Christian Education at St. Stephen's

Christian Education

"Faithville" is an exciting style of learning based on the Workshop Rotation Model for Sunday School. The Model began in 1990 near Chicago in the Presbyterian Church in Barrington, IL, as an attempt to increase Sunday School attendance. By 2005, it was estimated that over 8,000 churches in the U.S. and Canada had adopted or adapted the Model. St. Stephen's has been using the Model for over 8 years and both the kids and the teachers love it!

For more information about the workshop rotation, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCHEDULE OF
2012-2013 CLASSES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

How the Workshop Rotation Model Works
    Children study and experience the same Bible story or concept for 4 weeks in various workshops, such as storytelling & games, arts & crafts, drama, music, and cooking, while rotating to a different workshop each week. Our Sunday School bays have been transformed into fun, kid-pleasing, media-rich spaces. Teachers do not rotate with the class, but stay in one place. Adult "Shepherds" are assigned to each class and stay with the class for the entire 4 weeks.

Why the Workshop Rotation Model Works
   To improve Bible literacy, the Model's philosophy recognizes that kids not only love repetition, they need it to develop a lasting memory and understanding of content. Teachers enjoy it because they get to teach in their area of expertise or enjoyment for a shorter period of time by teaching the same lesson each week. It also allows more adults to share their gift and talents.

Class Assignments
    Each Sunday morning, your child's class rotation assignment will be posted on the bulletin board in the back stairwell. Feel free to stay or drop into class at any time. There is also an adult class which you may join or attend as your schedule allows.

What is a "Shepherd"?
    At St. Stephen's Faithville Sunday School, an adult "Shepherd" is assigned to a class for a 4-week rotation. Unlike the teachers, the Shepherd travels with the class to a different workshop rotation each week. The Shepherd helps by taking attendance and being an extra pair of hands for crafts, games, snacks, etc. Also, unlike the teachers, there is no lesson planning or preparation required. Just show up and have fun. If you would be interested in joining us as a Shepherd, please contact Linda Reese at 610-861-5221.

Our Workshops

Stephen's Cafe
cooking and snacks

Royale Theater
movies and puppets

Faith Park
storytelling and games

Creation Station
arts & crafts

Church Mouse Arcade
computers

Joyful Noise Studio
music and movement

Every Sunday, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., children ages 3 through 7th grade are invited to attend
St. Stephen's Faithville Sunday School

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES
Approximately three times per year, three or four sessions are held for students in the fifth grade and higher to prepare them for receiving First Communion. Contact the church office for the current schedule.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Beginning in the 8th grade and meeting on Sunday mornings, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., this is a two-year program in which students learn about God, the Bible, and the history and doctrines of Lutheranism in preparation for becoming responsible church members.

SUNDAY CLASSES for Young Adults & Adults
Adults and students in 11th and 12th grade meet on Sunday mornings, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., to explore ways to practice their faith in every day life.