Message to Parents
Through our congregational life, the Baptist Church in the Great Valley helps children grow socially and spiritually. The church provides a warm, encouraging, supportive, and social environment that
promotes interpersonal growth- fosters friendships
- affirms the talents of those of all ages and stages
- offers opportunities for service
- responds with empathy
- provides love that is unconditional
- develops ethical and moral values
- builds community.
The church offers a personal, meaningful, dynamic, and spiritual experience that
- teaches about values and faith
- instills an understanding of the full circle of life - from birth to death
- promotes healthy families
- encourages prayer and meditation
- inspires through sacred readings
- renews commitment to valued principles
- clarifies goals and directions for living
- reinforces the difference between right and wrong.
Sunday School (late September through early June)
Our Christian Education on Sunday mornings takes three different approaches: an initial unstructured playtime; a family time in worship; and a structured, age-appropriate lesson time.
9:15 - 10:15 Supervised Play
Preschoolers through Middle School children are invited to share in unstructured "play time" in the nursery of the Scott Building each Sunday. This is an opportunity for youngsters to grow socially and develop self-discipline, responsibility, and cooperation that evolve from give and take in such an informal setting.
10:30 Family Worship
Parents and children are invited to share the opening portion of our worship service in the Meeting House. Singing, praying, and listening together nurtures a sense of belonging and expands perceptions. Following the children's lesson, youngsters walk to the Scott Building where they learn the basics of faith in age-appropriate classes.
10:50 - 11:30 Sunday Lessons
Based on the One Room Sunday School published by Cokesbury Press, our lessons are designed to meet the age-level needs and experiences of our children. In small groups of learners, each youngster is guided to develop faith foundations, to know the Bible and our faith traditions, and to learn to relate to God and the church. Older children will also learn to relate faith to their daily living.
Childcare during Worship
Need childcare to attend services? Each Sunday, one or more childcare workers are available in the Scott Building's lower level to supervise the nursery and crib room during the 10:30 worship service. Infants through preschoolers are welcome to enjoy playing in our well-equipped facilities. Older children are invited to join us for the opening of our worship in the Meeting House and then move to the Scott Building prior to the sermon. Please arrive at 10:15 to provide a smooth transition for the youngsters and to share any special instructions with our staff.
Special Opportunities
Boys and girls in our Christian Education Program have a variety of opportunities to grow in their faith throughout the year. In addition to sharing music selections periodically during worship, these events include:
- Rally Day - a fun-filled kick-off to the Sunday School program each fall
- Harvest Hayride - riding in a wagon through the fields around Halloween
- Christmas Caroling - sharing the spirit of the season with others
- Easter Egg Hunt - helping to dye eggs and discover hidden treasures each spring
- Recognition Sunday - participating in the worship service and celebrating their success
- On-going Mission - collecting labels, food, clothing, and coins for others in need
Details of our programs and events are featured in our monthly newsletters!
Christian Education for Adults
In addition to the lessons delivered during the worship service, adults can grow in their understanding and faith through a variety of need-based options. Good food and fellowship opportunities help build social networks to strengthen on-going interpersonal support and congregational wellbeing. Biblically based opportunities for learning are also provided at various times throughout the year such as Lent and Advent. Such educational events are scheduled at mutually convenient times and places with programs evolving based on expressed interests.
To meet the needs of adult learners, a series of short, thematic programs will be provided to cover topics of interest throughout the year.
Currently an adult group named "N" is pursuing a video tour of the Holy Land emphasizing sites with special significance for Christian life in today's world. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the lower level of the Scott Building. All are welcome.
CE Calendar
Spring Mission Project
Heifer International Collection
Recognition Sunday - June 10th, 2012
10:30am - Youth Participation in Worship
Recogition of Student Progress and Graduations
A light luncheon and the Annual Meeting will follow on that Sunday at 11:45 a.m.

