At MHCC a dedicated group of volunteer teachers work with our Christian Education Coordinator and parents to help children grow in their understanding of God and the Bible and how it all relates to their lives, in a creative, safe and loving environment.
To help us accomplish this we employ two to three age-specific curricula, which in any given week may find us cooking, doing art projects, playing games or role-playing to bring the lesson alive: Childcare/Pre-K: With our youngest children, our goal is create a warm and nurturing environment where youngsters know they are always welcome and will have fun. We understand that separating from parents at this age is difficult. We have a paid child care provider in the room to ensure consistency week to week. Within playtime this age group uses age-appropriate books, play and art materials related to spirituality and Bible stories. K-2: UCC Shine Curriculum—Formal Christian education instruction begins in kindergarten. This early elementary age group focuses on a Bible story and a fun activity that emphasizes the weekly topic. The children begin to learn the use of ritual and memorize a scripture passage or prayer. 3-5: UCC Shine Curriculum—The upper elementary age group begins more rigorous study of the Bible and its applications. The year begins with a Bible Basics class, with each new child receiving a paperback Bible to keep at the church. Later in the year this class includes a communion curriculum that will culminate in the Grade 3 children participating in their first communion with the larger congregation. 6-8: UCC Shine Curriculum—this age group continues off of the 3-5 class and begins to more fully engage with the Bible. Through discussion and outreach activity, this class focuses on the theological questions that particularly intrigue youth. On most Sundays our children attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service in the sanctuary, with their families, before leaving to attend their classes downstairs. On occasional Sundays throughout the year the children will stay in the sanctuary for the whole service, to give them a chance to experience all the aspects of Sunday worship. These services will be designed to speak and appeal to all ages! We encourage all children from kindergarten age on up to present an offering towards a project chosen by the whole Sunday School, and to take advantage of opportunities they have to play a role in Sunday worship and/or perform in Christmas and Easter pageants. Our ongoing registration officially begins anew every September, but we welcome newcomers at any time of year! Confirmation class is offered for youth grades 9 and above. The class is led by our Pastor, Rev. Omberg and is offered once a month on Sunday afternoons. Both Middle School and High School youth are invited to register for youth group. Both groups have an emphasis on service to others. The High School group participates in a Mission Trip every other year. |
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Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, © 2022
355 Franklin Street Melrose, MA 02176 781-665-4200
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