The Norwich Congregational Church, United Church of Christ offers educational opportunities throughout all ages.
Nursery care is offered during our worship services for the very young. All other children remain in worship for the first hymn, prayers, reading and anthem. Following a Children's Message, they join their teachers in Sunday School classes for the rest of the worship service. The classes are divided into Kindergarten-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade, and 6th-8th grade. This year's curriculum is 'Seasons of the Spirit', a United Church Press publication. About once a month, the children meet as one class for a presentation about our Mission and Outreach.
We offer a confirmation class for our 8th graders. This includes classes, a fellowship meal, opportunities to visit other places of worship, and service.
There are 2 youth groups: the Junior Youth Group for grades 6-8 and the Senior Youth Group for grades 9-12. The former meets about twice a month for activities including the CROP Walk, hiking, movies and decorating the sanctuary for Advent. The Senior Youth Groups meets at various times throughout the year. For the last 11 years, they have taken part in April vacation Work Trips, rebuilding churches in the South that had been destroyed by arson.
This year, we are including the youth groups in "The Things People Do!!!": a series of talks on careers. Presenters will address a variety of questions pertaining to their work life. All are welcome, particularly students who are interested in learning about possible career paths. The first talk will be: Evolutionary Biology/Ecology on September 11, 2009. Speakers: Mark McPeek (Professor of Biology) and Michael Simpson (Welands Biologist)
Starting at 7 PM, the talks will last approximately one hour, with an additional period of Q&A/refreshments following the talks.
There will also be an adult education series on Sunday evenings at 7pm.
- Starting on September 20 and lasting 4 weeks, the topic will be "Parenting Our Teens," led by several community members.
- Starting on October 18, "The Spirituality of Other Faiths," led by Kenneth Cracknell."
- Starting on November 15, "The Insights of Paul," led by Sarah Reeves.
- On December 6, "Advent and Christmas, traditions and alternatives," led by Susan White and Mary Brownlow.
- On December 13, "Advent and Christmas Music," led by Jane Helms.
- Starting on January 10, 2010, "Christian Approaches to Other Faiths," led by Kenneth Cracknell.
- Starting on February 7, "Forgiveness," led by Avery Post.
A weekly Bible study takes place at noon on Wednesday. This year we are working through the Hebrew Scriptures.
