who have not yet received a Bible from Second Church, will receive the gift of a Bible with their name on it. This is a gift from the Church family to help nurture the faith development of each child.
Advent Workshop
The first Sunday December the children celebrate advent by moving through stations of advent crafts to take home or to share with others. The older youth also put together packages for the home bound members of the church.
Ukrainian Egg Workshop
Each Spring, with the help of some artists in residents, the children follow the sacred Lenten Ukrainian tradition of creating intricately designed eggs by layering melted wax and dyes. We often have adults who join us for this special event.