First Congregational

Church of Hanover






Family Guide to
Church School and
Youth Programming





Mission and Goals

Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them. And he took the
children in his arms and blessed them.
Mark 10: 14&16

We are a community deeply devoted to helping all of its members,
especially the children, learn about God and Jesus Christ. We believe
that all ages are learners and that faith formation is a partnership
between the church, the family and Jesus Christ. Church is one of the
last places in our society where people of all ages and cultures come
together in a community of support and service. The Christian
Education Committee in partnership with parents will help our children
build a solid foundation for a lifetime of faith and service to God and
Jesus Christ. We all will work together to create and maintain a safe,
welcoming environment for the children as they learn the Bible and
explore faith. We will all continue encouraging them to become
stewards of the church, spread the word of God and serve the world
community while creating lasting Christian friendships. We feel
parents are integral team members to help us in our work by talking
about God with their children and making Church involvement a
priority. We hope that the children and their families will be lifelong
followers of Jesus. We are truly a community church, and take pride
in serving the spiritual needs of everyone.











Welcome to Church School
Sunday school at the First Congregational Church welcomes all children from a wide
range of families in Hanover and surrounding towns. This handbook has been put
together to encourage you and your family to join us and help you become familiar with
and encourage you to participate in our active faith community. Before beginning, here
are a few frequently asked questions and answers.
What is a typical Sunday morning schedule?
(Beginning the 2
nd
week in September 2
nd
Sunday in June)

9:30 am Church begins, children and adults start together in the sanctuary
9:40 Children gather with Reverend Eric on the alter stairs for the
Childrens Chat.
945 Children follow adults out of the back of the sanctuary and across
the street to Riley Hall. Crossing guards are always present.
9:45-10:45 Sunday school time

Who can attend Sunday school?
Children ages 3- Kindergarten participate in our Beginner Room.
We have a Grade 1-2 class, a Grade 3-4 class, a Grade 5-6 class
and a Grade 7-8 class. We use both a rotational and classroom
model for classroom instruction.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Kerstin Adami-Barrett, Director of Christian Education.
781-826-4762 or kerstin@fcchanoverucc.org

Or a member of the Christian Education Committee:
Tina Donovan (chairperson) Robin Falcione
Lois Jones Christine Byrnes
Elaina Schlumper Deb Berardinelli
Whitney Carpenter


This handbook which has been arranged alphabetically will help
familiarize you with our church school, youth programming,
special days and activities throughout the year and groups you
may be interested in joining.

ADULT SHEPARD
An adult shepherd is present each Sunday morning to monitor
the Sunday school halls, help out when a child needs an escort to
the restroom, and generally help out when needed. As part of
our safe church policy we must have 2 adults available at all
times to make sure all children are safe.

BIBLE SUNDAY
It is our tradition to present a leather bound, personally
inscribed Bible to each 3
rd
grader one Sunday in March. Parents
should forward to the CE Director, by February, the proper
spelling of the childs first, middle and last name as you want it
to appear on the Bibles cover.

CHILDRENS SUNDAY
The second Sunday in June is when we wrap up a great year of Sunday school.
On this day, children remain in church with their parents. Each child will
receive a flowering plant in observance of Pentecost. A cookout for the whole
congregation will commence after church where fun children activities will be
held. A day of joy for all ages!

CE COMMITTEE
As a congregational church, we are governed by our members.
The Christian Education Committee is charged with overseeing
and directing the educational work of the church including
curriculum selection. They are to help recruit staff for church
school, provided materials for instruction, and are responsible

for providing materials and financial support for the youth fellowship
groups.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
The retelling of the Christmas Story through the children of our church is
something to behold. Our Christmas Pageant is held during the childrens
service on Christmas Eve. All church school attendees are welcome to
participate. There is one official rehearsal date which falls on the Sunday
before Christmas immediately after church. The church provides the
costumes. This is a joyous time and one we very much look forward to.

COMMUNION
Communion Sunday is generally on the first Sunday of the month.
All are welcome to receive communion.




CURRICULUM
We are using SPARK curriculum for our Beginners- Grade 6
Classes. This bible based, engaging curriculum gets kids reading
and interacting with their bibles. Each week beginners Grade 6
focus on the same bible story but are engaged in age appropriate
lessons in separate classes. We use 2 types of lessons: hands on
lessons where the students might be engaged in a cooking, art,
science or bible game activity and we have the classroom model
(Grade 5-6), where students use learner leaflets to dive deeper
into the weekly bible story.
Grades 7&8 are using the CONNECT curriculum.

DISCIPLINE
Children are expected to bring their best behavior to church and
show respect for classmates and volunteer teachers. If a
problem occurs that cannot be handled within the classroom, the
CE Director will remove the child from class to address and
hopefully resolve the problem. If a student is unable to return
to class, or a pattern of unacceptable behavior persists, a parent
will be notified and a plan will be established.

DISMISSAL
Sunday school ends at 10:45am. This is typically 10 minutes after church
ends. Parents come to Riley Hall where they pick up
their children in the classroom. Children will not be released to anyone who
has not been authorized by the parent on their registration form.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
On each teacher clipboard is an emergency exit plan in case
of a fire. Children will exit the building with their teacher,
meet out in the front parking lot, be counted and then released
to parents.

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
The first Sunday of the month is usually communion Sunday. On
this day our youth participate in the service. A lay reader (must
be confirmed) and 2 greeters from the Senior High Fellowship
volunteer or are asked to participate. In addition, 2 Junior High
Fellowship member are asked to be an acolyte (candle lighter)
and a bell ringer. This is a wonderful opportunity to get our
youth involved and to be active participants in our church service.

On the first Sunday of the month, 7-8 graders do not come to
Sunday school, they stay in church with their parents and
receive communion.

JUNIOR HIGH FELLOWSHIP
Junior High Fellowship is a youth group for young adults, grades
6-8. This group meets twice a month. Some of the fun activities
you might expect to participate in are: Apple picking/corn maze,
spending time with senior at a nursing home, bowling, making
cookie packages for our college freshmen, and the list goes on.
Friends outside of this church are always welcome. Speak with
Whitney Carpenter for more information.


NURSERY
Our recently upgraded nursery is located on the second floor of the church.
It is a room that is available for parents to bring their little ones if need be
during the church service. You can access the nursery by walking through
the door behind the alter. There are speakers in the nursery so that you
may listen to the service.

OFFERING
Childrens offering is collected during Reverend Erics Childrens
Chat. There is a basket provided on the alter in which to place
the offering. If you would like a box of childrens envelopes,
please contact the CE Director.

RALLY SUNDAY
Rally Sunday is the second Sunday in September. This is the
day you register your children for Sunday school. This takes
place immediately after church, where a continental breakfast is
available and a guest performer will be ready to get the kids
excited for a new Sunday school year to begin.

REGISTRATION
All parents must sign their children up for Sunday school by
filling out a registration form. See CE Director for form.

SAFE CHURCH POLICY
In 2013 the CE committee created a safe church policy that highlights all
the measures we take to ensure the safety of all
children in our care. These guidelines are available for viewing. If youd like a
copy please let the CE Director know.

SENIOR HIGH FELLOWSHIP
Our 9th -12th graders are invited to join Senior High Fellowship
co-led by Rev. Eric and lay youth leaders. The group meets
Sundays in Riley Hall from 6:30-8:30 pm. Friends from outside
our church are always welcome. Every summer our senior high
youth and adults go on a mission trip. Check out Mission Trip
Videos on our webpage to see the awesome work that they do.
Speak with Carol Gillis for more information.

TEACHERS
Our Sunday school teachers are an invaluable resource for our
children. We invited parents, non-parents, and empty-nesters to
consider joining us to become a part of a teaching team. Each
grade level has its own set of 3-4 teachers who rotate throughout the year.
This offers some continuity for the kids who get to know their teachers and
also flexibility for teachers as they can trade off weeks and create their own
schedules among themselves. There are 3 mandatory PD days for each grade
level. Sign-ups for teaching will happen in March for the following year.
Teachers who are already teaching get first priority for grade level.

VBS (VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL)
Vacation Bible School is a 5 day Christian summer camp for
kids ages 4-10. This is a wonderful program that we have had
great success with for 2 years now. The program runs in August
and we get great participation from the congregation who do
everything from run the art program, to direct and role play in
the readers theater productions. Sign-Ups will begin in the
spring. We keep tuition low and have discounts for more than 2.
If youd like to join in on the fun, contact the CE Director for
more details and information. Spread the good word!

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS
Sunday school is likely to be cancelled during severe weather
because it cannot operate without teachers who may be weather
bound at home. All church school families will be emailed
Saturday night or Sunday morning if classes are canceled.

YOUTH CHOIR
Our talented Minister of Music, Chad Weirick wants your
kids to join the youth choir. The choir meets after Sunday school to
rehearse about twice a month. Children will have multiple performances
throughout the year in front of the congregation. Definite dates are the
Christmas Pageant, Mothers Day, and Childrens Day with a few more
performances in between.

YOUTH DEACONS
A youth deacon is selected from the Senior High Fellowship
and must be confirmed in order to fill this role. In this
leadership role a youth deacon could expect to attend 4
diaconate meetings during the year and participate in the
preparation of Holy Communion, delivery of the communion
elements to the sick and aged, serve as a lay reader, and other
related duties. This is a unique opportunity to see and be a part
of the inside workings of the church.

APPENDIX
Grade Level Standards
Beginners: Jesus Loves Me (with hand gestures)
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
For the Bible tells me so.

Grade 1 & 2: Lords Prayer (2014-2015 school year)
Our father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power and the glory forever. Amen

Grade 1 & 2: 23
rd
Psalm (2015-2016 school year)
THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his
names sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no
evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anoint
my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Grade 3 & 4: 100
th
Psalm (2014-2015 school year)
1
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the lands
2
Serve the lord with gladness;
Come into his presence with singing.
3
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are his;
We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless his name.
5
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
And his faithfulness to all generations

Grade 3 & 4: Ten Commandments (2015-2016 school year)
1. Thou shall have no other gods
2. Thou shall not make yourself an idol
3. Thou shall not use the Lords name in vain
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy
5. Honor your mother and father
6. Thou shall not commit murder
7. Thou shall not commit adultery
8. Thou shall not steal
9. Thou shall not bear false witness
10. Thou shall not covet






Grade 5& 6: Old Testament Books of the Bible (2014-15 school year)
Genesis I & II Samuel Proverbs Hosea Zephaniah
Exodus I & II Kings Ecclesiastes Joel Haggai
Leviticus I & II
Chronicles
Song of
Solomon
Amos Zechariah
Numbers Ezra Isaiah Obadiah Malachi
Deuteronomy Nehemiah Jeremiah Jonah
Joshua Esther Lamentations Micah
Judges Job Ezekiel Nahum
Ruth Psalms Daniel Habakkuk

Grade 5&6: New Testament Books of the Bible (2015-2016 school year)
Matthew Acts Ephesians I & II Timothy James
Mark Romans Philippians Titus I & II Peter
Luke I & II
Corinthians
Colossians Philemon I, II & III John
John Galatians
I & II Thessalonians
Hebrews Jude
Revelation

Grade 7&8: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-11)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who thirst for hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil
against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.