Annual Report 2009

The Worship and Education Committee 2009 was composed of Jane, Jay, Bob, Janet, Judy and Deb. We are very appreciative of the tremendous contribution Bob has made over the years and are sorry to see the end of his term with us. We also thank Jane and Deb for their ongoing commitment and support as they end their term as well.  

Nursery - Under the capable leadership of Tracy, with some new materials and books provided by Judy, and with the week-to-week help of a small army of volunteers coordinated by Tracy and reminded by Nellie, the nursery has been choo-chooing along very smoothly.  

Church School - Without a coordinator for almost all year, the W & Ed committee as a whole has overseen the workings of the church school, with a lot of background footwork by a few members. Heidi continues to provide excellent musical leadership. Jane ordered the curriculum, the One-Room Schoolhouse. Lynsey and Kelby looked after our summer Sunday School with a program called Bible Carnival. Judy made up new attendance forms for the three-class format which we decided would provide a better learning experience for the children. The church school children did a great job with another Advent pageant this year. We now have a few committee members taking turns coordinating in pairs. For December/January they are Judy and Janet; for February/March they will be Janet and Judy.  

Youth - Our young people went Bowling in March with Deb, had an evening with the Shaws, including BBQ, pool and discussion in April, and Janet organized a Board Games night in December for grades 6-8.  

Communicant Class - As a follow-up to the 2008 Gospel Journey series for the youth, Rev. Ian offered a communicant class. About 4 attended. It was too difficult to wrap up in 2009, due to the participants’ exams and work schedules.  

Vacation Bible School - We held a VBS for two mornings of March Break this year. On one morning Jay compared Voyageur and Christian life and on the other, Judy cooked up some kitchen activities for the attendees.  

Worship Study and Planning - About eighteen St. Paul’s people attended and gained a deeper understanding of worship. Two or three participants expressed interest in a Worship Directions group.  

Bible Study - This year St. Paul’s has offered a luncheon Lenten Study with a good turnout, and an Easter People: Ephesians series, with 12-16 people attending.  

Dr. Arthur Langford Study Series - The study guide was Earth-Wise. Four sessions were held, led by members out of the group with over twenty participants, with a culminating presentation, open to all, scheduled for January 21.  

Special Events - The Gospel Journey series was shown to adults once in spring evenings and again on fall mornings. Several participants expressed the opinion that the whole congregation should see it. A Congregational Survey on worship services was completed, with those filled out and returned numbering in the 40s. The responses were generally positive, with some tweaks suggested.

Two events are already in the works for the new year: a think-tank on our youth and children’s ministry on January 12^th and a dramatic presentation on the apostle Paul in the spring.  

At present, we do not plan on offering a March Break VBS, but are considering a summer VBS.  

The Worship and Education Committee 2010 is now composed of Jay, Janet, Peggy, and Judy. We are pleased to have Peggy join us. Remember, if you have ideas or concerns about worship or education in our church, please speak to a member of this committee.

 Jay                                                      

Chairman      

Annual Report 2008

The Worship and Education committee was busy throughout 2008. The committee worked closely with Julie McKnight early in the year as she reached out to the youth of the church.  She met with a group of young people and they planned several outings.  There was an attempt made to have a regular bi-weekly meeting. She was supported by one or two members of the committee who also attended each outing or youth meeting.  Julie resigned from the position of Youth Coordinator at the end of November to pursue a full time employment opportunity. The Youth Coordinator position remains open at this time.

Another significant Youth activity that was undertaken this year was a Youth Bible Study program. The Gospel Journey study was offered on seven Sunday mornings. The young people met in the committee room for a light breakfast followed by a video presentation and discussion.  Summer School this year was handled differently than it has been in the recent past. Lynsey and Kelby, two of the senior youth in the church, agreed to organize and deliver the summer program this year. They did an excellent job and were great role models for the younger children. During the spring break, Judy organized a bread baking event. It was well received and everyone that came out had fun.  

The committee organized a Teacher Appreciation coffee hour after the service on June 29^th.  Without our volunteer teachers, the Church School program could not be offered. In today’s world, if the children do not get religious training at church or at home they will not receive it.  Thank you again teachers for the significant contribution that you make to the church.

The Worship and Education Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  We are always open to thoughts and suggestions on how to better serve the church. If you have an interest in this area of church life, you will be welcomed at our meeting.

Bob