Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Faith Formation
At Falkner Swamp UCC, we offer different ways to become part of our church family.
Take a moment to see if there is a way for you to invest yourself and your family in ours.
All are welcome - we have a place saved for you.
Youth
Children's Moment
During the worship service, the pastor calls for the children to come forward and sit with her. She talks with the children, sharing a message geared just for them and then closes with an echo prayer, modeling and engaging the children in how to talk to God .
Children’s Church
Children's Church is for children ages 2-11. They meet on Sunday mornings during part of the formal worship service. On the second through fifth Sundays, after the pastor’s sermon and during the last 15-20 minutes of the service, the children are invited to go downstairs to the Children’s Room along with our two Faith Formation leaders, Miss Becky and Mrs. Mercer. A Bible lesson is shared and is supported by fun activities, crafts, and learning new songs. The children’s adults are welcome to stay in the sanctuary and experience the rest of the service .
On the first Sunday of each month, the children become part of the worship service. They perform a song and then walk coin-collection cans around. This Children-Helping-Children ministry is called A Joyful Noise. Monies are divided 50-50 between Operation 143 (a local organization providing weekend backpacks of food for area school age children encountering food challenges) and The Mustard Seed School in Malawi, Africa. After this, a mom takes the children downstairs and engages them in playtime, crafts, and reading. The children get to enjoy their time with others. There is no formal Bible lesson on this Sunday so that the faith formation leaders may partake in the full worship service and Communion.
At the close of service, the children reunite with their adults by being brought back to the sanctuary or simply waiting in the Fellowship Hall.
Confirmation
Confirmation in the UCC is a process that prepares our young people for church membership. It also acts as a guidance tool in helping our youth develop their own personal relationship with God and a fuller understanding of living a Christian life. They are given many opportunities to ponder and question things as their faith-journey evolves.
Included in this faith journey are the pastor, the confirmand, their adults, our faith formation leaders and/or church mentors. We partner this team within the community, gaining a fuller understanding, awareness, and appreciation for each other’s God-given gifts and ways in which to share them in Christian joy.
Young people in 7th grade and older begin classes in September and conclude with confirmation in May. We meet on alternate Sundays after Church and Fellowship. The students dive deeper into Bible content, learn about the history of the UCC, and what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ in today’s world. Each student is asked to attend worship services, committee and ministry meetings, both internal and external. They are asked to become part of the worship service in preparation and participation. They engage in community mission services. Finally, they create and carry out their own capstone project.
For more information on Confirmation, please contact Rev. Frances Chester at pastorfalknerswamp@comcast.net.
Adult
Scripture Study
Each Tuesday, from 1:00-2:00 pm, a group of men and women, along with the pastor, meets in the conference room. Typically, we study the scripture text for the upcoming Sunday service. We often explore the background context, the content, and the meaning. We will look at the scriptures from several Biblical versions and interpretations, from the very traditional to more modern texts. We even enjoy reading from the First Nations Version, An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament.
Other Opportunities to Grow in Faith Together
In various seasons of faith, such as Lent or Advent, our church community may read a book together while broadening our fellowship in Christ.
Field trips to local venues have also occurred, like visiting several locations with labyrinths and joining together for Prayer Walks.
About once a year we hold a mini retreat on a Saturday morning. These events provide opportunity to broaden our fellowship in Christ and consider new perspectives.
All are welcome to our adult faith formation groups and events, as we share our varied thoughts, opinions, and applications.
For more information on adult faith formation opportunities, please contact the office at falknerswamp@comcast.net.