Christian Education
We believe that Christian Education is essential for faith development and preparing people for ministry and mission. Christian Education is a lifelong process that challenges us in our relationship to God. Through education, we attempt to engage scripture and the stories of our faith in a variety of ways so that we may deepen our faith commitments to God and our community. At Zwingli, we offer various programs for the education of children, youth and adults.
Church School
Zwingli offers church school classes for children, youth, and adults. The full complement of Church School classes runs from the first Sunday after Labor Day through June. Church School meets during this time from 10:30 – 11:30am.
Church School for children is based on a curriculum that teaches Bible stories and nurtures children in their faith. Church School for younger children begins at age three and runs through grade 5. Nursery care is offered for infants and children up to age three.
Classes are also held for Junior Youth (grades 6-8) and Senior Youth (grades 9-12). The primary focus for the youth church school is to integrate a deeper understanding of our Christian faith through discussion, life application of scripture and occasional projects that emphasize "hands on" learning.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is offered during the summer, after public school ends in the surrounding school districts. VBS is held for age three through grade 5. Nursery care is also provided. VBS is a concentrated program that integrates Bible stories, crafts, singing, recreation, food and a mission project. Children not only learn more about their faith, but have a lot of fun as well!
Bible Studies
Through Bible Study we seek to understand what the words of scripture meant in their historical setting and what they mean for our faith and life today. Several Bible study opportunities are offered by the pastors each year. A Wednesday morning Bible study meets throughout the school year. Child care is available as needed. Evening Bible studies centering on various faith and life topics are also offered several times throughout the year.
Confirmation Class
Zwingli Church provides a two-year program of confirmation instruction for young people (usually in eighth and ninth grades) who are preparing for the rite of confirmation. At Zwingli as in many churches which practice infant baptism, confirmation is the rite in which young people or adults can affirm for themselves the vows taken for them by their parents at the time of their baptisms. Our confirmation preparation program includes a review of Old Testament, New Testament, and church history during the first year. The second year provides a more experiential approach as we explore prayer, faith, worship, mission, the church, and the life of faith through retreats, journals, field trips, service experiences, and relationships with mentors.
updated 2/21/2010