Christian Education
Parish Education Ministry is where the divine meets our everyday at CtK. We invite you to join the fellowship and education fun. Bring your ideas, energy, insights and friends!
Peace and Blessings!
Tami McKay, Parish Education Coordinator
Cradle Roll - Family connection and faith stepping stone from birth to age 3 utilizing "Splash" packets, a magazine with developmental milestones, nurturing tips and faith-filled activities. Our littlest ones are also invited to participate in the sacrament of Baptism and welcomed into the Nursery.
Nursery - Childcare is provided during Sunday Worship Services, Congregation Meetings, and Special Events in the St. James Room by paid and volunteer staff. Little ones enjoy playtime, storytelling and snacks.
Chapel School - A Christian Preschool Ministry of Christ the King, offering developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning for children ages 2, 3, and 4 years old. Curriculum includes Learning Centers, outdoor play and field trips, a weekly Literacy program, Faith Formation opportunities, and Lunch Bunch. Connection between school and family is valued, with an open door classroom policy and ‘Parent to Parent’ events.
Chapel School Council - This is a Chapel School (CS) Preschool program and personnel oversight body consisting of members from Christ the King assuming roles of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Registrar, Secretary, and Liaison to CtK Council. The Pastor of Christ the King, the Director of Chapel School, and the Chapel School Administrative Assistant complete this Council.
Rally Day - The beginning of our learning time together on Sunday mornings scheduled in mid-September. Welcome back for all ages!
Sunday School - Faith exploring for children ages 3 years to grade 6 using a multiple intelligences approach with "Hands On Bible" curriculum materials. Community Time and Classroom Connection activities are held weekly on Sunday morning from 9:10am - 10:20am (beginning in mid-September and ending mid-June). Children and their guides gather on Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary for Community Time (singing, devotions, prayer and offering) and then disperse to their own classrooms in the education wing for faith fun.
Intergenerational Events - Fellowship and educational, seasonal events for all ages at CtK (usually held during Advent and Lent during the Education Hour on Sunday morning in the Fellowship Hall).
Family Fun Events - Fellowship events for families with children ages Preschool to grade 2 - storytelling, picnics, pumpkin and apple picking, sledding, arts and crafts, video showings, etc.
CtK 36 - Fellowship events for youth in grades 3 through 6 including lock-ins, video showings, storytelling, hayrides, picnics, bowling, sledding and skating, apple picking, pumpkin picking and painting, etc.
Bible Retreat - Sharing faith by passing on God's Word - the Bible. This is a learning experience for our 3rd graders and their families. Bibles are distributed during the Education Hour and/or Worship, and then youth and their families are invited to explore how to use them at church and at home.
First Communion - Learning about the "Welcome Table" and preparing for the sacrament of Communion through a family oriented, hands-on learning approach (gathering time, storytelling, drama, games, crafts, etc). Children are invited to attend, with letters mailed to all 3rd graders and an open invitation included in the Sunday bulletin and Clarion; the materials are geared for children approx. age 5 years old through grade 4. Classes are held weekly during Lent and led by the Pastor, with assistance from Parish Education guides.
Christmas Pageant - Preparing for the wondrous birth of Jesus! Our Sunday School youth, ages 3 years to grade 6, share this important story through drama, songs, readings and prayers on a Sunday afternoon in mid-December, with a potluck fellowship dinner and caroling following.
Youth Worship Service - This is our end-of-year Sunday School celebration; youth are invited to participate in all aspects of the Worship Service, along with their adult guides. Sunday School youth share their Spiritual Gifts by ushering, acolyting, singing, reading, performing drama, cup assisting, etc. A family social follows this fun Worship event.
Vacation Bible School – It’s summertime Bible fun! Children age 3 years to rising grade 4 are invited to a weeklong faith-filled fellowship experience from 9am-12n. Children gather in the Sanctuary for Community Time to enjoy singing and storytelling centered on the week’s theme (last year it was “A Week of Caring – Creation, Ourselves, Our Neighbors, Those in Need, and the Church”) , then rotate through Learning Stations to participate in storytelling, music, drama, games, and arts/crafts, and end each day in the Sanctuary for the day’s wrap-up and prayer. A nominal fee covers materials and snacks. The week concludes with a family Open House and Ice Cream Social.
Confirmation - Exploring faith and forming relationships with God, adult guides, and peers. It's a multi-disciplined approach using "Here We Stand" materials, with large group gatherings, fellowship opportunities, service projects, small group sharing, and home huddles. Youth in grades 7, 8, and 9 are invited to participate in this 3 year program, with events scheduled weekly (Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings) throughout the "education year" - approx. mid-September to mid-June. Faith is explored and experienced through non-stop activity using music, videos/DVDs, skits, Bible time, testimonials and storytelling, art, dining, hands-on projects, games, etc.
Confirmation Camp - Fun at Camp Calumet! Our 7, 8, and 9th graders are invited to attend a weeklong camp experience in June with adult guides to share faith and fellowship with lots of other Christian youths. Our 10th graders are invited to attend a weekend retreat experience with the Pastor to prepare for the rite of Confirmation.
Youth Forum - Youth in Grades 7-12 are invited to gather with adult facilitators in the St. Peter Room on Sunday mornings from 9:10-10:20am to explore their faith and build relationships with God and each other, by sharing "highs and lows" and participating in current event/faith discussions.
Youth Group - Faith and fellowship gatherings for youth in grades 7-12. Meetings are held monthly (the first Sunday of each month) during the Education Hour from 9:10-10:20am in the St. Peter room for devotions, fellowship and service project activities, events planning and an occasional community time breakfast.
Post Confirmation Youth Group – That’s the PCYs! Youth in grades 10-12 are invited to gather for faith, fellowship and fun with adult facilitators. Events are held approx. monthly for dinner conversation, devotions, service projects (Cookie Mailing, Advent Caring, Easter baskets, etc), and fellowship (bowling, rock climbing, and movies).
Adult Bible Study - Growing in faith together and building stronger relationships with God and each other through Sunday morning Bible study. Adults are invited to gather in the St. Andrew Room (library) for Bible reading, discussion of study materials ( “No Experience Necessary” is this year’s study choice), and prayer.
Adult Prayer Group - Intercessory prayer time at CtK is offered during the Education Hour on Sunday mornings. Adults are encouraged to share what’s been placed on their heart, explore Bible passages together, and be touched by the Spirit.
Adult Forum - Adult casual conversation on Sunday mornings during the Education Hour from 9:10 - 10:20am to share faith and become enlightened on current events within the community and church – global mission presentations, local benevolence awareness, health and wellness discussions, and fellowship.
Parish Education Ministry Team - This is a group of people who share a passion for education and spreading the Good News. Group members maintain communication with Parish Education Coordinators and the congregation to review educational opportunities offered at CtK and lend support and guidance to education guides, as necessary.
Women of the ELCA – Women’s Small Group gatherings to encourage empowerment, strengthen relationships with God and each other, explore faith, enjoy fellowship, and participate in service projects. Women of the ELCA meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month in the St. Thomas room, alternating Bible Study using "Lutheran Women Today" and devotions and service projects.
Men's Breakfast Group - Small group men’s gatherings to encourage leadership and strengthen relationships with God and each other through Bible study, discussion of current events, fellowship, and service. Men's Breakfast is held monthly on Saturday mornings in the Sophia room.
Small Group Ministry - Coordinated at-home (or at CtK) evening Bible Study and Fellowship for adults, with varying topics. Groups consist of up to 8 adults and sessions continue for approximately 6-8 weeks, as interest is expressed.
Adult Fellowship - Having fun and creating friendships by dining, chatting, and recreating together (i.e.: dinners, movie and theater events, Yankee Swap, game nights, card parties - Hearts, sporting events, etc).
Summer Family Fellowship - Family Fellowship Events coordinated during the summer months at CtK for all congregation members and friends to enjoy. These events include camping and group outings, as interest is expressed.
Mutual Ministry - This is a pastoral and congregational ministry support group of approx 5-7 members. Group members are invited to participate in Mutual Ministry by the Pastor and Congregation Council President. This group maintains communication with the congregation regarding ministry needs and concerns, and supports the Pastor personally and professionally.
Book Club - Reading is fun! Join this adult book discussion group for fellowship, personal growth, and to enhance your reading comprehension (without worksheets or quizzes!).
CtK Library - Our resident librarian sees to it that the CtK library is always open for reading, audio and visual pleasure. The card catalogue holds over 1000 titles and boasts an array of resource materials. The Book Mobile is a hit with our youngsters, too.
