Education

Education at Epiphany-

Our Mission:  Discipleship through Education
Our Focus:  Circle of Friends
Education is for all members – Adults, Youth, and Children

Our Sunday School Education theme remains “Circle of Friends” as we continue to build on relationships each week creating a feeling of warmth and family in our halls.  Classes are provided for all ages.  Everyone is welcome and all are an important part of our mission.  The Education Ministry is very blessed by volunteers in many ways throughout the year. 

Education Highlights

Easter Program – Good Friday

The youth worked together to present a reading production of the “Stations of the Cross”.    The sanctuary was used as the stage that delivered a powerful message for all. 

Easter Egg Hunt – Easter Sunday

An Easter Egg hunt was organized for all children up through second grade.  Games were provided as eggs were hidden by volunteers and older youth. 

End of the Year Program – May

All Sunday School Classes received recognition of attendance with awards and an end of the year program. 

VBS – July

The Fellowship Hall was transformed into a Friendship Trek.  This year the children experienced God’s love in a nature setting.  The children were blessed with games, crafts, snacks, and a campfire sleepover at the closing on Friday night.  This annual event is high energy fun that is extremely rewarding for all participating. 

Teacher’s Workshop – August

Jenny Lyons was our guest speaker this year.  She led an excellent workshop for the teachers practicing the creation of hands-on activities by the volunteers.  It was a time of fellowship and learning for the volunteers in this ministry.  Again this year we concluded with a wonderful brunch prepared by Chef Drema.  She takes such good care of our teachers, youth leaders and youth. 

Rally Day – August

Each year we use the big parachute and all the students gather together in our “Circle of Friends” to welcome the start of a new school year.  A meet and greet time is allowed for all to find their new classrooms and teachers. 

Children’s Christmas Program – The Small One – December

The kids did an awesome job!  This year’s program was an adaptation from the Disney story of a small donkey that carries Jesus.  The children did an awesome job including music and drama.  The program was again a combination of efforts from so many volunteers.  This ministry is very blessed with so many willing and giving hearts from volunteers that spent their Sunday mornings practicing with the children, to backdrop and set creation, to those that took time to sew beautiful costumes and deliver pizza or to share a musical talent.  This marked the sixth Christmas program on the “fellowship stage”.  

Strengths

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The education ministry is lead by a volunteer committee that was redefined and organized this year.  This committee consists of a Council Liaison, a Chair/Education Director, a Sunday School Superintendent, an Adult Education Director, a VBS Coordinator, a Christmas Program Coordinator, a Chapel Coordinator, and a Nursery Aide Coordinator.  This committee works together to make decisions and lead the education ministry in an organized and rewarding way for all members. 

TEAM TEACHING

Every youth Sunday school class has a minimum of two Epiphany member teachers.  This helps with consistency and also lightens the load on one individual.  It takes away the burden of always having to be there to teach every Sunday without any relief.  This also makes it easier for both teachers to find a substitute when necessary, as they can rotate or trade off in the event one teacher is absent on a particular date.  It reduces the likelihood of Sundays where a class or student would be without a teacher.  For children to be sitting in a class with no teacher totally ruins the reputation of a Sunday school program.  Team Teaching gives the students the advantage of two leaders.

BOUNDARIES TRAINING

In an effort to further promote a safe and rewarding experience for our children and families, Epiphany Lutheran Church requires “Boundaries Training”.  Each adult working with any of the youth programs is required to attend one of the “Boundaries Training” workshops held throughout the year.  These workshops highlight the “dos and don’ts” for working with youth in our church.  This serves to protect our children and teachers, and promote Epiphany as a safe place to worship, learn and fellowship with others.  During Sunday school, we also have a rover periodically looking into the classes to ensure the safety of all our members.

EMAIL COMMUNICATION

This strength helps the teaching team to stay together in thought and prayer. Ideas and suggestions are exchanged.  Email helps our team to stay aware of what everyone else is doing, or what events are about to take place for the Sunday School as a whole.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES

There are classes for all ages from Preschool to High School, including a variety of Adult Classes.  Each class is individual, yet on special occasions and with different special activities all ages join together. 

Education Ministry Goal

To create and maintain a Sunday School program that is full of new ideas, fun, encouraging, welcoming, organized and spiritual.  A comfortable place all can come to learn more about Jesus and spend time with Him.

Recommendations for coming year

• Continued Teachers’ Workshop, Attendance Rewards, Teacher Appreciation events 
• Stay in communication with Council Liaison
• Schedule and conduct Quarterly committee meetings of Education Committee
• Developed Calendar/Schedule for Committee Meetings, Planning Sessions for major productions, i.e. Rally Day, Christmas Program, Easter Program,  and VBS
• Recruit Volunteers for all areas
• Develop separate interest “committees” for special events including VBS, Christmas Program, Easter Program, Rally Day, and Sunday School United.
• Continue with idea of Sunday School Retreat for teachers and/or committee volunteers – Some type of OOTB event (out of the box) – A Thank you to volunteers to promote down time for fellowship between volunteers.
• Children’s Bulletin Board Ministry

Opportunities to serve

There is no limit to the opportunities to serve in Education.  Members can volunteer for any amount of participation, from helping with snacks at VBS, Bible character, sewing, crafts coordinator, music, to being a Sunday School Teacher, a substitute teacher or just attending a class on Sunday.