United Church of Christ Congregational of Boxborough

Children’s Programs 2007-2008

Our Mission

To create a loving, safe, nurturing, environment for children so that they begin to explore their relationship with God, the Christian Community and each other.

Our Programs

Nursery     

Childcare for newborn to 3 yr. olds is provided in our Nursery during the Worship Service by rotating pool of parent volunteers.  Parents will be contacted during the Worship service if needed.

Contact:  Ellen Hickey (978) 264-2084

Sunday School

The Bible Quest curriculum will be taught this year to children age 3 years through 5^th grade, beginning September 9, 2007 (Rally Day) through June 8, 2008 (Family Sunday).  The children will also participate in their own Communion service on Communion Sundays, the first Sunday of each month.  The service will be ministered by Susie Allen, our Assistant Pastor, and Nicolette Wellington, with the help and participation of our teens.  Periodically throughout the school year, the children will engage in music, dance, theater, and mission or “giving” oriented field trips.  These special days will be orchestrated by CE, our volunteer teacher teams and the teens of our church community.

The children will have the opportunity to participate in a Christmas pageant, mission projects, develop a relationship with our South African sister church, and many intergenerational church services.  Every church service features a children’s message and the children are released for Sunday School after the offering portion of the service.

Contact:  Jan Kenney (978) 263-6076 or Dena Caradimitropoulo  (978) 266-1880

Rite 13

6^th and 7^th graders participate in a dynamic curriculum called “Rite 13,” which is the first phase of a program entitled “Journey to Adulthood.” 

Rite-13 is a two-year program designed to build self-esteem in the context of the Christian community.  It is the first phase of a three-phase program called “Journey To Adulthood”.  Lay leaders, clergy, and the congregation at large must work together to establish a framework for friendships which bridge gender stereotypes.  The goals of Rite-13 are:

• To celebrate God’s gift of adulthood.

• To affirm the power of creative energy and to explore the thoughts and disciplines which allow individuals to effect change in the world.

• To teach, by word and example, the principles of freedom, responsibility and friendship.

Contact: Angela Boheim at aboheim@verizon.net or 978-263-4280.

Journey to Adulthood (J2A)

During this second two-year phase of the “Journey To Adulthood” curriculum, which begins for 8^th graders, the focus is placed on the acquisition of skills and vocabulary which prepare and empower the young person to participate in the adult community.  This phase culminates with Confirmation. The four goals of the J2A curriculum are:

• To celebrate the transition from youth to adulthood.

• To train young people in the skills of adulthood.

• To explore the mystery of our faith heritage.

• To establish our experience in the strength of community and liturgy.

Contact: Peter Senghas at psenghas@yahoo.com or 978-263-5508

Senior High Youth Group

9^th through 12^th graders join a socially active Senior Youth Group that offers both community volunteer opportunities as well as social gatherings, along with yearly ski trips, mission trips and other growth experiences that fosters the Christian spirit.   This year the Sr. High Youth Group will be even more active with the Sunday School and will have the opportunity to help with special events and the children’s Communion services.

Contact: Susie Allen susieallen@mac.com  or (978) 263-6195

Junior Choir

All children in 3^rd through 8^th grade are invited to join the Junior Choir.  Practices are held every Tuesday evening.  The Junior Choir performs two times a month during the worship service and on special occasions.

Contact: Gloria Roe (978) 264-0052

For any further questions, please contact Kristi Habersaat, Chairman of the CE Committee

(978) 263-6088 or k_habersaat@yahoo.com