Christian Education Mission Statement 

We are a teaching ministry inspired by God to share

His Word and our faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that Christian Education happens best at home and at church.   We also believe that parents are the primary teachers of faith for their children and we seek to support them in this role.  The education opportunities which take place in our building are typically offered on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.  There are also a couple of opportunities on other days.   For information or to register, contact the person listed for the area of your interest.

Preschool – 2^nd grade:  Children in these age groups are enjoying the learning that is found with a teaching staff that is dedicated and skilled.  They learn about God and Jesus every week combined with art projects and a weekly gathering for songs.  For more information contact:  Joanne Gallagher at 354-3181 or email jayalgae@hotmail.com

3rd – 6th Grades:   Sunday school for 3-6 grades has changed programs to Living the Good News.  This well-established program will deliver the message in Sunday school that matches the church readings every week, allowing children to hear the good news in more than one venue on Sunday.  A complete schedule of verses to be studied along with closely matched Egermier’s readings will be issued to all parents and published on this website (click here to see that reading list) so that parent’s can further enhance learning at home throughout the week.  This program is taught in grade-specific classroom settings with a broad variety of activities and learning opportunities that is sure to engage children and parent’s alike.  We encourage parents to volunteer to assist in classrooms throughout the year in concert with the teachers so that they may witness this traditional yet updated program for themselves.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Joanne Gallagher at 354-3181, 657-0481 or jayalgae@hotmail.com.

7^th – 8^th  Grades:  Head to the Heart meets twice weekly – on Wednesday night and on Sunday morning.  It attempts to harness the power of small group ministries and build a network of care as the context for all learning.  Small groups learn, serve and play as they bond together as living cells in the body of Christ.  The three parts of the system are Theme, Servant and Fellowship Events.  For more information contact Beth Strong at 595-6412 or email bbstrong@charter.net

9^th – 12^th  Grades:  This year the high school is doing a study of C.S. Lewis The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  Books, videos and discussion will delve deeply into the many facets of this wonderful story.  For more information contact Sandy Owens at 356-4039 or email to sowens@charter.net

Adult Education:  Every Sunday at 9:15 am we hold an educational session for adults.  Currently we are reviewing the Lutheran Handbook.  Watch for future programs that will start at the beginning of 2006.  For more information contact Denise Burke at 354-7795.

Faith Stepping Stones:  Helping Kids raise great parents! 

Life is a bit like crossing a rising, rushing river.  It is easy to get swept away unless we have stepping stones:  firm places of support that enable us to make the journey.  Faith Stepping Stones is a systematic approach to help parents be great parents!  There are eight stepping stones along the journey from baptism to high school graduation. At each point, the congregation partners with parents in order to gift parents with the support they need to keep their baptismal promises and raise healthy children.  Each stepping stone provides parents an opportunity to be linked with a small group support system and to: 

1.  bless their child
2.  be gifted with physical, emotional, and spiritual support
3.  be called to accountability/keep their baptismal promises

At St. Paul Lutheran Church, these eight stepping stones are: 

1.  Baptism: Raising a Healthy Baby (September and/or scheduled as needed)
Coordinator: Kristine Johnson (356-4225);  Teachers: Dr. Jamie & Marga Decker

2.  Raising a Healthy Preschooler (October)
Teachers: Owen & Kristi Werth  (356-3634)  owen@werth.com

3.  Entry into Kindergarten (September)
Teacher: Elly Diamond (727-9971) diamonde@alpenaschools.com

4.  My Bible (grade 3) January/February
Teachers: Pastor Paul Owens (356-1658) paul@stpaul.org

5.  Holy Communion Instruction (4^th grade, Weds during Lent)
Teacher: Denise Burke (354-7519)

6.  Entry into Confirmation: Head 2 the Heart (entering 7^th & 8^th grades, Aug/Sept)
Teachers:  Denise Hoeksema (354-7509)and Pastor Paul (356-1658) paul@stpaul.org

7.  Entry into High School Ministry/Confirmation (grade 9, Sept. & Oct.)
Teachers: Rod & Lisa Borchard (354-5081) borchardr@alpenaschools.com

8.  Blessing of our Graduates (grade 12, 3 sessions spread out over year)
Teacher: Jeff Hoeksema (354-7509) janddhoeksema@charter.net

For more information, contact:  Owen Werth 356-3634 owen@werth.com

Vacation Bible School:  Held this summer from June 19-23 in the evenings so that parents can have the opportunity to participate with their children.  The theme for 2006 is Fiesta!  For more information or to register, contact Kristi Werth at 356-3634 or Kristi@werth.com

May God give you everything you need to be the parent you’ve always wanted to be!