Education

Education is an important component of congregational life. It is our intention to provide learning opportunities for both children and adults. Our Sunday Church School classes meet at 9:00 AM each Sunday from September to June. Our Sunday School boasts over 150 children involved and a staff of twenty four.

First Communion is offered for children when they reach fifth grade. After several months of preparation in Church School classes and meetings with the Pastor and Vicar, the young people begin to commune on the first Sunday in Advent.

Confirmation is the training process for young people which allows them the opportunity to explore the Christian faith and make a decision for themselves regarding participation in the adult congregation. Since most children were Baptized as infants they do not have memories of the experience so the Confirmation process intends to expose them to the teachings of the church so that they have the opportunity to embrace the faith as they approach maturity. Confirmation Lesson Page

At St. John's the Confirmation process involves a creative program which utilizes materials from Augsburg Publishing called Here We Stand Confirmation. We meet on Sunday's immediately following 10:30 AM worship. The eighth and ninth grade years are the targets and both the Pastor and the Seminary Intern (Vicar) are involved in teaching. In addition a set of 15 adults serve as parent guides or members of a "Creative Team." Serving as an Acolyte during Worship and helping in the Nursery are ways our young people experience the church as more than just a classroom environment. As part of the program we integrate Service and Fellowship Events each month so the learning is diversified. In the Fall of the Tenth Grade year the Confirmands are readied for the Rite of Confirmation usually held early in November.

Adult Education occurs in a variety of daytime and evening course offerings. Bible, church doctrine, history, current events and book studies are all part of the process.

Seeker's Classes are offered several times each year for three weeks at a time. Discussions focus on questions which the participants bring covering a broad spectrum of bible, doctrine and worship related themes.

Book Club meets monthly at church to discuss current best sellers and share ideas.

Choirs and Music Program Information:

Music has always been an important part of our heritage as Lutherans. Our Chancel choir sings each Sunday at the 10:30 Worship service and rehearses on Thursday evenings.

• The Joy Singers is a children's choir for youngsters in grades one through six. They rehearse each Sunday at 10:00 AM and perform at both services through the course of the year.
• Our Sunday Church School Departments each sing in church twice annually at 9:00 AM Worship.
• Our Handbell Choir rehearses weekly and performs at the 10:30 AM worship and on festivals.

Information on Ministry for Adults:

The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). All women of the church are automatically members of this group.

Women's Evening Circle: meets monthly for study and discussion and refreshments in home settings.

St. John's Lutheran Men's Association: a social organization for the men of the congregation offering a variety of recreational and service projects for the church.

Information on Ministry with Youth:

The Lutheran Youth Organization: Youth in Grades 8-12 make up our LYO and meet for programs and recreation. The highlight each year is a trip during Easter week when they travel to major cities. New York, Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia are covered over a four year cycle. The congregation graciously supports the youth as they do fundraising and service projects.