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For the reformed, Christian
education has always been a priority in our churches and families. The
practice of family worship and devotions has been a staple in strong reformed
families for generations. Christian Sabbath observance in the reformed
tradition has always emphasized not simply rest, i.e. ceasing from one's labor,
but also spending time in the spiritual disciplines. The Puritan divines
tell us that on the Lord's Day we should attend to
"The reading of the Scriptures with godly
fear, the sound preaching and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and
reverence, singing of psalms with grace in the heart; as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ, are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of
God: beside religious oaths, vows, solemn fastings, and thanksgivings upon special
occasions, which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner"
(WCF , XXI, v).
Much of these activities are to be observed on
the Lord's Day in our public assemblies; however, heads of households are to be
attending to much of these practices not just on the Lord's Day, but during the
week as well. Our Book of Worship informs us,
"Equally necessary for spiritual growth is
daily worship, privately as an individual and as a family in the home.
There should be the reading of Scripture and prayer. Other materials and
activities may enhance the worship experience Christian families
should set aside some time each day to worship God. The head of the home
should see that this is done" (p. 265). [N.B. catechesis would be assumed
using either the Children's Catechism or the Shorter Catechism--both of which
can be downloaded
HERE]
Sunday School
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While the issue of the Sunday
School has been widely debated for over 100 years, we make use of the practice
at our church as it is a useful time of education for our families before our
time of corporate worship. Our Sunday School hour begins at
10:00am. Below is a chart of age appropriate classes for you and your
children: |
| Class |
Teacher(s) |
Room/
Floor |
Description |
|
Beginners |
Jane Ellis
& Eleanor Logan |
Room 4
(downstairs nursery) |
David
C. Cook curriculum |
|
Elementary |
Emilie &
Bill Lesesne |
Room 5
(third floor) |
|
|
Middle School (grades 6
- 8) |
Chris &
Stephani Redding |
Room 4
(third floor) |
Great Commissions Publications |
|
High School (grades 9 -
12) |
Joey
& Toby Johnson |
Room
3 (third floor) |
Great Commissions Publications |
|
"Upstairs
Fellowship" (College/Career) |
Paul
Bell (currently) |
Room
6 (third floor) |
Study
on "I AM" sayings in John's Gospel |
|
"Faith
Class" |
Bill
Evans |
Room
1 (Stevenson Bible Class, second floor) |
Preview
and critique of the Adult Quarterly based on selected Scripture
passages. Covers the Bible in a six year cycle. |
|
Bonner-Strong Class |
Jim
Gettys; Hans Engler; Henry Hollingsworth; Sarah May McFerrin; Lowry Ware |
Bonner-Strong
classroom (first floor outside of elevator) |
Studies
the ARP Adult Quarterly. |
|
Edwards-Bell Class |
Jim
Bell |
Room
1 (third floor) |
Currently
studying through Paul's epistles |
Wednesday Night Mid-week Meeting
Our mid-week service is a time
of education, prayer, encouragement, fellowship, food and family. We
gather together between 6:00 - 7:00pm for a meal together (see the calendar
for a listing of Wednesday evening meals and events). At 7:00pm, the youth
separate for their classes (a nursery is provided for our "wee
ones"). The adults gather in the fellowship hall for a time of
ministry, lecture and prayer. Below is a chart describing the classes
available for our mid-week service:
| Class |
Teacher(s) |
|
Elementary |
Erin
Hopkins |
|
Junior High |
Sarah
Morrison, Joe Carvajal and Blair Christie |
|
Senior High |
Keith
Robinson |
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