Christian Education
"...Some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-12
Our Goal: Enable everyone an opportunity to explore their faith and deepen their knowledge & understanding of God's word.
We believe the "Way of Life taught by Jesus Christ" is a lifelong spiritual endeavor. We also believe that it is important for you to walk the journey with others and share what you have learned along the way. There are many opportunities for Christians of all ages to come together in a safe and nurturing learning environment. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether they are a member of our church or any other.
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Special Needs
We are committed to welcoming all children and for providing assistance to children with special needs. If your child requires special assistance to attend or participate, please let us know. Adapted lessons can offer a meaningful journey of faith for children with a broad range of physical and mental abilities.
Social buddies and aides are available for children and families to provide adults and caregivers respite and spiritual renewal. We welcome every member of our faith family to participate.
Safe Sanctuaries
Park Ridge Community Church is committed to a safe and secure environment for everyone and has implemented policies to ensure our children’s safety. Anyone over 18 years of age who works with children has undergone a background check. It is PRCC policy that no adult be left alone with a minor. During Sunday school, classroom doors remain open and adults are located in hallways as monitors in case a classroom does not have two adults present. All of our volunteers take part in an annual review of our Safe Sanctuaries policy.
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Sunday School
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PRCC offers a Sunday School program with classes divided by grade level and taught by trained volunteers from the congregation. At the center of all our teaching is the assurance that they are loved, they are seen, and listened to— they are all wonderfully made in Christ! Throughout the year, the children in Sunday school are involved in various mission and outreach projects that reflect lessons learned in the classroom.
On Sundays during the school year, classes for children, preschool thru 4th grade, take place in the Sunday School wing of the building. Fifth grade will meet in the library downstairs. For the first 15 minutes of the 10:00 AM worship service, the children remain with their family.
After the Children's message, they are dismissed to join their teachers for music time and class. Classes run until the end of the worship service. A parent is required to meet their young children in the classroom at the end of each class.
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2022-2023 Registration
Registration forms for the 2022-2023 are available HERE.
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Sunday School will start on September 11th, 2022
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If you have any questions, please contact a Sunday School Facilitator at:
Sunday School Music
After dismissal from the 10:00 AM service, the younger children meet for 15 minutes of music time led by Staff Members from our Music Ministry. There they will learn songs that match the Bible story lesson of the day. These songs are frequently included in the regular worship service or in special events like the Christmas pageant.
Christmas Pageant
Our beloved Christmas Pageant takes place during the 10 AM worship service in mid-December. Children preschool through high school are invited to participate by singing or speaking, and each will wear a fabulous costume! Even babies and toddlers have a part to play, as cherubs carried into the Sanctuary by teen angels. There is room for everyone at this inn!
An important rehearsal takes place the morning of Saturday before the pageant. Songs will be rehearsed during regular music time during November and December.
Stepping Stones
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First Communion
My Communion Class is a three-week class to prepare children in second grade and older for their first communion. All are welcome to take communion in our church regardless of age, but this class better helps children understand the significance and meaning of this sacrament.
My Bible
My Bible is an eight-week course for third graders (and older) that teaches children how to use the Bible as an essential tool of their faith. Participants are given their own Bibles on the first day of the class to read and take notes on Scripture passages as we walk through them during the eight week course.
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They are officially presented with their Bibles during a Sunday service at the conclusion of the class. My Bible class meets during regular Sunday School time at the 10:00 AM Sunday worship service.
Confirmation
PRCC offers a three year program for students to consider doctrine, theology, practical faith, and membership. Confirmation classes are taught to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The class studies tenets of our faith, discusses how students can impact concerns of the wider world; serving the church and community. Lessons topics include The Lord's Prayer, The Commandments and Sacraments, Bible lessons and the structure and organization of PRCC. Interspersed with these foundational studies, guest speakers discuss their personal life experiences, faith traditions, outreach, service and mission work.
Confirmation reminds us of our baptism and God's presence in our lives: we respond by affirming that we belong to Christ and the whole People of God Each month, there is a Serve and Play night, an opportunity for a service project, such as baking cookies for the homebound, volunteering at a food pantry, or serving dinner at a homeless shelter.
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The last month, prior to Confirmation Sunday, focuses the 8th graders on what it means to become a full member of the Church and their new responsibilities as they finish preparation for their Confirmation in May.
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For more questions or information on PRCC Youth Ministry, contact Pastor Mollie: pastormollie@parkridgecommunitychurch.org
Adults
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MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
10:00 am in Church Library
All are welcome! Bring your Bibles! Beginning on September 12th, Liz Ewald will facilitate a six week study of Rev. Adam Hamilton’s Making Sense of the Bible. Books are available for purchase for $8 each.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
7:30 - 9:00 pm in Ellinger Transept
All are welcome! Bring your Bibles! Beginning on September 7th, Pastor Carol will facilitate a Bible Study around Good & Evil, as it exists in the world, which will complement the preaching series.
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ALL NEW: BOOK GROUP
We are starting a new Book Group that will meet every few months to consider a book together. Each book group will be facilitated by a different guide. Our first book: Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard will be read in the months of September and October (on your own) and we will have a group conversation on Saturday, October 29 at 10:00 am in Jordan Hall. “Books and Breakfast” with a light continental breakfast and coffee provided.
