Here at The Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Charles,
we are committed to providing a variety of programs for all ages
designed to enliven and enrich our faith. Our goal is to provide
intergenerational experiences and age-appropriate Christian educational
opportunities for our church family and community in order to increase
our love for God and neighbor.
Sunday School
Sunday School is offered during both worship services to preschoolers
through 7th graders. The 6th/7th graders begin their Sunday school
lessons at the beginning of both services. Then on the first Sunday of
the month, they attend the worship service and partake in Communion.
The 6th graders receive Bibles from the congregation, sponsored by the
Christian Education Committee. The other children begin in church for
part of the worship including a Moments with Children and then go to
Sunday school. Once a month, usually the first Sunday, the children
begin downstairs in room 114 for a Junior Worship experience where
children have the opportunity to usher, be acolytes, share special
music, take the offering, and give the message for the day. Our
puppeteers will help offer the message on some of the Sundays. For
Sunday school, the preschoolers through 5th graders, have a
rotation-style approach using Come Join the Circle and Power Xpress
curriculum. Each unit is six weeks long and explores one Bible story in
several different ways. The children rotate through storytelling,
crafts, food and culture, mission, hands-on, games, and more. They
discuss how the stories apply to their lives and experience activities
that help them explore their faith.
During summer Sunday school we continue with Bible story
lessons for 3 year olds through 3rd graders during the 9am service.
Other children attend church. We have only one service in the summer
beginning on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Other youth activities and educational opportunities occur
throughout the week and year. Call the church for dates of mission
projects, events and other educational experiences. See the youth page
for information on our four youth groups. See the music page for
information about children’s musical opportunities.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation
Bible School is July 13-16 2009 from 9:00-11:30am and Thursday, July 16
from 5-6:30pm for 4 year olds through 5th graders. There will be Bible
stories, music, games, snacks, science experiments, mission projects,
crafts and more. Don’t miss the fun. For questions or to receive a
registration form, call the church office at 630-584-0929 and ask for
Sue Peterson. Deadline to register is July 5, 2009.
Puppet Troupe
Our
puppet troupe began with 8 kids in the fall of 2004 after exploring
puppetry with our middle school youth during vacation Bible school. We
grew to 9 youth in 2005-2006 and 16 youth in 2006-2007. The 2007-2008
year began in October. Our middle and high school puppeteers perform
for the Sunday school, for vacation Bible school, for the congregation
in our worship services, for nursing homes and other community parties.
The goal of our troupe, God’s Puppet Troupe, is to have fun and
fellowship while learning to use a variety of puppetry, music, dance
and other creative ministries for the purpose of worshipping God and
sharing God’s love in service to our Church and community. To schedule
a performance, contact Sue Peterson at the church.
Weekday Bible Study
Join us each week as we explore the Bible! A variety of biblical themes
are discussed, with an overall emphasis on growing in our knowledge of
the Biblical stories and to have a greater awareness of our
relationship with God. Weekday Bible study is held on Tuesday
afternoons and Wednesday evenings in the fall through spring. Contact
the church office for a schedule of dates, times and topics.
Adult Education
A variety of opportunities exist to explore your faith and grow in your Christian understanding! A wide range of
thought provoking topics are offered. Adult Education programs are held at various times and days throughout the year.
Check with the church office for a schedule.
Novel Approaches
Novel Approaches is a discussion group based on various novels designed for those who enjoy mixing literature and
fellowship! Members host these gatherings in their homes. Everyone who has read the current selection is welcome to
participate. Check with the church office for a schedule.
Faith and Difficult Issues
This group usually meets on the second Saturday of the month in the church parlor to discuss issues concerning our
world today and how we as a community of faith react to these concerns. Each topic chosen by the group may last one
week or several weeks. Attending this opportunity will help you continue to grow in your faith and beliefs as we face
these difficult issues together.
Parenting Classes
Active Parenting classes conducted by Rev. John & Susan Rodgers and other church leaders are held each year.
Check with the church office for a schedule.
Adult Mission Trips
Opportunities to go on work trips, study trips, or tours are available at different times during the year. Trips have
included work trips to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi each fall, an Israel work-study-tour,
a trip to England to explore our Congregational roots and a trip to Greece following the Footsteps of Paul.
A trip to Italy is being planned for the summer of 2008. Check with the church office for current opportunities.
Swing Set Preschool
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young children, Swing Set has proudly educated area children
for over 30 years. Contact Sue Farr, director, for more information.