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Christian Education

Christian discipleship is an essential part of our spiritual growth. At the First Congregational Church of Evanston, regardless of how old or young we may be, we are all disciples and students of Jesus. Everyone is encouraged to take part in Christian Education, either as a student or a teacher (and often as both!).

SCHEDULE
Sunday School classes for children age 4 through seventh grade begin at 9:45 a.m. The program begins on the Sunday after Labor Day and continues through early June. Parents and caregivers bring their children to the Church House before worship.  After finishing the weekly lessons, our children are escorted to the Sanctuary where they join the rest of the congregation in worship. 

Late in the service, our young people are they are invited to come forward by the pastor to hear a children’s message. After this special moment, the entire congregation participates in the offering, closing hymn and benediction.  Once worship concludes, everyone gathers together as a community to enjoy coffee hour and fellowship together. 

Children and youth of all ages participate in worship every Communion Sunday, the first Sunday of each month.  Sunday school classes do not meet on those days, but Children’s Church is available for those in 1st Grade or younger.  Our young people are active participants in worship whether as lay readers, ushers or Children’s Choir members.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR
Music plays an important role in the life our church, and we encourage our children and youth to experience music actively and directly.  All children and youth have the opportunity to participate in the musical lessons and learn the hymns we all love as part of their Sunday school instruction. 

All children and youth are also invited to participate in the FCCE Children’s Choir, a special musical group under the leadership of Ms. Hope McCoy and Ms. Jennifer Hsu, two capable musicians from Northwestern University who directed our children’s musical last year.

Our Children’s Choir is entirely voluntary.  While we hope that as many children as possible will participate, we certainly understand that singing in church is not for everyone!

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION
During Sunday School, our young people are divided into two age groups: PreK - 1st Grade and 2nd - 7th Grade. We have a full year of programming planned, with engaging units of study based on the Christian lectionary. 

Eighth and ninth graders participate in Confirmation class and meet twice a month until the time of confirmation in the Spring. 

Our Christmas pageant, held each year during Advent, features our young people as characters in the familiar Nativity story.

On our annual Children and Youth Sunday, our children lead the entire service by performing music, reading scripture, and leading the liturgy.   In the many weeks preceding the service the children work with the musical directors and volunteer adults to prepare the music and props for a truly special worship experience.

For adults, Sunday Forums, discussing current events in the light of our faith, are held after worship in the sanctuary building throughout the year.

During the time of Lent, a Lenten Study Series is held weekly for participants of all ages.

Last Updated: October 12, 2010