Children's Christian Education

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First Presbyterian Church of Hackettstown boasts a vibrant Christian Education Program under the direction of MaryAnn Simmons, who is the liaison from the Session of Elders. This year we have 27 students enrolled. Classes are aligned according to age/grade, including PreK-1, Grades 2-4, Grades 5-6, and Confirmation class which consists of students in grades 7-9. All classes meet during worship following the Children’s Message. 

- The Pre-K through Grade 1 Sunday School class is taught by Emily Tischler who utilizes stories, crafts, and fun activities that all come together to engage our youngest students.

- Children in grades 2-4 meet with their teachers, Betsy and Nadia Hanson (a mother-daughter team) and continue learning about God's love through lessons, Bible stories, discussions, and engaging and interactive worksheets and games.

- Students in our middle school class, grades 5 and 6, meet with their teacher John Mark Wojcicki, and engage in many activities that focus on learning about the people, places, and events of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Students participate in interactive role playing and crafts to learn the material in a fun and creative way. 

- Finally, our Confirmation class is a two year program, and this year is serving students in Grades 7-9. The students were meeting before church beginning at 9:00 am from September through December but now meet during church time after the Children’s Message. Janice Courtright is their teacher, and she strives to bring a deeper understanding of the lessons of the Bible and the messages they give through the passages they study. Students meet with a confirmed adult mentor each month to learn about the adult’s faith journey, and in February and March the students will attend a meeting of the Board of Deacons and the Session of Elders to learn about the mission outreach of the church and the Elders make regarding financial operation of the church. Confirmation will be held on Pentecost Sunday, which is May 24th. 

In addition to our Sunday School classes, every month we hold Second Sunday under the direction of Lorinda Ravo. Each monthly event provides an opportunity for students to learn about Biblical stories through fun events including painting on canvas, arts and crafts, or learning through storytelling activities. 

This year's Sunday School will end on May 31st, and we will hold a recognition of both students and teachers on June 7th. The children will be receiving their attendance pins and certificates and sharing something that they've learned this year.