Learning Opportunities
Children's classes and programs at Highland Valley provide our children with an experience of Christian love, and spiritual nurture as they grow in their faith. Highland Valley is committed to providing the highest quality Christian education for our children by following the example of Jesus, reaching and teaching, loving and accepting all children.
Therefore go and make Disciples of all nations.
(Matthew 28:19)
Sunday Mornings:
Nursery
While parents attend Sunday School and Worship Services, Highland Valley provides infant care that is loving, nurturing and safe. Our nursery on Sunday morning is run by three paid staff members and by a volunteer team of Rockers & Huggers who play, feed, rock, hug and care for our infants. Nursery care is available for all meetings, Bible studies and events at Highland Valley .
TODDLERS AND TWO-YEAR-OLD CLASS
Early Christian Awareness is offered to our toddlers and two year olds during the Sunday School hour. ECA is a structured learning time, supplementing quality childcare. Through ECA, basic tenants of faith are taught through awareness of the child himself and his importance as a child of God, an awareness of others and a beginning wonder at the God - created beauty of the world around him.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
The Children’s Sunday School Classes are from 9:30am – 10:30am for ages 3 years through 5th grade. They meet each week in the Education Building located on the east side of the Highland Valley campus.
All classes are currently using the Exploring Faith curriculum which is a Bible Study Plan that covers the enire Bible over the span of four years. A different theme is focused on each quarter. In Sunday School, the children are developing their faith, building relationships and connecting to the Church through games, Bible stories, music and other “hands on” learning activities.
The Sunday School classes are set up as follows and are posted outside each classroom:
- 3-4 year olds
- Kindergarten – 1st Grade
- 2nd-3rd Grade
- 4th-5th Grade
Children's Church
Children, ages 3 years through 1st Grade begin the 10:45 Worship Hour in the Sanctuary with their parents. Following the Children's Sermon, they are taken back to the Education Building for stories, crafts, games, and a light snack. Children's Church is supervised by a dedicated team of parent volunteers. Parents can then pick up their children after the worship service.
Sunday Evenings:
Kid's Club – 3-YEARS-OLD THROUGH 3RD GRADE
Kids Club is offered during the school year on Sunday evenings for our 3 year olds through 3rd grade children from 5:00-6:30pm. A different Christian-based theme is explored each semester. Recent themes have included "Survive in 2005," which gave our children Christ-focused solutions to everyday problems and "Faith Factor," which took us on a journey through the various seasons of the Christian Year. We begin at 5:00pm in the gym with a snack supper. At 5:30pm we move to the Education Building . The curriculum we are currently using is Bible Zone Live. Bible stories come to life through music, games, crafts, illustrations, gadgets and great handouts. Parents and other family members are always welcome!
Youth Club – 4TH AND 5TH GRADE
Youth Club was developed in 1994 to help prepare our preteens to transition from Kids Club to United Methodist Youth Fellowship by focusing on the specific needs of this age group. Special opportunities, including mission activities, field trips, and other events are offered to our 4th and 5th graders through Youth Club. We begin at 5pm in the gym with a snack supper. At 5:30 we move to the Education Building. The curriculum we are currently using the Bible Zone Live. Bible stories come to life through music, games, crafts, illustrations, gadgets and great handouts. Youth Club meets each Sunday night during the school year from 5:00-6:30pm, along with Kids Club, and includes choir and a light snack.