Living the Promise

Church School Program

            At Dunbarton Congregational Church, we are in the third year of a dynamic new church school curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade children. “ Living the Promise ” is a program designed by our congregation. It enables us to fulfill a promise made at each baptism.

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            When a child is presented for baptism, members of the United Church of Christ renew this commitment: “I promise to love, support and care for the children in our midst. I promise to accept God’s charge to teach them the values of our faith, and to participate as wisely as I am able in their religious growth and education.”

            The "Living the Promise" Christian Education Program invites people to honor this baptismal promise. It offers the opportunity to be involved in each child’s religious growth in a very hands-on way. Instead of asking a few to shoulder the responsibility of teaching, we have an entire congregation of teachers who create the blueprint for the church school program. Living the Promise is completely organic and evolves as the church year progresses. The exciting part is that the program is enriched by the interests and talents of the whole congregation.

             A GPS hobby leads to a treasure hunt on the town common as children begin a year searching for God’s treasures. Hiking enthusiasts lead a field trip to a cleft rock for a re-enactment of the empty tomb on that first Easter. Music lovers equip the children with Celtic drums and march the children up our farmer’s hill singing Psalms. Everyone has gifts to share!

            The Christian Education committee designs a themed structure for the year. Within a four to six-week commitment for each teaching unit, teachers prepare lessons with a partner and teach once or twice during that unit.

            "Living the Promise" takes Christian Education to a new level, and children get so much more out of their church school experience. The enthusiasm of their teachers leaves an impression on them that cannot be matched by a canned curriculum. With so many of the men, women, teens, and seniors of the congregation involved in conveying God’s love and exploring Jesus’ teachings, our children get it – faith is important and we are committed to growing their faith. 

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The Schedule:

Sept./ Oct. Missions unit  took a field trip to the Friendly Kitchen in Concord

Oct./Nov. Stewardship unit focused on church history, caring for our past and preparing for our future.                               Fundraiser for Prayer shawl yarn!

Dec. 2  Advent / Christmas unit

Jan.6  World Religions unit

Feb. 10   Lent / Easter unit

Mar.30- May  Book of Acts unit

Jun. 1st   All church school field trip

Jun. 8th   End of the church school year celebration