Church School

We welcome children of all ages and developmental stages to learn with us as we explore faith. Children are a cherished part of our church family, and their energetic spirit and startling honesty are some of the most precious parts of our worship together before they depart each week for Church School. We offer a comprehensive Church School program for children ages 3 through 7th grade each Sunday from September through mid-June. Our curriculum, Sparkhouse, is a bible-centered program that gives the children further insight into Scripture and how God is active at this stage in their lives. We integrate hands-on activities, music, games, and short videos to provide a welcoming learning environment.

On holidays and the first Sunday of each month, children enjoy Church School as a combined group in our Chapel. This provides special time to delve deeper into a theological story or season in the life of the church. On most Sundays, children are broken out into classrooms by age: Pre-K and K, 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 5th, and 6th and 7th. Often, our high school students are invited to assist the children in Church School as well.

All of our classrooms have a teacher and a high school helper as we employ a team teaching model to provide for a safe church environment.

Church School Schedule

Church School is offered every Sunday from September to mid-June.

Special Programs

Other fun events include Vacation Bible School, Welcome Back Kickoff Dinner with a Blessing of the Backpacks, Sneaker Wrapping, Halloween Carnival, Thanksgiving project, Jesus’ Birthday Party, our Beloved Christmas Pageant, Election Day Fun, Souperbowl Sunday, Bingo Night, Last Supper Sabbath Dinner, Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner, Wreath Making, Stations of the Cross, the Easter Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt, and our Celebration Sunday Picnic.

Third Grade Bibles: In late October of each year, the Congregational Church presents a special bible to every 3th grade student enrolled in Church School. These special keepsakes are used in class through Confirmation.

Fourth Grade Communion: In the fall of 4th grade, students are invited to attend a special class designed to introduce and educate children to the meaning and tradition of communion. Upon completion, our 4rd graders experience communion for the first time in the Meetinghouse in a special service where they are recognized.

Our Teaching Team

Our Church School teaching team is made up of parents, teens, and other adults from our congregation who have a call to serve children. We encourage all generations of our congregation to be actively involved in Christian Education. Church School teachers are mentors, friends, and faith-models for the children of the church. Anyone interested in teaching should contact Rev. Kibbie Laird.

Children’s Music and Drama

If you are interested in participating in our wonderful children’s choirs, please reach out to Sydney Anderson. They are on the https://godsacre.org/music-choirs/ page

For More Information

Sarah Haddad
churchschool@godsacre.org
(203) 966-2651, x113

Minister: The Rev. Kathryn Kibbie Laird
Acting Associate Minister of Children, Youth, and Families
kibbie@godsacre.org
(203) 966-2651, x102

Children’s Music and Drama

If you are interested in participating in our wonderful children’s choirs, please reach out to Sydney Anderson. They are on the https://godsacre.org/music-choirs/ page

We have a robust program schedule for Children’s Music and Drama planned for this coming season. We look forward to all the children joining us as we sing together.

To register, email Sydney Anderson at sydney@godsacre.org, fill out a form online, click here, or grab a paper form from Smith Hall! All choirs will follow the New Canaan Public School guidelines to ensure that children will stay safe and healthy.

Grace Notes – Ages 2 – 4 with Parent. Mondays, 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Grace Notes meet Mondays from 4:00 – 4:30pm with Mrs. Jody and learn about our church through songs and rhythmic movements. Grace Notes learn that the church is a safe place for families and friends as young children start to bond with others. We sing in the worship services occasionally and participate in the annual children’s musical.

Cherubs – Age 4 – Kindergarten. Mondays, 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Cherubs meet Mondays from 4:30 – 5:00pm with Mrs. Jody. We continue to develop musical skills for the voice and are introduced to percussion instruments through rhythm. Cherubs sing in the worship services occasionally and participate in the annual children’s musical.

Spirit Singers – Grades 1 – 4. Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Spirit Singers meet Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:00pm. Spirit Singers continue with good vocal and rhythmic skills with Christian emphasis. Spirit Singers sing an opening hymn the first Sunday of the month during the program year as well as sing anthems throughout the program year. They participate in the Mary Bradley Clarke Benefit Concert and present a musical each year. Spirit Singers enjoy outreach by singing twice a year at The New Canaan Inn.

Joyful Noise/Junior Worship Team – Grades 5 – 8. Wednesdays, 5:00pm –6:00pm
Joyful Noise is the most advanced young people’s choir, which meet Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00pm. Joyful Noise sings regularly and leads in service anthems with the Chancel Choir or Spirit Singers as well as solos and small ensembles. The Christian emphasis continues with strong musical skills from vocal production, musical reading, rhythm advancement, and instrumental knowledge. Joyful Noise sings twice a year at The New Canaan Inn, participates in the Mary Bradley Clarke Benefit Concert, and has significant leadership roles in the musical.