First Congregational Church of Woodbury has an enriching Christian Education program for our children. Dedicated teachers who love their students are the key to what the church offers. We currently have four teachers,four ‘shepherds’ and several substitutes in our Sunday Church School program who volunteer their time and energy to the teaching of God’s word to the children of the church. We are at the forefront of “Safe Sanctuaries” policy, having two adults to every classroom. The Christian Education program at First Church includes an active Sunday school program throughout the school year, a summer craft program, confirmation instruction, and other events throughout

Sunday
Sunday Church School meets from September through mid-May, from 10:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The first Sunday in September after Labor Day is Rally Day, which is our official kickoff to the new Church School year. Classes are offered for children pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade. The Pre-K-6th grade classes meet every week. The Church School year ends in mid-May with Children’s Sunday, a time when the children conduct the 10:00 a.m. worship service and share with the congregation what they have learned during the year.

September 13, 2009
Rally Day

The children are involved in more than just attending a class each week. They also put on special programs and participate in service projects throughout the year. In December, concurrent with the Christmas Fair, the children perform a Living Nativity in the yard of the Parsonage, which is visible to all passing on Main Street.

In the spring, the classes participate in a Mission Project. Programs in the past have included a food drive for Woodbury Community Services, participation in the Heifer Project, and last spring’s mission project was preparing over 120 bagged lunches for distribution by the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Mission.

The curriculum that is currently being used is “Come Join The Circle”, published by LOGOS Publications. The children typically will learn a key Bible lesson or point rotating through an Art classroom, a Storytelling/Media classroom and a standard classroom. On the fourth Sunday, the entire Church School comes together for our “Celebration Sunday”, which is the culmination of the lesson and time for fellowship and fun.

On Family Sundays, which generally coincide with holiday weekends, children over 4th grade attend the worship service with their families and the teachers are given the opportunity to attend worship as well. Children grade 4 and under are welcome downstairs for a movie, popcorn and craft.

Nursery Room
Children from infants to preschool are invited to our clean and spacious nursery room, which is staffed by our confirmands as part of their service requirement.

Summer Church School
During July, when we combine services with our North Church neighbors, we offer a Summer Sunday Vacation Bible Schoo for grades four and belowl, which begins at 10:00 a.m. Children who are in grades 5-8 are encouraged to sign up to be helpers.

Confirmation
Confirmation at First Church is two years of intensive study in preparation for church membership. Topics include Biblical study, Christian doctrine and creeds, Christian living, the sacraments, church history, church government, seasons of the church year, church membership responsibilities, and more. The course includes various assignments and projects and Confirmation Youth are encouraged to participate in our annual Mission Trip.

Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education oversees the Christian Education programs of First Congregational Church. The Board is chaired by a Board member. Other members are appointed by the church council. Liz Jaffin is our current CE Board Chair.

Whoever you are, where ever you are on life's journey,

you are welcome here.