OVERVIEW: UCP's Christian Education
program includes: Sunday School for all ages, Disciple Bible
Study, a very busy Youth Ministry, confirmation, Vacation
Bible School, the Preschool Programs,
training of teachers, leadership training, training in child protection and
safety, preparation for children to participate in worship, Godly Play, parent
enrichment programs and Scout Programs. This ever expanding
program is possible because UCP recognizes the importance of education in the
development of effective disciples for Jesus Christ.
Sunday School for children: Structured
classes begin at age 2, with intentional care beginning with our nursery
program. There are teams of 3 teachers and 3 assistants for each grade level so
the team can work together to cover the year. Training is held each quarter to
be sure all the teachers are comfortable with the curriculum and ready for a
good experience. All teachers, assistants, youth workers and board members are
trained in child protection and safety.
Beginning in April 2008, Children’s Sunday School (for children 4 yrs-6th grade) has a new look. The children will explore the same Bible story for several weeks, using a multi-modal approach to their learning, much like VBS.
For their first exploration, children will first dive into the Pentecost story for
five weeks, as they rotate through five experiences – one each week. The Sea Squirts (5th/6th grade class), the Sea Stars (1st-4th grades) and the Hermit Crabs (4s-Kndg) will
rotate through educational experiences. Navigators will be available to help the children find their way so the Workshop Captains can get them started in the morning’s exploration.
Check the Superintendent's table for details!
Children in Worship: It has been UCP's
focus for several years to better prepare our children to be part of the regular
worship experience. To this end, we have Godly Play for the younger children –
a very popular program – and Wonders of Worship (WOW) for the older children.
These programs occur during the worship time. WOW spends the fall preparing the
older children to attend worship with their
families, which they do starting in
the winter.
Vacation Bible School: The
theme for VBS 2008 is "Rainforest Adventure!"
and will be held from July 14-18, 2008 with ages 3 (by January 1, 2008 and able to
toilet independently) – 2nd Grade, 9:30 am-12:30 pm.
The Vacation Bible Adventure Crew, 3rd-6th Graders, spent extra time in
local mission activities and also enjoyed lunch each day, 9:30 am-3:00 pm.
Registration forms are available
on-line or contact the UCP office for more information.
For a reminder of last year's exciting event, see VBS 2007 Photos .
Scouting: There is a long association
between scout programs at UCP and our membership. Our staff regularly assists
with the God and Country program, and we are honored to be part of special
events such as the recognition of Eagle Scouts. UCP's chartered Boy Troop is
#1970; the
Scoutmaster is Russ Housley who can be contacted at russ.housley@verizon.net.
The chartered Cub Scout Troop is #340.
The Cub Scout Master is: Dennis Hodges, dennishodges001@comcast.net
Church Camp Websites:
Camp
Meadowkirk is the outdoor ministry of National Capital Presbytery and is
located in Middlebug, VA - approximately 40 miles west of Washington D.C.
Camp Highroad is
just one hour from Washington D.C. located near Middleburg, VA, and is operated
by the Arlington and Alexandria Districts of the Virginia Conference of the
United Methodist Church
Camp
Massanetta is a summer camp program in Harrisonburg, VA. It is a
Presbyterian Conference Center which offers overnight camping experiences for
children and youth of all denominations.
Camp
Mary Mac located in Sharpsburg, MD and the Christian Church Conference Center
located in Bethany Beach, DE are
both operated by the Disciples of Christ Capital Area.
 Designate
% of purchases at Safeway, Harris Teeter and other merchants to help
UCP, Preschool and/or Youth Group. Go
to www.escrip.com and designate #1045290
(UCP), #1045270 (UCP Preschool)
and/or #500000222 (UCP Youth Group) on your
Safeway Card so a percentage of your purchases will go to
help these groups. Up to 3 organizations can be chosen and other
merchants also participate.
Also tell the cashier at Harris Teeter that you want #5754 linked to
your VIC card, to designate 5% of HT "housebrand" purchases to
United Christian Parish Preschool. |
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UNITED CHRISTIAN PARISH PRESCHOOL 
The end of the school year brought new beginnings and fond farewells. We
accepted new confirmands during the Sunday service on Pentecost Sunday completing a year of study and reflection for those eighth graders. Just
one week later, the youth group celebrated its departing seniors with a
recognition during the Sunday evening program. The church also recognized
them during worship the following week.
In
June a UCP Team helped build 
(complete with computerized special effects!), along with numerous other
UCP children and young people. They then put their words into action and
joined other Youth Groups in the area for the Reston Interfaith Youth MiniWalk
for the Homeless.
In December the Youth Group helped younger parishioners purchase and wrap
gifts at the Children's Christmas Shop. We have a great group of youth who have done great things this year and have
a lot of energy to do more in the coming months.
Fund-raiser for Rwandan University Student
Scholarship
for those ages, adults find alternative times and
ways to nurture their spirits at UCP despite space restrictions.
