CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

St. Paul’s UCC Christian Education Mission Statement

 

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ is a community of people who believe in God’s Continuing Testaments. God continues to speak to us, and to educate us through our holy scriptures, our spiritual practices, our works of service, and all of our experiences.

 

As disciples of Jesus, we commit to broadening our understandings of our faith and other faiths, our calls to service and stewardship, and our commitments to reaching out to all people, especially those in need. God continues to teach us, and we continue to follow and learn, as we seek to bring God’s realm further and further into being. In doing that, we…

 

  • Believe education involves hearts, minds, and spirits,
  • Are unafraid to ask questions and recognize that we have perhaps been walking down fruitless paths,
  • Approach education as a lifelong event for the youngest to the oldest, supporting one another in our quests to draw closer to God and follow our calls,
  • Believe that we are all both students and teachers, with much to learn from and share with each other and the wider community.

Sunday School

 

We offer Sunday school classes from mid-September through May; 9:15-10:15 AM. We have a variety of classes for learners from preschool through adulthood:

 

  • Preschool-1st grade
  • 2nd grade-5th grade
  • 6th grade-12th grade
  • Adults

Other Educational Ministries

Advent & Lenten Reading Groups — During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we hold small group discussions. The groups read a book together and then reflect on the reading and on their own personal experiences. These groups are open to anyone who wishes to participate.

Queer Bible Study — This bible study is open to anyone (of any sexual orientation or gender) who wishes to explore Christian scripture through a queer lens. We are an LGBTQ+ affirming group seeking deeper understanding of scripture, and connection with God and one another. QBS is held on select Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM (for specific dates, please check the CALENDAR)

St. Paul’s Against Racism, Creating Change (SPARCC) — SPARCC is a ministry team of St. Paul’s UCC. Racism is a scourge on our religious tradition, our country, and our world. As followers of Christ, we are called to abolish racism, and to seek liberation and equality for Black people and People of Color. SPARCC engages in education and community action to eliminate racism, both within the Christian Church, and in our society at large. SPARCC members take part in demonstrations for racial justice. We participate in discussions of books, newspaper articles, and films about racism. And we partner with community organizations to engage in antiracist education and activism. Racism is deeply embedded in the American way of life. SPARCC members undertake our mission to end racism with humility, knowing we still have much to learn, and far to go. Nevertheless, we are committed to making our nation a place of justice, freedom, equality, and peace for all God’s beloved children. SPARCC is open to anyone who wishes to participate.