Check Out Bethel's Christian Education Programs

Bethel United Church of Christ begins its Christian education program Sunday, Sept. 8, with a Rally Day celebration. Worship will include songs and stories to engage the children and youth, followed by a picnic on the church lawn.  Fun with crafts and games, pottery-making, and great food as well as the highly-anticipated water balloon games for both children and adults will cap the celebratory morning of worship and fellowship.

Each week Bethel provides varied opportunities for children to grow on their faith journeys through Pocketful of Promises and Breakfast Club. Pocketful of Promises, for pre-K through fifth grade, begins with a worship with music, fellowship and a children’s sermon. They then join their teachers to explore and learn as individuals and as a community through games, art, music and science, which bring Bible stories to life. On the fourth Sunday of each month, an expert teacher will join the children to help relate nature and the Bible.

Those in sixth to eighth grades attend Breakfast Club for faith formation and fellowship. This active group also participates in service-oriented and social activities. One highlight of the year will be a visit to Feed My Starving Children in Aurora in early 2014 to help pack food for hungry children around the world.

For those 3 years of age and younger, loving child care is provided by experienced high school students.

Classes are held each Sunday from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Sept. 15 through May 18 and are taught by teams of adult church members.  

Bethel Youth Group, for those in senior high, is a service-oriented group looking for opportunities to further serve the Elmhurst community. BYG members and their adult sponsors have been involved in numerous service projects around the country and have recently returned from a successful trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS, where they helped the homeless as well as those still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Any family or youth who is interested is joining these lively groups is welcome to contact Jenny Pozen, Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries, at jenny@bethel-ucc.org.

Confirmation class for those in eighth grade begins in October. This study of the Christian faith, life and community prepares young people for membership in the church and is open to all eighth-graders in the community.  In addition to weekly classes, the students will also enjoy a series of field trips, retreats, and activities with interesting congregations of both the Christian faith and other faiths.  Rev. Gretchen Sylvester, Senior Minister, will teach the class.  Sign-up will be in late August; please call the church office at 630-279-4040 for details.

Young people are also invited to participate in youth bell choir for those in grades five through 12 and children’s choir.  For more information, contact the church office.  Bethel United Church of Christ is located at315 E. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst.