Church School

Saint Pauls offers comprehensive programming in Christian Education for children from preschool through high school, including 2 years of Confirmation during grades 8 and 9. Nine age-specific classes, each led by a minimum of two volunteer teachers, are held weekly from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM from September - December and February - May. In January, all church school children ages 4 and up participate in the annual Bible Story Theatre workshops and production.

St. Pauls strives for experiential learning in all class levels. Teachers incorporate music and drama, painting and puppetry into the church school programming. In addition to Bible Story Theatre, annual presentations include a Christmas Pageant by the 1st/ 2nd graders, a spring Puppet Show by the 3rd/4th graders, and an Elijah program by the 5th/6th graders. All teachers meet together twice a year to review calendar and curriculum, discuss special issues, and share ideas.

Curriculum

Pre-School through 5th/6th Grade Classes:  Seasons of the Spirit

Currently used by the Primary through 6th grade classes, this curriculum, based on the revised common lectionary, offers age-specific explorations of the Bible and encourages a variety of learning experiences. Seasons of the Spirit was developed by a large international and ecumenical community and encompasses a world-view of Christianity. For more information on the curriculum, please visit: www.spiritseasons.com

7th Grade Class:  Chosen, The Story of God and God's People 

The seventh grade class is exploring a new curriculum for 2008-2009 to give them an overview of the Bible in preparation for their two years of Confirmation.  The focus in the fall will be on key texts that illustrate the major themes in the Hebrew Bible and in the spring the focus will be on the New Testament.  Under the direction of teacher Larry Howell and his program Scripsomime, the class will enact select pieces of Scripture using song and pantomime to share with the younger classes.  In the spring, Howell will be leading a Lenten unit based on the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar.  

8th and 9th Grade Classes:  Confirmation

Eighth graders embark on a two-year intensive program culminating in being accepted into membership at the end of their ninth grade year. Confirmation I begins with a study of world religions and includes the history of Christianity, the growth of Protestantism, and the structure of the worship service. Confirmation II focuses on the history of the United Church of Christ, the history of Saint Pauls, the current ministries of Saint Pauls, and the challenges of living the faith in daily life.  Texts include Affirming Faith, based on the UCC Statement of Faith; How Do You Spell God?: Answers to the Big Questions From Around the World by Rabbi Marc Gellman & Monsignor Thomas Hartman; and Balaam's Unofficial Handbook of the United Church of Christ.

10th-12th Grade Class:  High School Forum

For youth in 10th-12th grades, this forum provides time for discussion and reflection on a variety of issues of concern to the class and their facilitators.  In the spring, the class plans, prepares, and presents Worship for the 11:00 AM Service. 

2009 Youth Sunday Date: April 26.

Curriculum Components

Service Component . . . we serve together

Each church school class is responsible for promoting and/or coordinating one or more service project during the year.  It may be an effort for the class itself or designed to include the entire church.  Please click on:  Volunteer Opportunities for Youth

Bible Story Theatre . . . we play together

Each January, as has been the custom for the past 25+ years, Church School Classes are disbanded and children and youth (aged 4 on up) participate in the development of a dramatized story from the Bible.  Working with theatre professionals under the direction of Sharon Phillips, the children along with teachers and other church members begin each workshop with physical & vocal warmups and theatre games.  Songs are learned, dances are choreographed, and roles are rehearsed while costumes and props are being prepared.  Presented during the Sanctuary Service on the last Sunday of the month, the production uniquely blends the elements of story theatre with musical numbers to bring the story to life.   BST Date for 2009:  Sunday, January 25.

Field Trips . . . we explore together

St. Pauls encourages opportunities to "be the church" outside the church walls. 5th/6th graders annually root for the Chicago Marathon. 7th graders earn chances to hold class at a coffee shop. Confirmation I kids experience other religions in their houses of worship. High School Class annually attends a Sunday Worship at Trinity UCC.

Special Events

Teacher Recognition Pancake Breakfast

To recognize and honor their church school teachers, classes take on specific responsibilities for greeting, serving, cooking and cleaning up at the annual Pancake Breakfast.  This event is open to the whole church.  Date in 2008:  February 17

Related Activities

For a current list of upcoming events, please refer to the Youth Calendar

Additional youth involvement activities are described in the main menu under Worship, Serve, and Connect.  Parent related activities are found here.