Sunday School During the Covid 19 Pandemic
For the past year we’ve been holding our Sunday School classes outside, weather-permitting. These classes, along with class hikes, have gone really well! Below is what you need to know:
Dear CCC Families,
We are excited to begin Sunday School this year despite the unusual times. In our efforts to offer Christian education while providing the safest possible environment for our children and families, we have put together the following plan for Sunday school to start the year. Although we have dedicated time and effort to the development of this plan, as our local situation and relevant guidance evolve, we will re-evaluate to ensure that we continue to offer the best and safest experience possible throughout the year.
The following information serves as an outline for what to expect for your children as we begin this year. Please let me know if you have any questions:
- Schedule:
o We will be teaching outside for the months of September and October.
o Please bring a blanket or towel to sit on and dress appropriately.
o We will be collecting nonperishable food items for the Open Pantry
o We will not offer classes for Columbus Day weekend; we invite children to join worship with their families that day!
o We await updated guidance and input from families and teachers to make decisions on how to proceed past October.
- General policies / reminders
o Safety is our top priority. Please let us know if you have any concerns.
o If you have any symptoms or have any reason to believe that you are at an increased risk of carrying COVID-19, please let us know and avoid in-person activities (and please take care of yourself!)
o Children and teachers must wear masks at all times
o Children and teachers should maintain proper social distance of at least six feet at all times
- Drop off:
o Please arrive 5-10 minutes early and drop off your children in the Chelmsford Dental Association parking lot, behind Carson Park. We will escort children from the parking lot to their class meeting locations.
- High schoolers will hold class in front of the church
- The middle school students (grades 5-8) will hold class on the side of the church (Opposite side of Carson Park)
- The elementary students (grades 1-4) and the preschool/kindergartners will hold classes in separate areas of Carson Park
- Weather:
o In the event of rain or other inclement weather, we will not hold Sunday school classes at the church. Individual teachers may hold class via “Zoom” or may cancel. If the forecast is not looking good, please be sure to check your email for updates.
o We will do our best to let you know as soon as it is clear to us, generally the day before. On borderline forecasts, we may choose to make a decision Sunday morning, by 9 am.
- Registration:
o Please use this link to register: Sunday School Registration
We look forward to seeing you! God Bless You!
Carolyn Chapman, Chair, Christian Education Committee
Pre-Covid 19 Information Below:
A Message from the Chair of the Christian Education Committee
All of us on the Christian Education (CE) Committee, as well as our teachers and assistants, are excited about our Sunday School program! We’re especially excited about the response to our new, creative Sunday School curriculum, “Deep Blue” from Cokesbury. The kids have been finding it a fun way to learn the faith!
Below you’ll find lots of information on our Christian Education program. We hope you find it helpful!
As always we maintain an “open door” policy both literally and figuratively. Please feel free to approach any members of the Christian Education Committee with any questions/concerns or if you ever wish to be involved in any way and for any length of time.
God’s Joy to you all!
Carolyn Chapman, Christian Education Committee Chair
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Eph. 4:16)
Christian Education Committee
Carolyn Chapman, Chair
Becky Acheson, Steve Hartigan, Mary-Ann Hussey, Elmer Lyons, April McCarthy,
Bonnie McGrath, Lindsay Moore, Samantha Shields, Kristin Strobel, and Jen Stuart.
If you have ideas, comments, concerns or want to volunteer, please feel free to get in touch with any member of the Christian Education Committee.
Registration
Each family must register their child. Special attention is given to your responses in these areas: Special concerns or needs, allergies, and photos. Registration form 2021-2022
Special Concern or Needs – any information you can share with us that will aid us in providing the best possible experience for your child. This should include but is not limited to any specific educational or behavioral needs your child might have. If your child has an IEP in school, it is helpful for you to share some of that with us.
Allergies – On occasion, an activity may include food. If your child has food allergies, teachers will discuss the plan with you so your child can be included or another option available.
Photos – All photos used in class or on printed material will be void of names. If you do not want your child’s photo used, you may simply check the box on the form. You may change your choice at any time.
Nametags
Nametags are more than simply a hospitality practice. In a large group where many adults do not know all the children, it is helpful for adults to be able to address children by name. Please be sure to make it a family practice to head for the Nametag board in Fellowship Hall before going to worship or class.
Worship and Sunday School
We are all pencils in the hand of God. ~ Mother Teresa
Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Nursery (ages newborn up to age 3)
Infant and Toddler Care provided in the Loving Arms Nursery in Room 207 on the second floor from 9:45 a.m. to the end of worship. Pagers are available for parents.
Sunday School for Preschool – Grade 12
Typical Sundays – Children and Youth attend worship with their parents and then head off to Sunday School following the Children’s Message. Our Sunday School Coordinator stands in the back of the sanctuary to guide the children to their classes. Classes end at 11:15 a.m.
Communion Sundays (the first Sunday of every month) – Younger Children (Pre-K through 3rd Grade) begin the morning in worship. Those in grades 4-8 start in their classes at 10:00 am. They will then be escorted to the sanctuary partway through the service to participate in communion with their families.
On Communion Sundays, there will be no Youth classes for grades 9-12 unless you hear from your teachers. Youth are encouraged to worship with their families or to speak to Jen Stuart about assisting in a classroom (arrangements must be made in advance of Sunday).
“Sunday Specials” and Holiday Sundays – Most holiday Sundays we hold “Sunday Specials.” Pre-School children up through 6th Graders gather together for a time of learning and sharing. The older children often serve as helpers in the class. Of course children are also invited to stay in worship with their families. We encourage your children to pick up an activity bag in the Narthex/lobby or bring drawing material. Many children listen best while their hands are busy!
Curriculum
The Pre-K / K class and Grades 1-4 class will be using the “Deep Blue” curriculum from Cokesbury Publishing. We believe the kids will find it fun and accessible, with creative multi-media components. These year’s focus is the great stories and events of the Old Testament.
Our Middle School class (grades 5-8), The Holy Cows, has had a great time interacting with the stories and spiritual truths of the Bible. Bonnie McGrath and Elmer Lyons are the teachers for this class. If you are interested in mission and fun and want to help them provide activities outside of class, please speak to Pastor Rich. Currently a team of parents coordinate special activities and events.
The God Squad is our group for High School age teens who are firm in their faith, as well as those who have questions and doubts. We address the obstacles that pull teens away from God as we explore God at work in the world and in their lives. We help youth understand that being a Christ-follower requires a conscious decision on their part to turn away from the negative influences in their lives. It’s never easy, but always worth it! The Sunday morning classes are led by Steve Hartigan and Will Hargett.
Please feel welcome to ask the teachers or a member of the Christian Education Committee if any questions you may have about our curriculum. Feel welcome to contact Steve Hartigan or Will Hargett for questions about The God Squad.
Communion
Pastor Rich will offer a class for the fourth graders and their families (as well as older youth who have not been in this class before) designed to provide an understanding of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This class enables our young people to approach the Lord’s Table with reverence and understanding. The class will be held on Sat. Nov. 6, 1:00 pm. Our young people we be receiving Communion the following Sun. Nov. 7. Please sign up by contacting the church office.
Although our Communion class is for fourth graders, any child, regardless of age, may receive Communion, whether they have taken the class or not. This is a decision that the child’s parents may make. Just as we would not turn three-year-old “Anna” away from the dinner table because she doesn’t understand the nutritional qualities of the food, we do not turn away three-year-old “Sam” from the Communion table just because he doesn’t understand the theological basis for Communion. If your child happens to be in worship when Communion is served, you could explain to him or her that this food and drink helps us remember and be closer to Jesus and also brings us closer to others who seek to know and follow him. Deeper understanding will come later.
Communion Class & Confirmation Class