Open Circle Church
Thinking Encouraged
Diversity Welcomed

What We Offer

Children & Youth

Our children's program prsents us with a unique challenge and opportunity. Many parents who attend Open Circle are here because traditional Christian Biblical interpretations and doctrines don't work for them. What they find at Open Circle is a learning environment where the Bible is read in light of modern biblical scholarship, doctrine isn't emphasized, other faith traditons are respected, and spiritual practices are taught and encouraged to aid in spiritual growth. Not surprisingly parents want this same environment for their children.

In our children's program we teach our childrene familiar with bible stories and themes. Each year we present our third graders with a NRSV Children's Bible. In the educaiton hour and in worship our children observe and celebrate the major seasons of the Christian year. We also introduce our children to the stories and celebrations of other faith traditions. They learn about and are introduced to the spiritual practies of prayer and meditation.

Sunday School - We meet for an educational program following worship at least three Sundays a month.  We gather at 11:15 a.m. and are done by noon. There will be no education hour on those Sundays when we share a congregational meal.

Lenten Education Series Spring 2010: The season of Lent (the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday) is traditionally a time for reflection and intentionality in relation to one’s faith journey.  During Lent we will be inviting persons of all ages to join together during the education hour to explore spiritual practices for home and community.  These are simple practices that can be incorporated into daily life, but the results can be profound as we open ourselves to increased awareness of and attentiveness to God’s presence and activity in our lives and around the world.  Children and youth, younger adults and older adults, individuals and families are all invited to participate. 

Music - We  begin our education hour each week with 10-15 minutes of music.  Even if your child(ren) will not be staying for Sunday school, they are welcome to stay for the music piece.  The primary goal is to teach our children songs of faith, but we also anticipate them singing in worship several times throughout the year.

Worship Participation - We have a children's story each week in worship.  We involve the children in worship leadership in a variety of other ways.  About once a month a children's choir sings in worship; frequently children read scripture or participate in a drama. Occasionally one of our children even delivers the morning message.  For smaller children there are always  worship bags available in the church lobby; as appropriate we will insert activities related to the worship theme or our monthly Sunday school theme.

Service - We involve the children in service projects throughout the year.  We are working closely with the Outreach Team to consider congregation-wide projects in which children and families could take part.  But we also anticipate involving the children in a project or two that are developed specifically for them. Most recently our children participated with the adults in putting together Church World Service Hygeine Kits for relief efforts in Haiti.

Questions about the children's program? Contact Rhonda Gingrich.