Educational Opportunities

Faith development through nurture and education is a cornerstone of Fairmount Presbyterian Church. Trained teachers provide experiences appropriate for each age level.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has declared 2000 through 2010 "The Decade of the Child." This denomination-wide emphasis finds great resonance with Fairmount Church’s long history of commitment to the Christian education and nurture of children. In our congregation’s worship, education and mission this focus will be an important part of the coming year.  

 

Nursery Care

     Infants and toddlers experience the community of faith as a loving  and secure environment as they are cared for during many church activities. Childcare is available for a broad age range of children during the 8:30 a.m. Chapel Service, the 9:30 a.m. Sunday adult education hour and the 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Service. There will also be childcare during the Sunday evening "New Visions" service.   Childcare is provided during Wednesday Night Live! and during other church activities as needed.  

Pre-School and Early Elementary

Traditional church school classes for 2 year olds through 2^nd grade begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. First and second graders attend the opening of the worship service with their families before going to class.

Family Worship Sundays

Several Sundays during the year are designated "Family Worship Sundays". Usually an event occurs during the worship on these days that is of interest to children. Church school grades 1 through 6 attend the entire service with their families.

Communion Orientation

Anyone who has been baptized is welcome to share in the sacrament of Holy Communion. With the consent of their parents young children are encouraged to come to the Lord ’s Table. Prior to World Communion Sunday and Easter Sunday, first graders are invited to a communion orientation with their parents. Other aged children are also welcome to attend.

Rotation Classes

Our school-age children participate in “Doorways to Discovery,” an exciting model of workshop rotation classes.  Each Sunday that classes are scheduled, children will gather in Andersen Hall after participating in the opening part of worship in the sanctuary.  They will meet their class shepherd and go to a designated room to explore a Biblical theme through one of a variety of creative activities led by committed and gifted volunteer teachers.  Each unit of study will offer students several opportunities to learn about Christian faith, mission and discipleship.  The curriculum is published by Cornerstones; this year's theme is Quest for Identity, where we will learn the identities, challenges and triumphs of major Bible personalities.  This model of Christian education offers a variety of opportunities for adults to make both short and long term volunteer commitments. To learn more about such opportunities, call Heather Godsey who will put you in contact with one of a dedicated team of church members who are coordinating the rotation classes. 

Summer Church School

Worship, Christian Education and Nursery Care continue through the summer, with fun and faith-filled activities planned for children, led by a great team of adults and youth.  Join us when you are in town, there are activities for the whole family.

Nursery Care for infants through age 2 is available from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. in rooms 5 and 105.

Programs for  Youth    

It is said that "a sanctuary is anywhere it is safe to tell your story". Fairmount Presbyterian Church offers a safe space where all students and young adults can explore their faith and grow in this nurturing Christian environment. Our fellowship groups are designed to foster community building among the students who come from many and diverse backgrounds. Our programs are also designed with an eye toward mission, social justice issues exploration, intrapersonal and interpersonal spiritual growth and leadership development. All students in the appropriate age groups are welcome to the Fairmount youth fellowships! We encourage the students to bring friends to all events.  

Breakfast Club

This 7^th and 8^th grade class meets during the school year on Sundays at 9:30-10:30 a.m. for instruction, discussion and doughnuts and juice! The curriculum called "Footprints@ is designed by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to maximize faith exploration and education for this very active age group.  Click on the donuts to visit the Breakfast Club Web Site

Confirmation

Designed for students in the 9^th grade, this year-long  (Sept. to May) process includes: Sunday morning church school taught by the Rev. Heather Godsey (9:30-10:30 a.m.); a mission component (serving at a community hot meal program on the second Friday of the month); going to worship with other religious traditions; and attending the CHEER fellowship group. In class we learn about: the Bible, Church history, ethics, mission and call, and worship. In short, the class learns about developing faith for the journey ahead as Presbyterians. Each confirmand is guided along the way by mentor who is a church member.

In May the members of the class are invited to profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to become members of Fairmount Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA).  A midweek meeting with the session is preceded by a banquet for class members, their mentor and family members and invited guests.  Following the meeting the class is interview by the session and received into membership.  A public affirmation and reception occurs the following Sunday.

 N*R*G

This Middle-High fellowship group is planned for students in grades 6-8. This fellowship, meeting on the first Sunday (2-5 p.m.) of each month from October to May, has programs focused on bringing these students, from many different middle-high schools, closer together. Two events are also planned for the summer and are hosted by CHEER members.

Presbyterian Youth Connection  

Fondly known as CHEER, this Senior-High fellowship group is planned for students in grades 9-12. This close-knit group meets every Sunday (September - May) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We feature small covenant groups, discussions and prayer, guest speakers, weekend retreats, day trips, and lots of field trips. Each summer these very active teens have the opportunity to travel to for a mission experience for a week; Canada for a wilderness canoe trip for a week; inner-city Cleveland for an urban work-camp experience; and plenty of day trips to area attractions (hikes, amusement parks, etc.) Click on the PYC logo to go to that web site.

Choir

Fairmount Youth Choir is a group open to young people from the ages of 7 to 15. This choir provides music through hymns and anthems on selected Sundays. The choir also participates in seasonal services such as Christmas and Easter. In addition, they may join with The Fairmount Choir in larger choral works and are active in The Fairmount Music Series.  Rehearsal time is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. A light supper precedes the Thursday evening rehearsal.

Scouts

Fairmount is currently home to several scouting groups. Other Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups use the church on occasion.

Cub Pack #36 meets on the 4th Monday evening of each month for activities involving the whole family. Den meetings are scheduled for additional Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Girl Scout Troop #148 meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Weekday Nursery School

The Fairmount Church Cooperative Nursery School (FCCNS) offers pre-school activities for ages two to five in classes that meet either two, three or four morning per week. In addition "parents’ day out" extensions are offered on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Family activities, field trips and special visitors are an important part of the pre-school curriculum. FCCNS is fully licensed and accredited by the State of Ohio and operates under the guidance of a board of directors.  

Pastors’ Class

This special series will be offered from time to time using a variety of Bible study materials.  Each of the Pastors will take a turn at leading the class.  The next Pastors’ Class will begin after Easter.

Women’s Study Group

Women’s Study Group meets in the Fullerton Room for study, discussion and fellowship at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Books and topics for exploration will be chosen by the group as the year unfolds. Louisa Matthias is the group’s organizer and can be contacted for additional information.

William Birkett Williams Lecture Series

The William Birkett Williams Lecture Series committee makes arrangements for periodic lectures through the generosity of the family of Lt. William Birkett Williams which has endowed this series in his memory. Several lecturers are being considered for the coming year. The committee welcomes suggestions from members of the congregation.

 

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