Children and Youth
Nursery care for infants & toddlers for all worship services
Church School for 3 year-olds through grade 8, mid-Sept. through June
Youth Fellowship groups for grades 5 through 12.
Confirmation class for high-school aged youth
Christian media center for the use of church school classes and all church families
Special Programs: Holiday events, family education, mission projects
The Rev.
Dr. Brenda Pelc-Faszcza, Interim Minister
Website design
© Avon Congregational Church |
Christian Education and Youth Ministries
Jennifer deSimas,
Director of Christian Education
Click to Email
Office: 678-9068
Christian Education is a vital and growing part of our ministry at ACC. Led by Jennifer A. deSimas, Director of Christian Education, our dedicated volunteer staff offers a consistent variety of programs for adults, youth and families. We are pleased to have so many share their God-given gifts with us. If you have questions or comments or would like to become involved in the ACC Christian Education Ministry, please contact Jennifer A. deSimas at 678-9068.
Church School: Children in pre-school through grade eight attend Church School from mid-September to mid-June. Our classes meet during the general worship service to explore our faith through songs, art, readings, prayer and discussion. Our program combines a traditional Sunday School curriculum for much of the year, with special sessions taught through the Workshop Rotation Method, where we teach God’s Word through hands-on activities such as story-telling, cooking, science, games and crafts. Children also live God’s second greatest commandment—Love your neighbor as yourself—when they participate in our bi-monthly mission projects for local charities.
Nursery: A place for the very youngest to begin to feel a part of our Sunday school, the Nursery welcomes infants and toddlers through age two. The Nursery is open Sunday mornings from 10:20 and is staffed by experienced moms and teens, many of whom are CPR certified. A remote speaker system gives parents the option of listening to the service from the Nursery while their children play nearby.
Youth Ministry: Our youth groups meet at ACC and points beyond for fellowship and missions.
- G.R.I.P. - God’s Really Important People - for 5th and 6th graders
- C.I.A. - Christians In Action - for 7th- and 8th graders
- ACCtions—Avon Congregational Church Teens In Outstanding New Service - for 9th-12th graders
We encourage our youth to get involved in the full ministry of ACC, including participating in the worship services, assisting in the Church School, serving as acolytes (fifth-graders only) or ushers, and helping at church functions. Youth-run events such as the UNICEF Halloween Fair, bake sales, and the Christmas Toy Drive support charities near and far. In addition to local mission work, our senior high students take a yearly mission trip in the spring to an urban center where they focus on helping the homeless and hungry.
Other Christian Education Activities:
- Bible Buddies: Third-grade Sunday school students (and children that are new to the church) partner with older children to learn how to use the Bible. Upon completion of the program, they are given a copy of the Good News Bible on Children’s Sunday.
- Confirmation: Classes begin in early November and conclude with the Rite of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday. This is an activity-based program of faith formation led by Interim Minister Brenda Pelc-Faszcza, open to youth in ninth grade and above.
- Adult Education: Small-group studies on varying topics keep the Word of God alive and relevant to our busy lives.
- ACC Library: Christian books and videos available for use by ACC families and friends are located on the second floor of our Parish Center.
Special programs: Holiday celebrations, family events, mission projects, and fellowship activities for elementary school children or youth.
Musical Opportunities for Children and Youth:
The Director of Music Ministries oversees all musical activities at ACC. The children’s choirs participate in morning worship services throughout the year. Children and youth may join the following choirs:
- Alleluia Choir for children in
Kindergarten-Second Grade. Practice is Sundays after worship for a
half-hour.
- Youth Choir, for children in 3rd -
8th grades, meets Wednesday evenings for an hour
- Gallery Singers is for high school students and adults. This choir practices Wednesday evenings and Sundays before worship.
In addition, junior and senior high youth may join Joyful Noise, our Youth Hand Bell Choir.
The music department also welcomes youth who are interested in sharing their instrumental talents with the congregation. For more information, contact the Director of Music Ministries.
All Church School children are encouraged to participate in our annual Christmas pageant, a joyful, creative presentation of the story Jesus’ birth. Watch for pageant information in late November.