Introduction
Curriculum
Schedule
Memory Work Program

Theology should never be “dead”. It should be full of life and cultivate love for Christ. Theology may be defined simply as “words about God” or the “study of God.” We are commanded to love the Lord our God will all our heart, soul, strength, and MIND. Romans 12:2 instructs us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we might prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It is never too early to begin the process! In fact, if we (as parents or as members of the church) fail to teach our covenant children, the lies of the world will only too quickly fill the void. The question is not “will our children be taught”, it is “what will our children be taught?”

The curriculum for Christian Education for the 2011-12 school year is as follows:

Morning Christian Education – Adults

Fall ‘11 / Winter ‘11 – “Fellowship” – Not many Christian books are written about the topic of Biblical fellowship.  Our elders will try to help us fill in that gap.

Morning Christian Education – Youth

Our morning education program is more academic, where children learn who God is, how He has shown Himself to us, and what He has declared to us to know and to do.  Many of the age groups are currently using the Desiring God children’s curriculum.

In the morning, the youth are divided into the following age groups:
2-3 year olds, 4-5 year olds, grades 1-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12

Evening Christian Education – Youth

Our evening education program is more informal, where children learn to apply God’s truth to their daily lives.  Curriculum is divided into 1/2 year sections in a 3-year rotation as follows:  Christian Worldview, Christian Living, Church History, Answers in Genesis, Missions/Evangelism, Christian Living (intentional repeat).

In the Fall 2011 / Winter 2011 semester – classes are focused on Church History.

In the Winter 2011 / Spring 2012 semester – classes are will be using curriculum from Answers In Genesis.

In the evening, the youth are divided into the following age groups:
3-6 year olds, grades 1-3, grades 4-6 and grades 7-12

The Christian Education schedule for morning and evening classes runs throughout the year with three exceptions:

1)  There will be a 6 week break in C.E. classes (both morning and evening) from mid-July ending with the last Sunday in August.  During this time we have “Summer Fellowship”,  a fellowship time accompanied by a light brunch each week in the C.E. time slot.

2)  There will be no C.E. classes during weeks which we have our bi-monthly communion service (typically this will occur in the morning).

3)  On rare occasions, there may be times during which C.E. is cancelled such that all the congregation can hear a “special” speaker.  On these occasions, it may also be the case that C.E. classes are left up to the individual teachers / classes.  (This may occur in the morning or evening.)

The Session, in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee, has developed a Congregational Scripture Memory Program for our use and benefit this year (2010-11).

This program is for all age groups, with 3 – 13 week terms, divided into one month sections, and the summer off.  It has 3 categories:

1. Scripture Category with 6-7 verses for each month     and

2. Westminster Shorter Catechism Category with 2 questions (or corresponding Catechism for Young Children of 3-5 questions) for each month.                                                                              and

3. For those who wish to have a higher goal, memorization of the supporting verses or “proof texts” for the Catechism is encouraged.  Proof texts can be found following the Catechism questions in the RPCNA Constitution, the small booklets published by Banner of Truth Trust, or from various sources online.

This program, provided by the Church, will be implemented by individuals or in the context of families.  A record sheet in a folder will be provided, but it is the responsibility of the family to use it or not, and to decide whether parents or a church listener hears the verses of the children involved.  Participating adults are encouraged to recite their verses to an accountability partner. The amount memorized is also up to the participants. Families may substitute verses as long as the participant is not rewarded twice for the material memorized.  Substitutions should be verse for verse and may come from Christian School programs, family devotions, etc.

For students Age 3 (or younger if parents wish) though Grade 12, a reward system is in place for the Scripture and Catechism Categories.  Rewards will be given every three months (December, March, June), based on what has been learned. For each month, $3 will be given if all the Scripture is learned and $2 if all the Catechism is learned. This makes $15 per quarter or $45 for the year.  It is to be spent at a Christian Book Store or online for books, music, or other materials that promote spiritual growth.

Cards with the Scripture portion and Catechism questions for each month will be in the foyer and in the classrooms.  They are printed in New King James, but families / individuals are free to choose their own version.