Christian education has always been a crucial part of discipleship in the United Methodist Church. St. Andrew's provides a rich variety of educational opportunities for children, teens, and adults. Visitors to the church are heartily welcome to join any of the educational offerings at St. Andrew's. You need not be a church member to participate in any event!
All classes meet from 9:45-10:45 am every Sunday year round.
Classes for ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 year olds
The younger children's classes (3 years through 2nd Grade are using the Live B.I.G. curriculum from Cokesbury. It combines music, crafts, DVD selections that link the biblical material to modern day living, and worship. Older children, grades 4 through 6 are using the ecumenical material, Seasons of the Spirit (www.spiritseasons.com) . It is a lectionary based study that encourages children to think and question as they grow in faith. Seasons of the Spirit challenges students to grow in knowledge and in faith. All children are welcome! These classes are taught by dedicated and caring teachers. For more information call St. Andrew's at (225) 752-2903.
Children under 3 are cared for in our professionally staffed nursery.
During the 11 AM service each week, children ages 4-3rd grade leave the sanctuary after the children's message to attend Children's Church. There they hear a story and do a craft or play a game that reinforces the Scripture message. Children are picked up in the Children's Church room by their parents at the conclusion of the service.
VBS for 2011 will be chosen shortly. Watch this space!
UMKids
UMKids is a fellowship group for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders that meets Sunday evenings from 5:00-6:30. About 15 UMK’s meet for supper, singing, games and a program or mission event. Every 4th Sunday there is a parent-led activity of the parents’ choosing—a program event; bowling, movies or whatever they come up with! The group was formed in January of 2010. They also have an overnight retreat at Camp Istrouma in May. All 4th, 5th, and 6th graders and their friends are welcome to attend!
Some of the things UMK has done or have on the calendar are: baking and selling baked goods for Haiti relief, sorting and packing health kits for Haiti, collecting 200 canned goods in 35 minutes for the food pantry; bowling and pizza, meetings on bullies, gossip, anger. Learning “Dona, Nobis, Pacem” to sing in church, kite making, a swim party and lots of other things!
Seventh and eighth graders are using “Claim the Life” from Cokesbury.
Claim the Life is comprehensive spiritual formation plan for youth Sunday school. The annual themes are Journey, Word, and Faith for younger youth. Each year is divided into two 16-week semesters.
Each lesson begins with Tending, an intentional ritual that helps youth develop closer relationships through tending to one another and tending to God at work in their lives and the world.
The planned Teaching content is focused on one word (or phrase) that is significant to the Christian faith (Commitment, Suffering, Simplicity, Blessing, Peace, Abundant Life, for example).
Each lesson concludes with Sending, an intentional ritual that helps youth create SMART goals, ways in which they will practice some element of being a disciple.
Sr. Hi Sunday School (9th through 12th grades) is held in the Fellowship Building. They are using the LinC curriculum from Cokesbury. LinC uses on line technology. The lessons are emailed every week so the discussions are fresh. There is a Bible study, life-application activities, discussion and youth page handouts. All 9th-12 graders are welcome!
On Sunday nights, kids from 7th grade through High School Seniors meet in the Friendship Building for snack supper, games, and learning. Go to the Youth Page for more details.
St. Andrew's provides a variety of classes for adults of any age. Every class warmly welcomes new attendees and encourages you to find the class that most speaks to your needs. All classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM
St. Andrew's offers classes in the Kerygma series, the Disciple Bible Study series, and the Companions in Christ series at different times during the year. Call the office to find out which ones are being offered.
