Children & Youth
Children
Children from ages 3 – 6 are invited to participate in the Atrium program, a two hour Montessori based learning time. Children are invited to gather in the atrium after the children’s story, which is usually around 10:30. Children choose activities from among lessons they have had or can learn a new lesson with the Atrium catechist. This age group focuses on God as the Good Shepherd who loves them, who Jesus is and what the Kingdom of God is.
Each of 6-9 and 9-12 year-olds meet with a classroom teacher, leaving worship around 11:00. They learn through Bible study, interactive activities, discussion and reading, they gain greater depth of knowledge about Jesus and the Biblical story and the beginnings of ethical and theological understanding.
All ages of children participate in worship, both with adults, and with each other during their classes. At the end of the morning, children of all levels gather to sing. Parents pick up all children at 12:30.
Youth
Both Junior High (approx age 12-14) and Senior High (approx age 15-18) have Sunday school options. They each meet in their own space with a teacher who engages the youth in discussion and activities on a range of and topics from Bible study to social issues and current events. Youth also meet periodically outside of the Sunday study hour for fellowship and and education. Some past favorite activities have included game and/or movie nights, Whirlyball, ice skating and bowling among others. Throughout the year youth are encouraged to participate in an annual service project, Camp CAMREC, and the Mennonite Country Auction. The senior youth also work to raise money for the bi-annual Mennonite Youth Convention, which happens in conjunction with the MCUSA Assembly. Each youth has the opportunity to be paired with an adult mentor from the congregation in SMC’s mentoring program.
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