Education at OSLC...     

Youth and Adult
Christian Education Opportunities

     We offer an education program for all ages -- nursery through adult -- each Sunday morning during the school year (August through May). Classes meet from 9:45 - 10:45 am.

     This will be our second Akaloo year. We use this Augsburg Fortress program as the focus of study for our elementary children and youth.. Akaloo is inspired by the Greek word akolouthein, which means "to follow." The goal of Akaloo is to make disciples of all ages by going beyond the boundaries of the weekly Sunday school hour. This is accomplished through Sunday school lessons with the aid of learner handbooks, web-based activities and discussions, intergenerational events, life groups, and service projects.

     Akaloo and our Good Shepherd program for preschool children emphasize a strong foundation in the Bible.Children and youth also study the Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Sacraments, Ten Commandments, Lutheran history and tradition, and our worship liturgy.

     We offer two learning opportunities for adults on Sunday mornings: Adult Forum and a book discussion group.

      In addition to our Sunday school activities this year, we will participate in intergenerational service events, share in an Advent kick-off celebration, rejoice on Easter Sunday with a breakfast and egg hunt, and create faith-mentoring relationships with the preteens and teenagers in our church.

     All of our Christian education offerings emphasize the four keys - caring conversations, devotions, service, and rituals and traditions - presented by David Anderson in the book, Frogs Without Legs Can't Hear.

     We look forward to a year of exploring and strengthening our faith together! Please join us as we study and share the wonders of God's love.

Sunday Worship and Education Schedule

First Morning Service 8:30am

Coffee and Fellowship 9:30am (Fellowship Hall - Lower Level)

Sunday School for Children 9:45am

Sunday School for Youth, Adult Forum and the book discussion group 10:00am

Second Morning Service 11:00am

Evening (Purdue Lutheran Ministry) Service 5:30pm

     As a congregation we strongly encourage children to participate in and contribute to the worship service as well as Sunday school classes, therefore we do not offer classes during the worship hour. It is our belief that children not only learn how to worship by attending worship, but that we as adults are also blessed by their presence with us. Childcare is provided for infants and children up to three years of age during the worship service.

     Childcare will be available in the nursery from 8:15- 12:15pm on Sunday mornings, provided by Kristen Singleton. Children from infants up to 3 years of age are invited to visit the nursery for snacks and free play. Parents are asked to introduce themselves and their children to Kristen if you or they are new to the room, and please drop off and pick up your child personally. We ask that you not bring a child to the nursery with a fever or contagious illness. Additionally, parents can assist in the nursery by washing linens and stuffed animals or providing supplies.

Good Shepherd Class (Lower Level)

Ages 4 - Kindergarten  

     In the Good Shepherd Room, children are introduced to the word of God through the stories of the Bible. The stories are told using specially carved wooden figures. The curriculum is based on the Montessori principles of respecting the self, others and the environment. Through the weekly pattern of an opening ritual, the story, art and game time and a closing ritual, children also learn the fundamentals of Christian worship.
     Children are welcome in the Good Shepherd Room beginning at 9:30am. Class begins at 9:45am. Parents are asked to personally drop off and pick up their children. You are also encouraged to stay and enjoy the room or to share your time and faith with the children there.

           Teachers: Mary Beth Foster and Becca Rye

Elementary Class (Lower Level)

Grades 1 - 4The Secret Box of Jacques

     The elementary children follow Nella Fishbone and her twin brother Allen as they uncover faith lessons in The Secret Box Saint Jacques. Each Sunday the children gather in their lesson room, where they learn about the Bible, the Lutheran faith, and how to work with and respect each other. This Akaloo program makes connections between church, home, faith, and life. It provides active, hands-on teaching methods which utilize the elementary students' reading and writing skills. Once a month the children gather in their music/worship room for songs. Through active engagement with the Bible, imagination, the arts, and the global Christian community, students deepen their faith and their relationship with God and each other.

     Teachers: Jalle Gebisa, Sam Vana, Sara Vana, Aimee Bjornstad, George Avery, and Marcia Monroe

Middle School Class (Upper Level)

Grades 5 - 8 Serve the Lord!

     At the middle school level, the Akaloo curriculum provides a variety of ways to explore the scriptures and bring the Bible to life. In each lesson the students have opportunities to explore their faith and understand mission and service at a deeper level. The middle school youth also participate in service projects and group-building events throughout the year.

     Teachers: Sonya Margerum, Phil Krause, and Matt Ohland

High School Class (Upper Level)

Grades 9 - 12 Questions for Life: Matthew's View
 

    The high school class utilizes questions as the basis for discussion and reflection. For example: Life Can Get Pretty Bad Sometimes - Can the Bible Give Us Hope? By tapping into the wisdom of Matthew and other biblical writers, contemporary famous people, and even cartoonists, the youth explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in everyday life.

    Through the high school youth group, the teenagers explore opportunities to serve our church and the community. Several just-for-fun activities are planned as well.

      Teachers: Gail Zdilla, Emily Ohland, Phil & Liz Krause
      Youth Group Leaders:  Gail & Mike Zdilla  

 

Adult Forum (Lower Level in the Fellowship Hall)

     Organized by Reuben Peterson      

     Adult Forum is an opportunity to interact with speakers who present information and perspectives on a variety of themes selected by the Adult Forum Committee. College-age young adults are welcome to participate in any of the adult offerings. Adult classes do not meet on the first Sunday of the month. On this day the adult education hour is reserved for committee meetings. (All other classes meet as usual.)

 

Book Discussion Group (In the room at the back of the Nave)

     Organized by Sandra Vana

      This is an opportunity for you to read and react to best-selling works of contemporary fiction and non-fiction in a relaxed setting with others who are interested in sharing their thoughts and questions. Come and participate or simply come and listen. The first work to be discussed is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. On October 19th we will start to look at Peace Like a River by Leif Enger.

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Page last updated October 9, 2008.  

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