Memorial Presbyterian Church - Christian Education

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All of us as, as disciples of Jesus Christ, are called to lives of continuing growth. The Christian Education ministry of the church is committed to enriching young and old in growth of our knowledge, faith, and understanding of the meaning of Christian discipleship. Sunday School takes place on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. During the summer months, Sunday School is from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Members and friends of the church are invited and encouraged to deepen their knowledge and faith through participation in this ministry.

Adult Sunday School classes meet in the sanctuary, parlor, and on the second floor of the Education Wing. From in-depth Bible study to topical discussion items, adult classes offer a wide variety of topics.

We Believe Workshops (Children's Sunday School) includes three-year-olds through fifth grade students. Workshop classrooms are on the second floor of the Educational Wing. Committed and caring teachers help the children to explore their faith and learn Bible stories through art, games, and drama.

The Church Nursery provides cares for infants and toddlers on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. During the summer months with the single service, childcare is provided from 8:45 until 11:15 a.m. Also, the nursery is open on Wednesdsay evenings from 5:20 to 7:00 p.m. when the FEAST program is operating.

Youth Sunday School information for sixth through twelfth grade students, is available on the Youth Ministry page.



Infant and Toddler Child Care The MPC Nursery is open to infants through five-year-old children during the 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. worship services, the Sunday School hour of 9:30-10:30 a.m. and the Wednesday Night FEAST program, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Parents and guardians are encouraged to utilize the nursery so that as adults may attend worship services, Sunday School classes, and fellowship opportunities. Raising children is an awesome privilege and we would like to share in it by nurturing both you and your children. The MPC Nursery Coordinator, Kristin Litchfield, and Nursery Assistants, Kiki Betesh, Shawn Lambert, and Lee Kutschke are screened and are trained in childcare and in first aid. We welcome parents to visit the Nursery and Toddler rooms to meet Kristin and staff. the Nursery is located in Fellowship Hall next to the Parlor.

Mission Statement for Christian Education

Christian education is what the whole church does, as is expressed in our Christian Education vision statement:

We are children of God, saved by God's grace
Reformed in theology
Presbyterian in polity
Called into Christ's service
Inclusive in our ministry with all people
Gathered to glorify and enjoy God.

We envision a church that
Abounds in generosity and compassion
Invites and welcomes all people into fellowship
Challenges and encourages growth in Christian discipleship
Witnesses to the power of God's love in the world.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, and girded in prayer, we commit to
Equipping the saints for God's work in the world

Growing in faith
Building a Christ-centered community
Providing opportunities for Christian nurture.

Therefore, all we do and say as the whole church follows and fulfills this vision. Amen

Cona's Corner for Parents

How much homework should students have?

About 56 million elementary and high school students are now or will soon be back in classrooms across the United States. This brings to mind the age-old family question or argument: How much time should students spend on homework each school night?

Based on our parenting two children to successful careers and spending 42 years in public education, my recommendations are as follows:

Grade school, one hour maximum.

Middle and High school, two-three hours maximum.

Many or most parents will disagree. "More is better" they will quip! Unfortunately, many teachers will say the same. I disagree. As an example, if a student can answer a math equation three times?why should he have to do 10 or 20 of the same type of problem? And if he should do it wrong and repeat the procedure wrong it will take forever to unlearn the process. Incidently, most students will agree with me. It is better if teachers take the time in class to show students how to do the procedure before going home and practicing it.

Parents generally expect too much time be spent on homework. Many --but not all--students want too little. Some teachers add to the problem by emphasizing homework more than work they should supervise in school.

In Florida, most students in grade school or high school spend six or seven hours in a school setting. After that they deserve a break for some fun and games and then have time for studying. After all, I always reminded parents that they put in an eight hour day at work and usually didn't have home work. They leave work and have time for diversions. Students deserve the same. That doesn't mean that kids sit at the computer or the television all evening but, in addition to doing their homework they should do some reading for pleasure or just read for fun.

Don't forget that kids also need time for extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, the arts, or other out of the classroom activities. Remember the old adage?"all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Balance is the key to homework and using common sense and keeping the lines of communication open with your kids will help

Two final suggestions, when there is an "Open House" at your child's school, why not engage the teacher in the value of homework?

Please address your comments or questions about this column to twodoglove@comcast.net

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Bob Cona

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Memorial Presbyterian Church
32 Sevilla Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32084 | PH: 904-829-6451

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