Sunday School remains an important part of the Christian education program here at the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. It is one of the ways in which our community keeps the vows we make at the baptism of our children. As a result, we are excited to offer a special Summer Surprise for the ages of 4 to10 on the first four Sundays in July of 2011.
Led by Carol Shih and the APC youth, our children will be experiencing four Montessori-based Sunday school sessions from a curriculum called “Young Children in Worship.” This unique approach to Sunday morning learning concentrates on community building and on spiritual formation. Young Children in Worship does not approach Christian education through a school model, but rather focuses on nurturing both spiritual community and the inner spiritual life of children -- by patterning its sessions after Christian worship. This curriculum conceives of Christian education as learning about God through worship experiences, not lessons. Children learn about God by experiencing God through hearing and responding to Bible stories in a liturgical context.
Developed out of this Christian framework, Young Children and Worship is a wonderful way to help children apply the gospel of grace to their own lives.
The sessions are structured in the four-part format of Presbyterian worship:
1. Gathering: children dial down and are invited one-by-one to enter meditatively into the worship space.
2. Hearing the Word: a Bible story is beautifully told with carefully crafted figurines and props (created by APC Youth).
3. Responding to the Word: children first meditate with each other about the story through “I wonder” questions; then respond privately to the story with expressive art; finally the children have the “Feast,” or a communal snack.
4. Sending Out: each child is given a special blessing as they leave to be God's disciples in their homes, schools, and activities.
Important Note: Because the dismissal is an integral part of the four part worship, we ask that parents wait outside the room until the children are given their individual blessings and sent out.
We look forward to the privilege of entering with our children into this experience of worship and learning. We pray you have a blessed summer.
James Hodsden, Senior Pastor
Kristen Thomas Clarke, Director Christian Education
Carol Shih
Sherina Poorman
APC Youth
