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Education at Zion
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Education at Zion is rooted in the scriptures, in the good news of the love of God made known to us in Jesus Christ, in the rich heritage of Luther’s Catechism and the Lutheran Confessions, and in faith connections in daily life. Faith
Stepping Stones Blessings and rituals are a powerful way to connect God with people. At Zion, these rituals and blessings are rooted in the promises God makes to us in Baptism and presuppose that Baptism is understood as a Sacrament, that is, “something God does for us, not something we do for God.” Each Faith Stepping Stone provides a structure in which to “bless the child, gift the family, and call parents back to the promises of Baptism” while affirming children as they take major steps along their faith journey.
Sunday
School Sunday School is held at 9:15 AM each Sunday from September through May. Classes are available for young people age three through high school. In addition, an adult forum meets at the same hour. Children age three through grade 6 are engaged in the study of God’s Word by means of the “Life Together” curriculum which focuses on Bible stories and scripture readings which are used in worship for that particular Sunday. Children who attend both worship and Sunday School find a double re-enforcement of the scriptures for the day. Young people in grades 7-8 study topics which tie into the their Wednesday evening confirmation studies, while high school students gather to discuss the ways that faith connects with their daily life as teenagers. A highlight of the Sunday School year is the annual Sunday School Christmas program. Confirmation Confirmation
is a caring ministry of the church which helps the baptized to identify
more intimately with the Christian Community and participate
more fully in its mission. Confirmation ministry at Zion is a two and a half year program which focuses on the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism. Students in grades 7 and 8 gather each Wednesday night at 6:00 for a fellowship meal, followed by class from 6:15-7:15 PM which includes time with the whole group as well as small group time lead by adult guides. Students are required to memorize portions of Luther’s Catechism and the books of the Bible. In addition, they are required to complete four service projects each year and attend worship on a regular basis. During Lent, students attend Lenten services instead of class and complete a guided reading booklet for the Gospel of Mark one year, and selected readings from the Old Testament the second year. Ninth grade students meet for eight weeks in the fall learning about and discussing what it means to affirm one’s baptism and to participate more fully in the life of the congregation. They also complete a guided reading assignment on the Gospel of John. The Rite of Confirmation takes place on Reformation Sunday (the last Sunday of October.) Vacation
Bible School Vacation Bible School is an ecumenical venture involving Zion Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Grace Lutheran Church. For five Wednesdays in the summer, children ages three through 6th grade gather for learning, music, crafts, and fun from 9:00 – 11:30 AM using the Augsburg Fortress VBS materials. A meal is served to close the morning portion. Following the noon meal, children grades 2-6 are invited to experience a “day-camp” activity such as visiting an historic site, going swimming, or other similar activities. Adult
Education The Adult Forum meets on Sunday morning at 9:15 AM. Topics recently studied include Luther’s Small Catechism, the Augsburg Confession, How Lutherans Read the Bible, short term Bible studies, a brief look at Islam, and several one week focus topics. Graciously Called, Graciously Sent small group studies meet in homes or in the church lounge during Lent. These studies have focused on the nature of our call and the meaning of discipleship. In 2005, the groups will discuss a book entitled God’s Call in the World. Other adult education opportunities meet periodically throughout the year. We recently studied the ELCA’s course “Journey Together Faithfully: The Church and Homosexuality.”
For
more information about Zion’s educational opportunities, contact
our Lay Associate, Cheryl Hollich.
Click here to go to the ELCA Education Page
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