Christian Education
Karin Ode is the Director of Parish Ministries at Messiah Lutheran
Church, and coordinates the education program. For further information,
please contact her by telephone at 253-833-5280 or by email at
karin@messiahlutheranchurch.org. To hear a brief message from Karin,
please click RIGHT HERE!
Christian Education is a cornerstone of our faith. If you are between the
ages of 3 and 99, we have a class for you on Sunday morning! Nursery care is
provided for newborns to 2-year-olds during the hour.
Sunday School classes are offered for children 3 years old through 6th
grade. Affirmation of Baptism (confirmation) is a three-year commitment to
affirm one's baptism, and classes are offered for 7th to 9th graders. High
school students have a discussion group on Sunday mornings. One to two adult
classes are taught each Sunday, with a variety of topics being offered
throughout the year.
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten (3 & 4 year-olds)
Our little ones start out their morning by having an opening worship where
they sing exciting songs and celebrate their birthdays. They then go to their
individual classroom for their lesson.
These children use the Hands on Bible Curriculum by Group Publishing. The basis
of teaching for this age is to “teach as Jesus taught”. The teaching plan
focuses by teaching the same story in a four-week time frame, but teaching it in
a different way each Sunday. The children also make an art project during each
class time as well.
Kindergarten to 6th Grade
M.A.S.S.T. (Messiah’s Adventurous Sunday School Teachings) is our
fun-filled rotation system that we use for our elementary aged kids. It is a
kid friendly, active learning, multi-media approach.
The intent on using this system is that the students will learn one Bible story
for four to five weeks in different learning formats (or workshops) – such as
Bible Quest (Games), Creation Station (Crafts), MasterPeace Theater (Movies),
The Upper Room (Storytelling/Drama), and Cobblestone Café (Cooking). The
children rotate to a different workshop each week. The teachers do not rotate,
but stay in one place - preparing one lesson (with some age-appropriate
modifications) for the rotation. Consistency and relationship building are
provided by a team of Shepherds who remain with one class for the entire school
year.
7th to 9th Grade
Affirmation of Baptism (AOB) is the rite by which a baptized person
renews his or her baptismal vow, publicly confesses his or her faith, and is
received into membership by the congregation. Messiah Lutheran’s Affirmation of
Baptism ministry is a period of instruction in the Christian faith as confessed
in the teachings of the Lutheran Church.
This ministry is designed to educate youth in grades seven through nine as part
of the fulfillment of the promises made by their parents and sponsors on the day
of their baptism. AOB students attend classes on Sunday mornings during the
education hour. They are given the opportunity to affirm their baptism at the
completion of their studies, and be accepted into full membership of the
congregation.
High School
Our high school youth enjoy their Sunday mornings by drinking coffee,
eating donuts, and conversing with a volunteer adult. They either have a Bible
Study or discussions on topics of interest to them – i.e. local and world
events, youth pressures, college plans, etc.
Adult
Messiah offers one to two adult classes each Sunday morning. The
topics of discussion vary throughout the year. Two weekly Adult Bible Studies
are also offered on Monday evenings and on Thursday mornings. In the studies,
the goal is for each participant to gain a better understanding of God's word
and become better equipped for outreach in the church. Those involved can choose
to simply participate in the Bible Study and discussion groups, or they may help
to lead the sessions
Periodically throughout the year a New Members’ Orientation Class is offered
for those who are interested in Lutheran teachings and possible membership in
the church.
Faith Stepping Stones
The goal of Faith Stepping Stones is to meet at different times
throughout the year with the parents at different stages of their child’s life
(i.e. 3 years of age, 3rd grade, graduation, etc.), and to call parents to
remember the promises they made over their children at baptism.
We are currently offering a Faith Stepping Stones class during the fall for the
parents of children who are in the 3rd grade. These classes help the parents
prepare a bible that will be given to his or her child on Bible Sunday.
Vacation Bible School – July 10th to 14th
(9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
You are invited to attend our annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) at
Messiah Lutheran Church. The theme this year is “Fiesta! – Where kids are fired
up about Jesus”. The children will spend their time enjoying a variety of
activities – such as crafts, games, music, snacks, and Biblical learning. VBS
is staffed by volunteers – including older youth and adults who love children
and desire to see them grow in God’s love. VBS is open to all children from 3
years of age to those who are graduating from 6th grade this year. Registration
forms will be available the beginning of June.
