CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Mount Lebanon Sunday School for All Ages

"Let the children come to me and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

~Matthew 19:14

The mission of Mount Lebanon Lutheran’s Educational Ministries is to reach, teach, and nurture all of God’s people as we equip them to be disciples of Christ for the Glory of God.

We provide a broad range of Christian Education opportunities for all ages. Teachers work together with parents to help students better understand God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness through Jesus.

Overview

What Lutherans Believe about Christian Education

Lutherans believe that Christian Education…

  • Guides people to grow in faith in Jesus throughout their lives.
  • Helps believers share God’s love to everyone, as shown through Jesus.
  • Encourages individuals to live faithfully in relationships with God, one another, and all of creation.
  • Is rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions that have shaped our faith and continue to be passed from generation to generation.
  • The Bible’s words lead us to Jesus Christ.
  • When we read the Bible, we do more than learn about God –we meet God!
  • God gave us the Bible (see Psalm 119:105; Luke 11:28, Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:15)
  • God speaks to us through the Bible, nurturing our belief in Jesus Christ.
  • By the waters of Holy Baptism we are claimed as God’s own and brought into a new community.
  • Parents have been given the privilege of primary care for God’s gift of their children. In Baptism parents agree to teach and model for their children a faith based on Scripture, the Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments, worship attendance, and to provide for their instruction in the Christian faith.
  • Teachers partner with parents to help students better understand God’s endless love, acceptance, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
  • As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus and serve others.
  • We show our faith through prayer, worship, reading the Bible, sharing our time and talents, and helping those in need. These are ways to live in Christian love, not rules for earning God’s grace.
  • By serving others, we hope to share God’s love, meet new friends, and grow spiritually. Youth service projects will be coordinated with the Social Ministries Committee, Sunday School program and Catechetics classes.  Projects are announced in the Voice newsletter, weekly worship bulletins, and on our Calendar.

Cradle Roll: Birth – Age 3

Sunday Morning Childcare is provided for young children during Sunday worship liturgies. Experienced Nursery attendants have completed required PA clearances.

Resources: Cradle Roll educational materials are mailed to parents and caregivers. These practical Parent Pages help families incorporate faith formation into the events of daily life.

Pre-K, Kindergarten & Elementary

Sunday School for ages 4 and older is offered on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, September through May. Sunday School begins in the Sanctuary with a Children’s Message from the Senior Pastor before heading to the classrooms for lessons. Children’s Choir practices every other week at the end of class.

First Holy Communion: Each Spring, second graders and new students receive instruction from the Senior Pastor to receive First Holy Communion.

Children’s Bibles are presented to First Grade students on Reformation Sunday. Children are encouraged to bring their Bibles to class each week.

Resources: Students take home Sunday School curriculum materials to share with their families.  Seasonal materials are also made available to parents and caregivers.  Our Library is a free resource center with materials for all ages.

5th - 8th Grade

Sunday School meets Sunday mornings from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Sunday School begins in the Sanctuary with a Children’s Message from the Senior Pastor before heading to the classrooms for lessons. 

Catechetical Instruction: Seventh and Eighth graders attend catechetical instruction led by the Senior Pastor. These classes and studies prepare students for Public Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation). Instruction is offered over a 2-year course cycle, generally beginning in 7th grade. Level 1 Catechetics focuses on the Old and New Testaments. Level 2 classes cover Luther’s Small Catechism, Lutheran theology and certain organizational aspects of the ELCA.


Requirements for students include attendance at weekly classes and weekly Sunday worship, as well as completion of class assignments. Catechumens will be scheduled to serve at the Altar for worship liturgies. Students make a Public Affirmation of their Baptism (Confirmation) at Pentecost Sunday worship.

High School

High School Coffee Hour meets in the Youth Room during the 10:00 am service on the 2nd Sunday of each month September through May.

High Schoolers arriving before 10 am are welcome to join us in the upstairs Foyer to help with the Sunday Fellowship refreshments table. Students are encouraged to worship at the 8:30 am liturgy prior to the Coffee Hour.

Youth Group meets on a scheduled basis to engage in a variety of fun activities and service projects.  Past Youth Group activities include art projects, pizza celebrations, sports nights, hanging at our fire pit, and trash pick-up service projects.

Weekly Adult Bible Studies

Led by the Senior Pastor on Monday Evenings and Thursday mornings. These feature a wide range of Scripture Readings and topics. Please refer to our Calendar for the most current schedule. Bibles are provided or personal Bibles may be used.

S.O.A.R. - the School of Adult Religion

S.O.A.R. offers one-time educational programs throughout the year that feature a variety of topics and interests. We welcome teens and adults of all ages to participate in these programs. S.O.A.R programs are announced in the Voice newsletter, weekly worship bulletins, and on our Calendar.

Adult Ministry

Vacation Bible School

Each summer, a weeklong Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held on the church campus Monday through Friday mornings for students age 5 – 12. Students enjoy singing and dancing, and structured activities that include arts and crafts, science, Bible stories, music class, and recreation.

Older youth may volunteer as group leaders and in other roles to demonstrate Christian Service and qualify for school required service hours. Many youth volunteers include their leadership roles on college applications.

Our VBS Time Capsule

2017 - 2019

2017 –   Hero Central

2018 –   Rolling River Rampage

2019 –   To Mars and Beyond

2020 - 2022

2020 –   Knights of North Castle (held virtually)

2021 –   Discovery on Adventure Island 

2022 –   Food Truck Party

2023 - 2025

2023 –   Hero Hotline

2024 –   Camp Firelight

2025 –   Road Trip – On the Road with God

Resources:

You will find a wide-ranging collection of adult and children’s books. Reference books, such as Bibles, dictionaries, Biblical maps, and concordances are located on the conference room bookshelves. We also have an array of multimedia formats.

How to access Library materials:

The check-out process is self-serve, and returns are on the honor system. Just come on in on Sunday mornings, during weekly operating hours, or by appointment.

How to add to the Library’s collection:

We gladly accept donations of materials; however, we reserve the right to dispose of materials in poor or unsuitable condition. Please contact the church office to arrange a time to drop off your donation. Several Bibles have been donated and are available in the conference room if you or someone you know needs a Bible.

Church Library

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.”   ~ Isaiah11:2

Our Library is a ministry to the entire congregation, offering pleasure reading and resources that can be used by Sunday School teachers and parents. We would love for you to visit our library.