Educational Ministry at First & Central
F.L.Y. (Faith, Learning and YOU) takes flight!
Our new Christian Ed program for children took off in September of 2007, with a whirlwind tour of our many exciting destinations this year! We flew to St. Julie's Angel Band, High(tech) Heaven, Creation Station, CrossTraining, Martha's Kitchen and ended up in The Telling Tent to hear the widow tell us about her amazing experience with Elijah. This is a Sunday morning adventure kids won't want to miss - and adults are going to want to fly along, too!
This new curriculum is child-centered, delves deeply into Bible stories and taps into our children's creativity. Each can participate in educating the young people by teaching as few as two Sundays a year or as many as we would like - really! Rotation curriculum uses computers, puppets, plays, cooking, story telling, science, videos and more. AND, we need your help! Beginning in the fall of 2007, in addition to people to teach, we will need folks who are willing to be in the room with the children every week as "shepherds" to provide continuity.
A church-wide highlight are special programs offered by children, youth and adults throughout the church year. These events take place on World Communion Sunday ("Going Global"), the 4th Sunday of Advent, and Easter Sunday. They typically include breakfast followed by special music by the children's Orff rhythm group, a costumed pageant, songs with all ages participating, and Bible-based games.
Youth Group
On alternate Sunday afternoons,
youth gather for a variety of worship, fun,
fellowship activities, and planning for summer
mission work trips. The group went to West Viriginia in the summer of 2007 and are planning a trip to Staten Island in June of 2008.
Explorers' Forum (Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the DuVal Room)
The Adult Education Council provides a variety of programs focused on spiritual growth and living and serving in the world. The popular Explorers' Forum provides topics as diverse as Bible Study, Native American spirituality, the second half of life, the world's religions, conversations with some of the members, and ways to deal with stress. Many beliefs and viewpoints are welcomed in lively dialogue, and beginning in March of 2008, an occasional sermon response "Talk Back" session has been added.
Special Events and Speaker Series
This Council also sponsors special events, often well-known speakers such as Jim Wallis, Marcus Borg, John Shelby Spong, Kathy Dempsey, and Diana Butler Bass, that draw members and visitors from the community. In February of 2008, the council sponsored a day-long event entitled "Courageous Recovery: Removing the Stigma of Mental Illness" and featured speakers from within the Mental Health community in Delaware.
Women's Spirituality Group
Explore spiritual practices and formation the 4th Monday
of every month at 7 p.m. A sort of mental yoga with spiritual
practices, sharing, quiet, readings, and reflection with our
own experiences. Contact: Jenny Warren for more information!