Sunday School

Jesus shares with us with the importance of knowing the story, loving the story, and recognizing that it is our story. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus says “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. Instead, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is our commitment that our children grow up loving the Bible story as their own.  It does take a village and, most importantly, God’s faithfulness to us all. Our treasure is in Christ our Lord, and our joy is in sharing the good news of the gospel with those who are most dear to us. We are excited to journey this path with you all. 

We welcome all children to our Sunday school program 3 yr. old – 5th grade. We strive to offer children a positive learning environment where their faith is nurtured and strengthened. We seek to model Christian community through safe, caring relationships and shared experiences among students, teachers, parents, pastors, and others in the congregation. Sunday school meets upstairs in the My Place room at 9:30am for large group opening with songs. After the large group opening, all students are dismissed to their classrooms. We offer a rotation style Sunday School where students will learn the same story for 3-4 weeks from different aspects. Groups are divided by the student’s grade and classes include Kitchen, Arts & Crafts, Movie, and others.

Children are invited to participate in worship services and encourage their sense of belonging within our worshipping community. We know that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Let them know they are home here, and that this is just as much their house as it is ours. If you have young kids in worship, bring them to the PrayGround! Located at the front of the sanctuary. We want our children to be able to engage in worship – just like they do during the children’s sermon; we all love that, right? – and in order for them to be engaged, they need to be able to see. In the PrayGround kids are able to see and free to wiggle!

Sunday morning childcare – We have a spacious Mother’s Room equipped with a changing table and comfortable seating to use while nursing your child. The Mother’s Room is located in the northeast corner, behind the sanctuary. We also have a self–use Play Room that is downstairs behind the kitchen.

VBS – Family Vacation Bible School is held for one week during the summer. Our children have a great time learning about Jesus through story, craft, music, snack, and outdoor activities. 

Milestone Ministry
Milestones are significant cultural, developmental and spiritual markers we all experience throughout our lifetimes. We believe the promises we make at baptism point to the spiritual milestones in our children’s lives. Bethlehem is committed to remembering, celebrating and upholding the baptismal promises. Most milestones will take place on Sunday morning during Sunday School.

The milestones we will celebrate this year include:
– 3-year-old, entry into Sunday School and first bible
– 3rd grade, bibles
– 5th grade, 1st Communion
– 7th grade, Start of Confirmation
– 9th grade, Affirmation of Baptism
– 12th grade, Senior Recognition Sunday