Bethesda UCC is committed to providing Christian education that gives our children and youth a foundation to be part of our larger faith community, to make ethical decisions in their lives, to carry out service to others, and to continue developing their faith during their lives. Bethesda UCC’s Christian education programs follow a Bible-based curriculum designed to help our children and youth understand the Bible as story, to interpret the story, and to connect the story with their life experiences.

 

 

 

 

1) Pre-K (ages 3-4); 2) K-2ndgrades; and 3) 3rd-6th grades. Small classes include a variety of activities such as Bible stories, art projects, music, and games. The Sunday School classes join the worship service for the “Moment for Children” led by the minister, the offering, and closing hymn. 

 

Bethesda UCC is dedicated to creating a positive Christian environment for its youth members. Young people from 7th to 12th grades need a place where they can ask the tough questions, chew on the answers, and discuss the issues they face as young people in 21st Century America.  They also need to know that their church is their home and will always be a refuge in the storm. On Sunday morning, the focus turns to our faith roots. Youth gather to read and discuss scripture, always with an eye on its application and relevance to their modern lives.  The sessions are highly informal (couches, donuts, etc.) and mostly unstructured.

 

There is a confirmation class for youth in grades 8-12. Beginning with an opening overnight retreat, the confirmation class meets regularly to delve into issues of faith. Questions are welcome and encouraged.  Confirmands participate in many ways in the life of the church—as worship leaders, offering service in the community, and sharing their gifts. The whole congregation offers their support and prayers for the young people in the confirmation process.

Intergenerational Services:
“Old Stories with New Eyes”  
Bethesda UCC offers wonderful, monthly intergenerational services geared for all ages to worship together. These joyful, creative services offer new ways of looking at the scriptures using the arts, visual elements, and music to engage the gospel and God’s good news for us today. 

Christmas Pageant  
The children and youth, adult director, and crew enjoy adapting scripts to bring the
Christmas story to life with modern and innovative interpretations.  It is a joy for the whole church and each year the Christmas Pageant tells the Christmas story in a new and wonderful way.