I. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN THE LUTHERAN CHURCH — IT’S MORE THAN YOU MIGHT REALIZE
Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther began Christian education for everyday people. He did this first by translating the Bible into a language they could read (German for them.) After that he wrote the Small Catechism (catechism means a question and answer book about a particular subject — in this instance our Christian faith.)
Luther wrote the catechism to be a brief outline of the basics of our Christian faith. He was aghast because in his day so few people had any knowledge whatsoever about the Bible and their faith.
Sadly, in our day, this is again quickly becoming the case. (There are people still zealous about faith, but in many instances they seem to be beating people up with their beliefs!)
In the Lutheran Church we recognize that faith in Christ is of eternal importance. God’s grace is how we receive this salvation and our lives are a response to God’s love. We teach our young people, and hopefully are always learning ourselves, about God’s love by reading Holy Scripture, participating in the Sacraments, and hearing God’s word.
It is a life long process.
It begins at home.
You are your child’s most influential teacher. That goes for everything really, especially faith matters.
Luther notes at the outset of the Small Catechism that those basic teachings are written “as the head of the household should teach them to his family.”
Zion Lutheran Church is here to assist you in this ministry. We have posted all our educational opportunities on our website with brief explanations. You may also pick up a copy in booklet form in the church narthex or office.
II. FAMILIES MATTER
Families Matter is a ministry we began last year in an effort to reach out to the many families we have with young children (4 years old and under.) We have 12 families who are in this period of life and several of our members have invited friends!
The purpose is to provide a fun Christian program, some singing and learning (for children and parents) and probably most important, the networking that goes on among the parents.
This ministry is made possible through a matching gift from the Christian Heritage Endowment Foundation. Mrs. Michele Meisten plans and leads these gatherings as well as some church volunteers. Watch the bulletin for gathering dates.
Plan to attend!
III. ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL
3 and 4 year old nursery through 8th grade
At Zion we not only operate a first rate nursery program, we also are the only Lutheran school through grade 8 in New Jersey. We are deeply committed to daily, structured Christian education and the church has supported this ministry with outstanding support throughout these many years. Whereas we can’t compete with the public school system in some areas we do offer several important benefits — small classes, a safe environment, individual attention, accountability, and of course, of greatest importance, daily Christian education.
Financially none of this could be accomplished without the generous support of our members, friends, and some very gracious alumni. We’re also aware that everyone is under financial stress these days. Having noted that I reiterate what has long been the policy of our school THAT NO MEMBER FAMILY would be denied a Christian education because of finances. We obviously need our tuition support to run the school, but financial aid applications are available upon request. Contact the school office for an application, or speak with Pastor Pranschke directly.
IV. SUNDAY SCHOOL
Classes are held on Sunday mornings, September through the first Sunday of June, with several Sundays devoted to special Family events. Children from 3 years of age through sixth grade are invited and encouraged to attend. Bible stories form the basis for all of the learning. This is probably your child’s first extensive exposure to Holy Scripture. Our teachers are dedicated volunteers committed to offering the best experience possible for your children. We have fun, but we learn a great deal as well. This year we’re expanding the program to include direct access to learning you can participate in through the internet as well.
This new Sunday School material is entitled “Akaloo” from the Greek word meaning “to follow.” The focus of the program is to teach children, and families, that our faith goes beyond Sunday School and church into our daily lives. This material will be used for nursery through 4th grade. The 5th and 6th graders will continue using the First Communion material they have for the past three years.
In addition, we are beginning Sunday School at 10:15 a.m. in church as part of our regular 10:15 a.m. service. This will give families an opportunity to worship together for a brief period of time. The general format will be as follows:
Opening hymn and processional
Invocation
Children’s message
Children’s song and dismissal to classes
The teachers will then take the children across the street to class. Parents may accompany the children across the street or remain for the rest of the worship service.
I hope you will take this as an opportunity to worship with your children and further your inclusion in our regular worship.
Special monthly contemporary services will again be held at 10:15 a.m. as usual. A complete Sunday School schedule is being posted on our website.
V. FIRST COMMUNION
Students in Sunday School begin their confirmation instruction in our 5th – 6th grade class on Sundays as part of the normal Sunday classes. The first portion of the year is spent studying Holy Scripture and preparing for the Christmas program (in which they have the “lead” roles.) Beginning in January they all go through First Communion training. This is a vitally important period of time as they prepare to receive the True Body and Blood of Christ, the wonderful Sacrament we have for ongoing comfort and assurance of that which God promises us through Christ – forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.
First Communion instruction each year covers the same basic core material but each year we present it in alternative format so the children from both 5th and 6th grades don’t repeat exact material.
First Communion is celebrated for all 6th grade students who have completed their training on the Sunday before Palm Sunday (in 2011 it falls on April 10.)
VI. CONFIRMATION
Junior High School children (7th – 8th grade students) continue their learning experience by studying Luther’s Small Catechism in greater detail. Zion elementary school children have this class as part of their religion school program. Public school children attend classes on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the annex. Confirmation will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2011.
These classes focus on the six chief parts, which make up the catechism. These are:
The Ten Commandments
The Apostles’ Creed
The Lord’s Prayer
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Confession and Absolution
The Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion)
Students are required to memorize certain portions of the catechism and to participate in classroom discussions and activities. We are also incorporating a few new activities for confirmation this year. A letter detailing these activities has been sent to all 7th and 8th grade families.
VII. YOUTH SERVICE PROGRAM
After confirmation we encourage you and your children to remain active at church in worship and Sunday School. Only a few of our families take advantage of this opportunity, but for those who do it provides an additional way of serving and being strengthened as a family.
Ushering and/or Greeting – sign up as an individual or as a family!
Girls’ Choir – open to any women, freshman in high school and up
Adult Choir – open to anyone ages high school and up
Contemporary Group – 6th grade and up, singers and musicians
Homebound Ministry and Elderly – become a visitor, leaf raking, snow shoveling, light errands and housekeeping.
Sunday School helper – assist at Sunday School classes
Church Picnic (This year was held on Sunday, September 12 after our 9:30 a.m. worship service) – Set up at 8:00 a.m. for service; set up and serve at 11:00 a.m.; game assistance from noon to 2:00 p.m.; clean up from 2:30—3:00 p.m.
VIII. COMMUNITY
In addition to the areas listed above which focus mainly on our church family, we encourage your participation in community service.
Come to the Manger Ministry – a ministry at Zion for families with children, infant through age 5 providing clothing, diapers, toys and many other needed items.
Helping Hand Food Pantry – located at the United Methodist Church in Hillsdale. High school volunteers are welcome. We can refer you or you can call directly
Thanksgiving Baskets – are assembled on the Sunday before Thanksgiving at 6:00 p.m. in the church.
Christmas Giving Tree — the tree is set up the Sunday after Thanksgiving with gift information for needy families in the Westwood area. Volunteers are needed to purchase merchandise and organize the gifts.
Zion members provide food, gifts and hard work to make Thanksgiving and Christmas special for hundreds of local residents in need.
For any of these activities (church, community) we are more than willing to offer credit to you for high school or college community service. Of course, the real credit is to you for serving the Lord!
IX. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP AND FUN!
One of our greatest areas of need AND one for which we have great resources:
We have a gym and lots of gaming equipment.
We have a stage and sound system for entertainment (bands, open mic nights, karaoke, plays.)
A great cafeteria space for games, movies and conversation.
A beautiful yard for outside fun.
All of this is right here at our school location!
Let’s use it!
We have had some adult volunteers step up to assist in our youth activities and a planning special events for the upcoming year. Watch the bulletin and newsletter for developments.