English Language Congregation - Church School

The Church School has been one of the most important components in the life of the English Language Congregation. It is committed towards nurturing and building young children in the love and knowledge of God and in bringing them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

CHURCH SCHOOL WORSHIP

Our Church School meets every Friday at the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 until 10:00 AM for our Worship Service. Pastor Westra leads us in an opening prayer while music director, Manfred Philips, leads the singing with the support of song leaders and musicians: David Ephraim with his keyboard and Ryan Shera with his guitar. Most of the teachers take turns in presenting the children’s messages during the worship time, and children participate by serving as scripture readers and ushers.

CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES/CURRICULUM

At 10:00 A.M., after worship, students go to the different classes in the NEC Education Building. 

Our Church School uses the curriculum called LIFE (Living in Faith Everyday) developed by the Education Department of the Christian Reformed Church in cooperation with the Reformed Church in America.  Warmth, wonder, and worship are three words that describe LIFE. Warmth describes the environment that LIFE creates. Wonder characterizes LIFE's teaching method. Worship is the focus of each LIFE session. The sessions of LIFE are built around faith nurturing, faith knowledge, and faith modelling goals. The teachers and children are together in this journey as they grow in their faith.

Parents are urged to participate in building their children’s future spiritually by making sure they learn their memory verses, review their lessons, and that they apply them in their daily life. They are encouraged to take a look at the lessons their children take home and ask them questions on what they learnt in church school every Friday.

CHURCH SCHOOL BUS

One of the parents hires a 26-passenger bus, which leaves Hoora at 8:45 AM, and stops at Dasman Center behind Royal Hotel, Universal Center, Kerala Samajam, Namlity, and Standard Chartered Bank.  Any one staying in these areas can use this bus by contacting Jeevan Vailshery (39136019) or Ashalatha Raj (17716104).  The bus leaves the Church premises at 11:00 AM.

CHRISTMAS AND EASTER PROGRAMS

During the Christmas program in December, each class presents a song during the ELC Friday Worship Service. They receive Christmas presents during this time. Our Church School also has an Easter Presentation on the first Friday after Easter.

CHURCH SCHOOL AWARDS/BIRTHDAY GIFTS

As an incentive for students to come early to church school, they are given Early Bird Cards. During the END-OF-THE-YEAR Program, these children are given gifts for being regular and punctual. The Church School also gives birthday presents to all our students.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Once a year, we have a picnic, a general class with quizzes and fun, and once every two months, we  present songs at the ELC Worship Services.

CHURCH SCHOOL FINANCE

Our budget this year is BD3,014. One of the main sources of our income is from the weekly offerings that the children give each Friday. Through their giving, our children have learnt that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Our expenses include curriculum materials, gifts, snacks during programs and picnic, rent of rooms, and missions.

CLASSES/TEACHERS

Every last Friday of the month, after our classes, the teachers have a meeting to pray together as well as discuss  matters related to the church school. Our Senior Pastor meets with us as often as he can. We have scheduled training courses for teachers conducted by Maja Westra.

At present we have 22 dedicated teachers and assistants. Here is the new Church School team for 2008: