Christian education for children
		Classes for children (and adults) begin at 9:45. Our Sunday School year follows the traditional public school calendar. Special schedules and programs are planned for summer months.

Sunday school and related activities

Bible Quest curriculum for preschool through first grade

Our preschool through First grade classes use the Bible Quest curriculum. "Bible Quest emphasizes teaching the overall story of the Bible, developing skilled and faithful interpreters, and inviting persons to live as disciples of Jesus Christ." "The activities in each session of Bible Quest are carefully tailored to the abilities and interests of the learners. Because people learn in a variety of ways, the sessions provide opportunities for visual, musical, artistic, linguistic, kinesthetic (movement), individual, and group experiences with the Bible story." See the Bible Quest web site for more information.

Life Together: A Revised Common Lectionary Resources for Christian Living for second grade through fifth grade

Imagine the lessons children are learning in Sunday school are reinforced by the pastor's sermon as well as by the hymns and songs of the worship. Life Together resources use the worship readings, and especially the reading from one of the four Gospels, as the starting point for the growth opportunities available at the various age levels. A common theme growing out of the biblical readings becomes the focus for learning.

Seasons of the Church With Life Together, the whole community, from children through adults, experience in both worship and learning settings the seasons of the church — Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and the season after Pentecost.

Practices of Faith Life Together resources are designed to nourish healthy faith practices. Some of these happen in worship: celebrating the sacraments, praying for others, sharing Christ's peace, singing faith and praise. Others take place beyond the worship setting: praying at home, forgiving one another, sharing faith with others, helping those in need, working for justice. These resources connect the learning setting and other settings where such expressions of faith are put into play.

Children's Choir - The Morning Stars

Kindergarten through fifth grade children are invited to attend children’s choir at 9:15 each Sunday in room 21. The choir will occasionally participate as worship leaders for the 11:00 service.

Nursery

Our nursery (room 17) is available for children two years of age and under.

Preschool

Three-year-olds and four-year-olds may participate in our preschool class (Room 11).

Kindergarten and First grade

Located in Room 16.

Second grade through fifth grade

Located in Room 14.

Confirmation Class

Located in Lower-level of CE-wing

Youth Bible Study

Located in Room 20.

Children in worship - For the promise is to us and to our children.(Acts 2:39a)

Nursery

The goal of childcare during worship is to provide “TLC” for the very young. Tender loving care received from responsible adults and youth will accompany a child’s first learning about the love of God.

	Infants through 18months – room 17
	Pre-school (18 months – three-year-olds) – room 11

Children's Bulletins

Children’s bulletins are designed for children fifth grade and younger to follow the service of worship. Two bulletins are available in order to provide the appropriate bible activities according to the child’s age. Younger children (3-6 year-olds) may enjoy bible puzzles and coloring which emphasize the gospel lesson of the day. Older children (7-12 year-olds) may follow the service as they participate in worship. In addition, activities are included emphasizing the gospel lesson of the day. The ushers will have the bulletins available upon entering the sanctuary. (See Welcoming children into worship.)

Children's Message

The children are invited to come forward during worship to hear a story prepared especially for them. This is a visual sign to the children that they are welcome and part of the church family. Children of all ages are welcomed although usually four-year-olds through third grade participate.

Children's Church

Children’s Church welcomes children four-years-old through first grade. The children leave the sanctuary with the Children’s Church leaders following Children’s Message. During Children’s Church a lesson revolving around the gospel for the day, the church calendar, or a church holiday will be shared. The lessons include a Bible story, songs, games and crafts. Occasionally snacks are served if they support the lesson. Parents or other adult volunteers lead the Children’s Church programs. Children’s Church meets in room 16.

Welcoming children into worship (hints for adults)

"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.", Matthew 18:5

The Christian Education Committee acknowledges the joys and frustrations of worshipping beside a young child. The following are offered as helpful hints to adults bringing children to worship as well as those adults that are truly privileged enough to sit near a child. Children come to the love of God with an open mind and heart. Let us be a part of their wonderful experience!

	Make sure the child has a Children's Bulletin
	Sit where the child can see what is going on. Children feel more involved if they can see.
	When you first arrive, look together at the order of worship printed on front of the Children's Bulletin. Have the child mark the hymns in the hymnal. Show the child when they will participate in Children's Message.
	Greet the children as well as adults, and be as intentional about knowing children's names as you are about adults' names.
	Children learn about worship by participating. Have the child stand for the opening hymn and follow along with the liturgy (This is the built in time to wiggle. If children sit and stand with the congregation, they will be more likely to sit still longer during the sermon!) Use your finger to help follow the words.
	Be sure the child can see or hold the hymnal. Read or sing toward the child's ear so they can hear the words.
	Hand the children the offering plate rather than passing it over their heads. Have children bring their own offering to church and/or let them place your offering in the plate.
	Touch is very calming to a child. During the sermon, put your arm around the child. Give a gentle back rub. Hold their hand. They will feel loved in the place of worship as well as they may sit still!
	Plan ahead! Talk to the child about worship before you attend. Discuss why worship is important to you. Ask the child what they know about worship. Pack a bag of quiet tricks. A small pad of paper, crayons or pencils are appropriate. Talk about when these items can be used. Remember to let the child participate during the first part of the service so that when it comes time for everyone to sit quietly the child will have something new to do. Often children listen better when their hands are busy. They can color and hear the message at the same time!
	Talk about worship at home. Explain words or practices such as doxology, baptism, Holy Communion.
	Be patient with the learning process; we are all children of God!

Communing children

The Moravian Church practices infant baptism followed later by a period of instruction in early middle school called Confirmation. Confirmation is a time to affirm the baptism promises made by parents. Prior to Confirmation many children have expressed a desire to be in relationship with Christ through Holy Communion. At Raleigh Moravian we offer a class for children and their parents in preparation to partake in Holy Communion. Children have the opportunity to participate in this holy sacrament prior to confirming their baptism.