Christian Education Opportunities
The original constitution of St. John's written in the later 1700s created an emphasis and environment of Christian Education. The first schoolhouse of any kind in what is now Cabarrus County, North Carolina, was constructed here. This tradition has lived on into the present day at St. John's where we offer many opportunities for people to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and lasting relationships with folks in the community.
St. John's offers to the community a pre-school program that we call "Playschool" where children from the community learn important skills that will help carry them through life. The school has a long-term reputation in the community for preparing the child for kindergarten and their school career.
During the month of June we offer to the community Vacation Bible School. This week-long event supplies a meal each night, various fun activities, music, time for study, and especially an unforgettable time for growth with each other and Jesus. There is something for everyone of all ages at St. John's Vacation Bible School.
St. John's offers a Sunday School program for all ages; from nursery to adult. Each class is oriented toward the age of the individual. Elementary school age classes uses the "Group" curriculum. All the Elementary school aged classes are located in the Educational Building; which is the building located to the right of the sanctuary.
Our youth Sunday school classes use Bible stories, videos and other materials to discuss their issues in life and their relationship to Jesus. During the seventh and eighth grade our youth are involved in the Sharehouse Confirmation Cooperative. This cooperative involves the same aged youth and pastors of about seven other area Lutheran congregations. They study various points of the faith; such as The Ten Commandments, Holy Communion, Holy Baptism, Lutheran Heritage, The Apostle's Creed, and Holy Scripture. Learning occurs through many types of learning activities; such as crafts, traditional class study, computers, videos, worship, games, hands-on activities, and so forth. Sometimes the parents are involved in the learning. Once a year the "confirmation youth" go on a learning retreat to the mountains once a year.
A Description of Each
Adult Sunday School Class
The Fidelis Ladies Sunday School Class
The Fidelis Class is an average sized class that has a membership of only women. The class is blessed excellent leaders who teach from a variety of materials, but primarily use the Adult Bible Studies series published by Cokesbury Press. This class enjoys discussions, sending cards for all occasions and supporting worthy causes. They also enjoy doing special projects for the church, such as decorating the area behind the sanctuary and providing a Christmas tree and Chrismon ornaments for the Fellowship Building. Members of this class develop strong bonds with each other. They always welcome guests and new members to the class.
[Located in the “parlor” on the left side of the lower level in back of the sanctuary.]
The Jay L. Cress Bible Class
The Jay L. Cress Bible Class uses the Bible as the primary material for study. “Our teachers are great leaders that promote a lot of discussion.” Women and men with a wide range of ages attend this class. The class consists of men and women of any age. One a typical Sunday the room is full.
[Located in the “chapel”, on the lower level in back of the sanctuary and the last room to the right.]
The Young Adults Sunday School Class
The general age of men and women in this class are in their thirties and forties. For the most part, the class is made up of couples who have children. This is an average sized class. The format of the class most often includes a video series with leader’s guide. The class views the video lesson and then discusses materials presented in the leader’s manual. Usually the manual gives Bible verses that are read and discussed. “Our group is casual in style and everyone discusses and communicates with open minds. We try to relate our lessons to everyday life when applicable. It is very enjoyable.”
[Located on the left side on the second level in back of the sanctuary.]
The Dorcas Sunday School Class
This class is smaller in size. The teachers, male and female, are assigned particular Sundays during the month that he or she leads the study. The Adult Bible Studies series published by Cokesbury Press is the primary resource for the class with about seventy percent of the class time being discussion. This class enjoys sending cards to those who have been ill during the week, and for other occasions.
[Located on the lower level in a middle room in back of the sanctuary.]
The Adolph Nussman Sunday School Class
The Adolph Nussman Sunday School Class was formed through the merging of a number of other classes. Often the room is packed with people eager to participate in learning. The Adult Bible Studies series published by Cokesbury Press is used for Sunday School lessons. Some in the class has stated that “the best teachers” use lecture and various discussion group materials. The class tends to consist of folks with a little more life experience and years. Someone in the class once stated: “Since this seems to be the last phase before we enter the cemetery behind us, we welcome all who would join us for a good discussion group and fellowship in class and at other times.”
[Located on the upper floor of the Educational Building in the Nussman Library.]
The Discussion Class
The Discussion Class is composed of adults ranging in age from the mid-thirties to sixties. The Discussion Class has both men and women on the roll. The format of the class begins with the gospel lesson for that week in worship. The Bibles often used are The Life Application Bible and The Serendipity Bible.
[Located in the comfortable Goins Hall located in the lower level of the Educational Building.]
WE HAVE AN ADULT
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS THAT WILL
MAKE MOST FOLKS FEEL AT HOME.