Planning Ahead for Advent & Christmas

It’s hard to believe that we’re already beginning to look ahead to the Christmas season! The Christian Education group has been spending time thinking about how we can make this year’s Advent and Christmas season meaningful, welcoming, and engaging for children and families in our congregation.

As we begin planning, we’re excited to find ways for children to be part of the Christmas story and the life of our church community. Whether through storytelling, music, creative activities, or opportunities to participate, we want to make sure our youngest members have a chance to experience the joy and meaning of the season.

In the meantime, there’s been plenty happening in Sunday School!

Each week, we’re exploring a different theme and story from the Bible, finding ways to connect scripture to the world around us. We’ve been talking about hope and purpose. We’ve also explored hospitality, thinking about what it means to welcome others and reminding ourselves that Jesus welcomes everyone and that there is a place for all of us.

We’ve been spending time with some of the foundational stories of the Bible, too, exploring the stories of creation, Noah, and God’s call to Abram. Through stories, conversations, games, movement, and hands-on activities, we’re discovering that faith is something we can experience, practice, and share with one another.

One of our goals in Sunday School is to create a space where children feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas, being curious, and learning together. There’s no expectation that anyone has all the answers! We want children to know that they belong, that their voices matter, and that they are an important part of our church community.

Katherine Bynarowicz

Director of Youth Faith Formation