Limestone Presbyterian Church
3201 Limestone
Road, Wilmington, DE 19808-2198
Vision for our Church School
We are a church that strives to reflect the love of Christ in our lives. We are a learning community called to be the presence of Christ in the world. We are shaped by Scripture, by the examples we find in each other, and by the Holy Spirit who moves among us. As such, we are called to learn the stories of our faith told in scripture, to learn who we are as God's children, to find God's purpose for our lives, and to know the great story of God's loving and redeeming presence, not only in history, but in our world today. We students and teachers embark together on a journey of discipleship. We covenant with each other to be faithful, honest, loving, and open to hearing and obeying God's word to each of us. We will find in each other God's truth, God's love and God's power. We will share with each other God's truth, God's love, and God's power.
Introduction
This handbook contains a wealth of information that will help you and your child become familiar with Limestone Presbyterian Church School and our many programs and activities. If you have further questions about our Church School, please contact Carolyn Gillette, Co-Pastor and Church School Coordinator, at the church, at 302-994-5646 or email at bcgillette@comcast.net. Thank you.
Sunday Schedule
Our Fall Schedule begins Sunday, September 13th:
8:45 a.m. -- Worship Service with Contemporary Music by the Living Water Ensemble
After the "Time with Children" in the 8:45 a.m. worship service, children ages 4 through 7 may return to their pews to worship with their families, or they may go to Early Church School in the room adjoining the Church Nursery. Older children are invited to remain in worship with their parents, because much of our learning about faith takes place in times we worship together.
10:00 a.m. -- Church School for All Ages
11:00 a.m. -- Traditional Worship with the Chancel Choir
For elementary-age children, Church School at 10:00 a.m. begins with a time of opening worship (songs, prayers and an offering) downstairs in Klair Hall. After this brief time together, students and teachers go to their classes which are in Klair Hall or the rooms surrounding it.
Remember that all children newborn through 3rd grade must be signed out by a parent, grandparent, or other person who brought them to church, in keeping with our Child Protection Policy.
The Middle School Class (6th, 7th and 8th grades) meets in the Ken Read Room.
The High School Class (9th through 12th grades) meets in the Youth Room.
In addition, there are adult classes that meet each week; parents are invited to try out one of these adult classes while their children and youth are in Church School.
Church School Leadership
Carolyn Gillette - Church School Coordinator, Co-Pastor - bcgillette@comcast.net
Jill Cilmi - Senior High Youth Coordinator - Jill2013@comcast.net
Karen Cratz - Middle School Youth Coordinator - Kcratz@comcast.net
Nick Ronaghan - Director of Music/Youth Choir Director - n.rohaghan@comcast.net
Linda Wardell - Director of Joyful Noise Singers - lwardell@comcast.net
Bruce Gillette - Co-Pastor - bcgillette@comcast.net
Church School Teachers
We have a wonderful group of Church School teachers this year:
Threes and Fours: Leigh Ann Hughes, Gail DeAngelo, Michele Weidner and Jen Miller
Kindergarten and First Grade: Kris Taylor and Bev Drake
Second and Third Grade: Lynn Barthlow
Fourth and Fifth Grade: Cinda McCombie and Julie Hutchinson
Middle School: Kay McLean and Karen Cratz
High School: Andrea Steckline
Adult Classes: Teachers vary by topic, throughout the year.
Third Grade Bible Class (meets later in the Fall): Jan Conley
Early Church School (during 8:45 a.m. worship): Volunteers share in teaching this class.
Session Members Serving on the Christian Education Committee
Lynn Barthlow, Robert Swinson and Bill Fleming
Church School Curriculum
Limestone Presbyterian Church School has a tradition of caring deeply for children and providing fun, stimulating material for spiritual development. Throughout the year, we seek to help students learn the stories of faith found in the Old and New Testaments, as well as the joy of being part of a worshiping, learning church. Teachers encourage the students to connect the stories of faith in the Bible with their own lives and the world we live in.
The Preschool Class is using the curriculum Wee Believe: God's Word for God's People by the PC(USA). Along with these age appropriate lessons for very young children, the teachers encourage time for free play, singing, and a snack. The most important lesson the children can learn at this age is that the church is a loving, caring place where we learn God's wonderful stories and meet friends who also love God.
Elementary students are using the We Believe curriculum of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As the people of Israel evolved from wandering tribes into a landed nation-state, they were developing their relationship with God and understanding of God's nature and presence. Their forms of worship became more corporate and sophisticated over this time, culminating in the building of Solomon's temple. As children explore the beginnings of worship with the people of Israel, they will gain an awareness of worship today.
The Middle School Class is using the Cokesbury curriculum: Rock Solid: Building a Heart of Faith. Through Bible study, discussions, word games, short dramas and more, students are invited to consider such topics as power in today's world, spiritual disciplines, prayer, and how their faith makes a difference in their lives.
The High School Class enjoys informal discussions based on the We Believe curriculum of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Each week begins with a question such as "What is God's purpose for my life?" "What does God want me to do?" or "How can I know that God loves me?" Weekly discussions include times of sharing about school, life decisions, friends, and more, as students connect faith and life.
Early Church School/Sunday Plus
After the Time with Children in the 8:45 a.m. worship service, children may return to their pews to worship with their families, or they may go to Early Church School in the room adjoining the Church Nursery. Each Sunday, this special time for younger children includes a Bible story and activities related to it. Parents may also choose to have their children remain with them for worship. You may wish to stop by the bookshelf in the back of the sanctuary before worship and pick up one of the many wonderful, children's books (Bible stories and books about faith and life). Children's bulletins (worship activity sheets) are also available in the back of the sanctuary before worship.
Volunteers Needed
We always welcome volunteers in our Church School Program. If you would like to assist in a classroom, teach, work in our nursery/toddler room, become a youth advisor, or assist in any other capacity, please contact Carolyn Gillette, our Church School Coordinator and Co-Pastor. We cannot offer our programs without the time and talent of our members.
Church School Mission
Each child is encouraged to bring a weekly offering to Church School. Help your child learn to give generously to others by making this a habit.
In addition to our weekly offering, children are encouraged to participate in a variety of Church School missions. These include: bringing food for our church's food closet and for our Deacons' holiday food baskets for families in need; filling UNICEF boxes at Halloween and One Great Hour of Sharing fish banks during Lent and Easter; supporting a mission project chosen by the Church School children; making Church World Service Health Kits on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; and making cards for older, homebound church members.
Third Grade Bible Class
Each Fall, third graders attend a very special four-week class to learn about the Bible - when and how it was written, what is in it, the books of the Bible, and more. At the end of this four week class, students are presented their Third Grade Bibles during a Sunday morning worship service.
Vacation Bible School
Each summer, church and community families gather for a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School. There are classes for children ages three through ten. Older children and youth, as well as adults, serve as volunteers. Call the church office at 994-5646 for more information about dates and times.
Youth Groups
Our church offers youth groups for two age groups:
Middle School Youth Group meets every Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
High School Youth Group meets every Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join us!
Sunday Morning Classes for Adults
On most Sunday mornings, there are one or two classes for adults. We often have a Bible study class, and another class that looks at contemporary issues and helps adult Christians connect faith and everyday life.