Educational Opportunities
click on pictures to enlarge, select 'back' to return
For Children
Age 4 through Fifth Grade
Children of these ages participate in our new Godly Play program. Godly Play is a creative approach to Christian Education that is designed for young and elementary age children. Its goals include building a sense of community where children feel accepted and comfortable, helping children develop a sense of self-control and stewardship, and equipping children with the language necessary to speak of their faith.
Because Godly Play is designed to meet the different learning styles of children, Godly Play classrooms can accommodate groups of children of different ages and abilities. Our two Godly Play classrooms are designed for children 4 years old-Kindergarten and children in 1 st – 5 th grades. These classes meet in rooms 103 and 104 respectively.
Two of our major themes for the spring are "The Kingdom of God" and "Lent/Easter." Within these themes we will cover parables of Jesus that teach about the Kingdom of God (The Mustard Seed, The Great Pearl) and stories of the Lenten Season (Jesus and the Children, Jesus and Bartimaeus, Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus the King, Jesus’ Last Passover, Jesus is Risen: Appearance to Mary, Jesus is Risen: The Road to Emmaus).
For Youth
Chi Rho
Chi Rho aged youth include sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The class meets in Room 501 and currently uses the Whole People of God curriculum. March 5-April 23, 2000, will be a special time for the Chi Rho class as they participate in a trial run of the Workshop Rotation Model. This creative model of Christian Education encourages active learning through various workshops designed for different learning styles. During our trial run, we will cover two themes (The Last Supper, Crucifixion and Resurrection) and four workshops for each theme. Our hope is to continue with this curriculum in the Fall of 2000.
Christian Youth Fellowship
CYF, which includes youth in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grades, meets in Room 402. These youth are using biblically based material that encourages group participation and discussion.
For Adults
The Beal Class
This a class of singles . The class uses a materials that link its Bible text for study and discussion with those used in worship services. It also meets outside of Sunday morning for fellowship activities. It meets in Room 602.
The Pearce Class
This class of couples and singles ranges in age from the late 20s to late 40s. More than half of the class members have young children. The materials used in the class vary from Bible studies to discussions of contemporary issues. Currently the class is studying the texts used in the worship services. It meets in Room 603.
The Seekers Class
This class is composed primarily of families, both married and single, with older children. The class studies a variety of material and strives to give opportunity for all members to share in discussion. It meets in Room 503.
Double C Class
The Double C Class is an active group of adults, both married and single, who meet together for study and fellowship. The lessons are led by members of the class and include open discussion. The class uses the Adult Bible Studies material and meets in Room 101.
The Allred Class
The Allred Class meets in the Fellowship Hall. It starts with
singing and goes into Bible study. The average age of the membership of this class is generally
over 70. The class was named for former Texas Governor James Allred who was the
loyal and dedicated teacher of this class before his death.
Nancy Fly and Jack Stone teach on alternating months
 |
Nancy Fly |
Jack Stone |
 |
Harried with Children Class
Kerygma Bible Studies
"Discovering the Bible"
This 30-week overview of the Old and New Testaments examines the Bible as a whole. The Old Testament portion was reviewed in the fall; the New Testament course will run from the end of January into May. Cost for the workbook is $29. Participants meet at the church on Sunday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Don Tuttle leads the class.
"The Bible and Theology"
This course takes a different approach to Bible study. In it, rather than studying particular books of the Bible, students consider the following questions:
 | Who is God?| Who is Jesus? | What is the Church? | Who is The Holy Spirit? | How are we Saved? | Where is Authority? | What are the Sacraments? | What is the Kingdom of God?
| |
Each question is examined from the perspectives of the Old Testament, the New Testament and early church history. The cost is $13 per session, with each session lasting six weeks. This class, which is led by Don Tuttle, meets at the church from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Spiritual Formation Groups
Spiritual growth through support and accountability are at the heart of the spiritual formation groups at First Christian Church. Using the Renovare ("to renew") material developed by James Bryan Smith and Richard Foster, these groups examine the six streams of Christian spirituality, practicing exercises from each. The six streams focus on prayer, Scripture, service, holiness, the Spirit, and the Sacramental Life. Information on new groups can be secured through the church.
