Parish Education Opportunities Sunday School children begin their day in worship, coming forward early in the liturgy for the Children’s Sermon, presented by Pastor Paul.  Usually the topic is related to the theme of the sermon.  (In fact, adults get as much from the Children’s Sermon as the kids!)  Then, they head upstairs for their classes.  In addition to creative instruction by adults, children learn The Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, The 10 Commandments and engage in craft and music activities around the themes of the Church year.  Annual favorites include the Visit of the Wise Men, pictures with the Live Nativity, and Bible Sunday – where 2nd graders are awarded an age appropriate Bible of their very own!   Vacation Bible School is usually held in the middle of August for children 3 years of age through 5th grade.  The program literally “takes over the church building” with special learnings about Jesus & other personalities of the Bible, crafts, games, drama skits, refreshments, music, etc.  It is one of the highlights of the year.  Many non-member children return every year – they have so much fun!   First Holy Communion classes are taught by Pastor Paul twice a year (usually in the Spring & Fall) for children of any age.  The decision of when to receive instruction and First Holy Communion is up to the parents and children after conversation with Pastor Paul.  Classes are one-hour in length for three consecutive weeks, and at least one parent is required to attend with their child.   Confirmation is for youth in 7th & 8th grades (or older) and is held on Sunday evenings at various times during the school year.  (6th grade Sunday School is held at the same time as Confirmation.)  The schedule takes into account public school holidays, etc.  There are two levels:  Level I – taught by Pastor Paul and  focusing on the Old & New Testaments; and Level II – taught by Emily Kienle and Brenda Kretzer and focusing on teachings about life and spirituality, Holy Communion, Luther’s teachings, etc.  Classes are usually 2 hours in length. In addition to classes, youth have other requirements during their 2-year course of study.  Encouraging attendance at Worship, students must take sermon reports, helping them to learn how to listen to the message, both read and spoken, identify the season of the church year, etc.  Also, because Confirmation is about taking on further responsibility in the life of the congregation, students must engage in ongoing Service projects within the parish.  Such projects may include: singing in the Jr. Choir, being an acolyte, usher or greeter, assisting with Community supper or in the Food pantry, helping with Sunday School, etc. Following the two years of study, if all work is completed, students are Confirmed on the last Sunday of October (Reformation Sunday) following their study. Campfirmation is a one-week program at Koinonia, a 1200 acre rustic setting that is a Lutheran camp.  This is a part of the regular Confirmation instruction.  Students are required to attend camp in one of the two years they are in class, or do an independent study with Pastor Paul.  Campfirmation provides a rich experience for those who attend.  Six different congregations in the Metro NY Synod participate with a total of 55 youth from very diverse parishes – ethnically, geographically and socio-economically.  The pastors (who are a great team!) provide the primary instruction each day.  Campers stay in rustic cabins with trained, college age counselors.  Activities include:  worship (often led by the campers), hiking, canoeing and swimming, cooking over an open fire, white-water rafting on the Delaware River, group/team building, Service projects, Adventure course, Jubilee (talent show), etc.  Campfirmation is usually held the first week of July each year.  St. John’s pays ½ of the registration fee and fund raisers are held to assist families with the remainder of the cost. Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership School is a one-week camp that has been in existence for over 75 years.  Offered for youth and young adults from ages 15 through 24, it consists of two classes per day (taught by pastors from around the Synod) – one in Bible and one in Life Experience, games, competitions, worship, singing, etc.  Participants stay in cabins led by older young adults.  Over 130 youth and young adults attend each year and is usually held the 3rd week of August. Safe space is a phrase that is used in speaking about our Parish Education program.  Anyone that teaches or works in any way with our children and youth must be a member of St. John’s for at least 6 months prior to involvement and must fill out a special confidential report that indicates they have never been accused or convicted of molestation, etc.  Additionally, no adult is allowed to be alone with children – there are always 2 Sunday School teachers, 2 youth leaders, etc.  We are proud to say that our children are SAFE at St. John’s. Differently abled children are also welcome in our programs.  We have a number of children who have Attention Deficit Disorder and several who are autistic.  While we do not offer a separate program for these children, our staff works carefully to include them in the regular activities. Adult Education Pastor Paul offers an Adult Bible Study on Thursdays @ 8 p.m. during the year.  One need not have much experience in Bible study to join.  Books studied in the past are: Genesis, Ruth, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Galatians, Romans, Esther, Revelation, etc.  At present the group is studying the Old Testament prophets. Special short term classes are offered at different times.  Topics have included:  The Gospel according to Harry Potter; 10 Commandments; Journey Toward Forgiveness; It Ain’t Over ‘til It’s Over – Seniors issues; The Spirit of Your Relationship; Christianity 101.  In the future courses will include:  Baby Boomer Spirituality; Making Peace with your past, etc. A Congregational Retreat is held each year, starting in 2010 will be in Febuary 26, 27&28  at Koinonia in the comfortable Conference Center.  Persons of all ages are encouraged to attend, and usually there is a diverse group from kids through seniors who come.  Topics have included:  Learning How to Pray; Learning Your God-given personality type, etc.  This year, we will join with Trinity Lutheran in Wyandanch – an African American parish for “Misfits of the Bible” which will include Bible study and small group discussion.  The congregational retreats offer time for meditation and reflection, worship, much laughter and fellowship, and especially getting to know other disciples of St. John’s.   Vacation Bible School 2010