Sunday Morning Changes

The summer is almost over and the new school year will soon be upon us. At this traditional time of new beginnings and change, St. John's is introducing a series of new programs and Sunday School classes that are aimed at promoting and fostering Christian education and spiritual growth within our congregation. As you will see, the focus of these efforts is the children and youth of St. John's. We are hopeful that these changes will afford our children and their parents more options for attending Sunday School, participating in worship and becoming members of various groups within the Church.

Starting on Sunday, September 26, 2010 St. John's will initiate the following Sunday morning schedule:

• Sunday School (Adult, Children and Youth) – 9 to 10 AM
• Fellowship Time in Donaldson Hall – 10 to 10:25 AM
• Personal Reflection and Music in the Sanctuary - 10:20 to 10:30 AM
• Worship Service – 10:30 to 11:30 AM
• Children’s Worship – 10:30 to 11:30 AM

Over the next several weeks there will be many opportunities to learn more about our new programs and classes. On Sunday, September 12 there will be a Sunday School Fair in Donaldson Hall where information will be available on our Sunday School program and how to enroll in classes. Then on Sunday, September 19 at 11:30 A.M. there will be a Recognition Luncheon in Donaldson Hall followed by a presentation on these programs. This will be a great time to learn about the programs, to ask any questions you may have and to enroll in Sunday School classes. Between now and September 26 there will also be announcements made at Sunday services and there will be articles in the Church Bulletin. The St. John’s website will be kept up to date with relevant information as well. Please take advantage of these opportunities to identify which Sunday School classes are best for you and your family.

Sunday School: We have added several new Sunday School classes for both children and adults that cover a variety of topics and formats. In addition, all of our long-standing adult classes will continue. Beginning on September 26, the following classes will be offered at 9:00 A.M.:

• Children and Youth Sunday School – FaithWeaver: Toddlers (Ages 3 - 4);
  Pre-K; K - Grade 2; Grades 3 - 5; Grades 8 - 12)
• Confirmation Class (Grades 6 - 7)
• Young Adult Sunday School (College and above)
• Beginnings – Those at The Beginning of Their Faith Walk (Adults)
• Adult Sunday School – Multiple Classes and Subjects (Adults)
• Bible Study (Adults)

We encourage everyone to take advantage of this great learning opportunity, which all ages within the church should find spiritually enriching.

Contact Brenda R to learn more or to enroll yourself or your children in a Sunday School class or you can attend our Sunday School Fair on September 12.

Children's Worship: In addition to the Children’s Sunday School program (9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.), we are introducing a new Children’s Worship program that will be held during the Worship Service. The program incorporates a mixture of scripture, music and faith based activities for those children who do not want to attend the regular Worship Service. The program is open for children ages 4 years through Grade 5.

A nursery is available for children up to the age of 3 during Sunday School and during the Worship Service.

Activity bags are available for the children who attend the Worship Service and can be found in the narthex or are available from the ushers.

Music Programs: St. John’s will continue to offer a wide range of inspiring music programs, which will feature members of our congregation as well as guest musicians. Several new programs and new time slots have been added which are targeted to our children including:

• Children’s Choir (K - Grade 5): Will perform in worship service on the first Sunday of each month under the direction of St. John’s Minister of Music, Dr. Kitty Yang. Regular practice will be held every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 P.M.
• Youth Choir (Grades 6 - 12): Will perform in worship service once a month. Practice will be held most Sundays following the Worship Service.
• Youth Instrumental Ensemble: Will feature the many talented young musicians we have at St. John’s. The ensemble will perform once a month in our worship services.

Many longstanding music programs for adults will also continue including the Sanctuary Choir, the Senior Saints, the Bells of Praise, St. John’s Handbell Choir, the Golden Chimers, St. John’s Adult Handchime Choir, and the St. John’s Concert Series.

Fellowship Time/Reception: Starting on September 26, Fellowship Time will be held in Donaldson Hall between Sunday School and the Worship Service, from 10:00 AM. to 10:25 AM. There will no longer be refreshments served following the Worship Service.

Parking: You may park in the St. John’s parking lot or across Woodland Street at the Demaine Funeral Home. Handicap parking is available in the circle between the main sanctuary entrance and Donaldson Hall. If there are no handicap parking spaces available in the circle, one of our ushers will be glad to park your car and retrieve it following the service.

It's an exciting time at St. John's! Get involved and get into the spirit of things!