For more information, please contact Director of Christian Education, Lisa D. Niven ([email protected])
Our Mission – Christian education is an integral part of our life together. Our mission is to continue to share the Good News of the Gospel, and to provide opportunities for all people to deepen their foundational understanding of Christianity, mature in their lived discipleship, and share their ideas and experiences through fellowship and mission with others. We believe Christian education should take place in the context of community and offer a full range of programs and activities for children, youth and adults.
Sunday School – We have classes for children in Pre-K through 8th grade, that run from September to early June and are taught by volunteer members of the congregation using Reformed, Bible-based curricula. Teachers rotate weekly or by semester, depending on the class, and are supported by a Sunday School Superintendent. For more details, see our 2023-24 Sunday School Calendar.
Except for the first Sunday of each month (see Chapel Time, below), the children come to the Sanctuary for the first portion of the worship service and are dismissed with their teachers to their classrooms after Children’s Time.
Summer Sundays, a cooperative one-room class for K-4th is usually scheduled during the remainder of June.
2023- 2024 Sunday School Classes (and curriculum), beginning September 17th:
- K-4th grade (Bible/practice-based Follow Me)
- 5th-7th grade (So Great A Cloud of Witnesses: A Survey of Church History)
- 8th-9th grade Confirmation (see below)
Details on rooms and teachers will be sent home to families and posted in church.
Many thanks to those who have volunteered to teach in the coming year. We ask that others give prayerful consideration to serving the church in this meaningful way. Contact Lisa Niven if you are interested.
IPC has a Nursery (lower level in John Knox Hall) where our youngest ones are cared for during worship year-round.
Acolytes — Older elementary-age children (usually 4th – 6th graders) serve as acolytes in the worship service, lighting the candles at the beginning of the service, symbolizing Christ’s presence with us. The children receive a short training and are guided on Sunday mornings by the Sunday School Superintendent.
Chapel Time – On the first Sunday of each month, Sunday School classes and their teachers gather in the Chapel for their own 30-40 minute interactive worship service, which includes singing, prayer, scripture and a message. The children then join the adults in the sanctuary for communion and through the conclusion of the service.
Special Classes — Children and Sacraments is a one-time class offered yearly for 3rd graders (or others) and their parents, to familiarize the children with the meanings and the liturgy around the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. The children decorate a cloth that drapes the communion tale at the next Lord’s Supper, which is their “first communion with understanding”.
Children and Worship is offered periodically to children in K-2nd grade, and is intended to help them become comfortable in worship, and to gain a better understanding of why we do the things we do in the worship service.
Confirmation Class – Usually every other year, we offer a Confirmation class. This is a special 6-8 month course of study intended to encourage youth on their continuing faith journey. This year, the program is largely self-guided, with individual and group assignments and activities. Confirmands are supported by the Pastor and Director of Christian Education, as well as a team of Mentors, who encourage Confirmands’ exploration and questioning of their own faith. The program culminates, if Confirmands so choose, in a profession of faith and membership in the church.
High school members and friends are encouraged to support the Christian Education program by serving as classroom assistants, co-teachers and Sunday School Superintendents.
Fellowship activities are planned throughout the year for children and Youth, usually including events at Halloween, Christmas and Easter, and periodically at other times.
Adult Education – IPC offers a range of opportunities for adults to engage in exploration of topics related to their faith development that educate and promote discussion, discernment and fellowship. These include Sunday morning classes (9:00 to 10:00 am in person and on Zoom); Wednesday morning Bible study (in person); morning and evening book clubs; and other workshops, special classes and events. For more information, see our Adult Education brochure, and Morning Book Club Schedule.
Questions & Comments — Ask us for information or tell us your ideas! Be in touch with Lisa Niven at: [email protected] or in the church office on Wednesdays or Fridays at 914-591-8124.