The First Lutheran Church Christian Education Committee plans and implements Christian Education for preschool children through adults, and facilitates ministry to, with, and by our children. Sunday Church School classes are from 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM, starting with an opening for all ages in Holy Cross Hall.

Children and Youth

Christian education classes for children in preschool through high school are held on Sundays at 9:45 AM.

  • Preschool and kindergarten class engages in spiritual formation through Godly Play, a method of biblical storytelling and the teaching of religious language based on the Montessori approach to education.
  • Elementary classes use Augsburg Fortress’s lectionary-based curriculum, Spark.
  • Confirmation is led by clergy and volunteers to teach our confirmands the Lutheran theology and equip them to become faithful members of our church.
  • The Senior High curriculum is developed annually based on teacher and student discussion of topics they would like to cover.
  • Sunday Church School teachers serve on a teaching team for a particular classroom of students. The curriculum is developed by clergy with input from the Christian Education Committee and congregational members. Additional teachers are always needed! Please contact the church if you are interested in being a Sunday Church School teacher.

Our Sunday Church School year is filled with learning opportunities and special programs for young people, as well as all-ages activities.

CAMP DOWNTOWN

CAMP DOWNTOWN: ICEFEST

  • One day of Bible lessons, crafts, food, and ice skating at PPG Plaza, held annually in January for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

FAMILY CIRCUS

  • A ministry for children from birth through second grade and their families. Family Circus provides fellowship opportunities for the young families of First Lutheran Church.

KIDVENTURE

  • A ministry that provides fun and fellowship for our tween members in grades three through six.

ALL-AGES EVENTS

  • Bi-annual events during Advent and Lent for families and congregation members of all ages to come together for fellowship and learning. Activities may involve making cards and decorations for our homebound members or activities to benefit a charitable organization.

RALLY DAY

  • The annual Sunday Church School kickoff event in September for all ages filled with fun, food, fellowship, and a backpack blessing.

Christian education occurs in various settings within our parish life. Young people are invited to participate in the larger life of the Church, including in worship as lectors, ushers, greeters, and in the children’s and youth choirs. They are also encouraged to participate in leadership roles, such as youth group officers and representatives to the Youth Ministry Committee and Congregational Council.

Youth Ministry

At First Lutheran Church, we are intentional about leading our students to live a life dedicated to Christ. Our Youth Ministry program – open to students in middle and high school – offers a safe place for kids to make friends, learn, and have fun while nurturing a deeper connection to their faith.                                    

 

Adults

 

Christian education class for adults is held on Sunday at 9:45 AM. Topics include theological ideas, spirituality, Bible study, the liturgy, Church history, the history of First Lutheran Church, hymnology, art in the Church, etc. The classes are taught by both pastors and lay people.