CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Southminster Stages: Elementary Church School

Grade School children (K thru 6) participate in Southminster Stages, our 2006- 2007 church school model.

Stages features exciting, multi-sensory learning opportunities to create a nurturing and faith-building environment for everyone involved. Using art, drama, storytelling, cooking, and many other methods, our children creatively engage the daily theme in ways that are accessible and fun! Older children work on their very own newsletter, the Southminster So, or participate as helpers in the program of the day.

Each session begins with Gathering at the Well, a time for singing and group-building exercises. We are excited to offer these stages for Fall 2006 thru Spring 2007:

• Oct 1-Oct 29th The Great Commandment
• Nov 5- Nov 26th The Found Story
• Dec 3- Dec 24th Calling All Angels (a musical performance)
• Dec 31 No Church School
• Jan 7 - Jan 21 TBA
• Jan 28 - Feb 18 Peter and Cornelius
• Feb 25 Family Lent Sunday
• Mar 4 - Apr. 1 The Last Supper
• Apr 8 No Church School
• Apr 15 - May 13 Road to Emmaus
• May 20 End of Year Celebration
• May 27 No Church School

Southminster Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC)

Our youth church school offers the chance for middle and high school youth to explore together religious and ethical themes important in their lives. Using bible study, popular movies, and peer conversation, this program aims to go deep, to aim high, and to offer an accepting environment within which to challenge our youth to grow closer to God and to one another. This winter the Youth Church School will be creating their annual stained glass window in the lounge and be doing a unit on Christmas Surprises. The Youth meet in the Youth Room on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for Church School.

Confirmation Year is the 8th grade. The pastor works with the students for an 8-12 week study of their own spiritual journey, the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the Bible, subjects such as death and dying, and the functional aspects of running a church.

Southminster Youth Group

Led by Youth Sponsors, the Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings at 6: 00 p.m. with activities that seek a balance between service, study fun and fellowship.

Work Camp is the annual summer trip for all youth. Work Camp is an opportunity for fellowship, service to the community, and spiritual growth. Friendships are deepened and strengthened among the youth and the adult sponsors who go with the group. Past work Camps have included working with Native Americans on Tribal land, Charleston and New Orleans homeless shelters, repairing houses for the elderly and repairing and updating other Presbyterian retreat centers, and a trip to Agua Prieta, Mexico.

Adult Education

Hungry for deep yet engaging conversation about topics that matter? Join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for a wide variety of classes, each of which offer provisions for your daily life..

Inquiring Spirits:This class is an in-depth bible study that engages deeply in an investigation of the text in its modern context, asking questions which touch upon the history of biblical interpretation as well as questions of significance for our lives today. 

Led by pastor Jeff Clayton, meeting in the northwest corner of Fellowship Hall.

Seekers Class: A forum for deeper exploration into modern issues—theology, ethics, politics, pop culture. The Seekers class is a space where different views can be sharedand where we can learn from one another and our common faith tradition. 

Recent topics have included God is NOT a Republican...nor a Democrat, Is Walmart GOOD for America?, an exploration of fundamental issues of faith through video interviews with contemporary authors and theologians, and exploring issues of faith in contemporary fiction. Prior topics included exploring Angels, Interfaith Dialogue between Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and a Dialogue between Faith and Science with guest speakers. 

The Seekers meet in the northeast corner of Fellowship Hall.

Women’s Class: A discussion oriented class using books, video, and other resources to facilitate conversation among participants. Open for women of all ages and stages of faith, this community provides a unique opportunity to share stories, wisdom, and experiences with one another. 

This class meets in the Bride’s Room located on the 2nd floor just above the sanctuary.

Contemporary Issues: Lively discussions of current issues occur each Sunday. News articles and periodicals are used to provide starting points for information on issues. This class brings the perspective of Christian faith and ethics to bear on current events and social issues. 

This class meets in the southeast corner of Fellowship Hall.