The mission of Educational Ministries is to provide a strong foundation in Christian education for the young people of Gilford Community Church. A major goal of the Educational Ministries committee is to deepen knowledge and faith, and through exploration and discussion, to nurture and encourage individual faith development.
The committee oversees the church’s formal educational ministry. This involves three areas—children, youth and adult education. A creative Sunday School curriculum presents the teachings and stories of Jesus in a visual hands-on manner, and a “Tea Time” is offered twice a month for middle and high school students in which they are invited to leave the sanctuary after Children’s Time and to join the Youth Director in the Gathering Room for discussions relevant to the challenges of applying their faith to their lives as teenagers in today’s world.
Rev. Graham provides an Adult Study Group every Wednesday at noon for adults to gather and discuss the latest book which is offered to them to read. Although Rev. Graham leads the discussion, everyone is involved and encouraged in the dialogue. The purpose of all the church’s adult learning opportunities is to provide a forum where people can dialogue and be intellectually challenged.
The committee works with the Youth Director to plan Sunday School events such as Rally Day, Children’s Sunday, Mission Trip Presentation Sunday, the Christmas Pageant, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Birthday Party for Jesus, and the Christ Quest (Senior and Junior) local mission outreaches during the summer. Included in the educational thrust of the church is a high school youth group, with plenty of
opportunities for fun and recreation, and various field trips, as well as service opportunities to benefit the church and community.
A Confirmation Class is open to all high school-aged students. There are 3 components to the Confirmation program: working with a mentor chosen by the Confirmation student, visiting other places of worship, and a weekend service trip in Boston at the City Mission Society. Confirmation classes encourage the students to question, clarify and confirm their faith. At the last gathering with their mentors, students will present their faith journeys. On Confirmation Sunday, after the 6-7 month Confirmation process, each student is offered the opportunity to join the church.
The committee also oversees the Hook Scholarship, which is awarded to a Gilford High School senior who is active in our church, displays academic promise, wholesome character and a significant concern for others, and has the intention of furthering his/her education at an accredited institution.
The committee oversees the church’s formal educational ministry. This involves three areas—children, youth and adult education. A creative Sunday School curriculum presents the teachings and stories of Jesus in a visual hands-on manner, and a “Tea Time” is offered twice a month for middle and high school students in which they are invited to leave the sanctuary after Children’s Time and to join the Youth Director in the Gathering Room for discussions relevant to the challenges of applying their faith to their lives as teenagers in today’s world.
Rev. Graham provides an Adult Study Group every Wednesday at noon for adults to gather and discuss the latest book which is offered to them to read. Although Rev. Graham leads the discussion, everyone is involved and encouraged in the dialogue. The purpose of all the church’s adult learning opportunities is to provide a forum where people can dialogue and be intellectually challenged.
The committee works with the Youth Director to plan Sunday School events such as Rally Day, Children’s Sunday, Mission Trip Presentation Sunday, the Christmas Pageant, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Birthday Party for Jesus, and the Christ Quest (Senior and Junior) local mission outreaches during the summer. Included in the educational thrust of the church is a high school youth group, with plenty of
opportunities for fun and recreation, and various field trips, as well as service opportunities to benefit the church and community.
A Confirmation Class is open to all high school-aged students. There are 3 components to the Confirmation program: working with a mentor chosen by the Confirmation student, visiting other places of worship, and a weekend service trip in Boston at the City Mission Society. Confirmation classes encourage the students to question, clarify and confirm their faith. At the last gathering with their mentors, students will present their faith journeys. On Confirmation Sunday, after the 6-7 month Confirmation process, each student is offered the opportunity to join the church.
The committee also oversees the Hook Scholarship, which is awarded to a Gilford High School senior who is active in our church, displays academic promise, wholesome character and a significant concern for others, and has the intention of furthering his/her education at an accredited institution.