The advent of the new academic year carries with it the promise of new lessons to be learned and new relationships to be renewed. The Sunday school ministry at Grace will experience such a renewal. In response to feedback from parents and adults, new classes are being formed to meet the educational and spiritual formation needs of our multi-aged group of children and youth. The new classes will begin with 'Rally Day," Sunday, September 9th. There will be a "Rally Day" Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room for the entire church family. Classes will begin at 9:45 a.m.

This is a timely adjustment as Kathie Burnett, who has diligently and faithfully coordinated the children's church school program to date, plans to relocate with her husband John to Southern California.

New teachers and other leaders have been organizing and planning for the opening day of classes. Leaders currently involved in this process are: Annetta Guenther, Mary Santora, Marge Burns, Lloyd Burns, Gloria Andrews, Celaine Krois, Donna DiMinico, Dene Mathews, Bob Norwood, Bill Brooks, Jessica Brooks, Joy Sweeting, Stephen Riddle and Cheryl Evans. We also look forward to the continuing support of Olga Ferguson, Rebecca Guenther and Glenda Merritt who currently serve as helpers and teachers in the children's church school.

The pastor is conducting training sessions for all prospective teachers and leaders on Thursday, August 9th and Friday, August 17th at 6 p.m. A team-teaching approach will be employed in planning the new classes. While the initial class meetings for children will be multi- age, age-based groupings (e.g. beginner, primary, junior, youth) will be formed with teacher-teams assigned to each group.

The new Sunday school will experiment with the Whole People of God curriculum in these new classes. A number of our local sister churches have found it a useful tool in providing biblically-based, multi-cultural and intergenerational education. It is also based on the Revised Common Lectionary and will enhance our engagement with scriptural themes discussed in our worship service.

Many of our newer adult members, college students and friends are looking for opportunities to learn in a setting that is more sensitive to the needs of those who need a basic understanding of Christian faith and discipleship. An adult "Disciples" class, utilizing the Whole People of God curriculum, will commence on September 9th to meet the needs of these adult students. The common scriptural themes between the children and adult classes will facilitate the discussion of scripture and lessons at home among our families with children. The Adult Discovery Hour will continue its open format of topically based lessons and discussions.

The primary function of these new classes is to develop relationships. We seek to facilitate the spiritual life of our children and adults, strengthening their relationship with God. We seek to foster strong relationships among peer groups, but also between youth and seniors in the church. The goal is to become a more integrated body of believers.

We believe that the relationships developed in these classes will be the basis for new ministries in the life of the church. Ideas that have already emerged in our discussion so far include: camping, tutoring, sports/recreational activities, outreach events, and children/ youth choirs.

If you have any interest in supporting this effort, please contact Pastor Mathews or any of the above- mentioned leaders. We all can support this new ministry with our fervent prayers.