Education

The Education Ministry is committed to carrying out a comprehensive Christian Education program for the entire congregation. We strive to provide intergenerational learning experiences and small group opportunities for children, youth, and adults to be nurtured and grow in faith. The average Church School attendance for the year 2011 is about 220 people, with 5 adult classes, 2 youth classes, 3 elementary classes, and 4 preschool classes.  Church School classes begin at 9:40.

The five adult classes deal with a wide range of topics each week, with various leaders conducting the discussions.

• Biblical Perspectives
  Location: Conference Room 1
  Coordinator: John LaMotte

• Becomers – Books of the Bible
  Location: Library
  Leaders: Florence Shelor, Jim Cogswell
  Coordinator: Bill Cox

• Reformed & Reforming
  Location: Upstairs Room 13 (Bell Room)
  Leaders: Members of the class
  Coordinator: Dan Stitt

• Faith Builders
  Location: Parlor
  Coordinator: Ellen McClintock

• Young Adults (Y'All)
  Location: Upstairs, Room 14
  Leaders: Members of the class
  Coordinator: Jim Layman & Libby Barker
  
  Additional Learning Opportunities
  Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – Sharing The Word Bible Study
  led by Shannon Kershner                                                                  Devotional booklets

  Preschool

  The Weekday School  (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. –12: 00  noon)  is one facet of the Education ministry of BMPC.  It has been  a consistent strong positive mission outreach program of the church and is beginning its 23rd year in 2011. The weekday school provides a quality preschool program for approximately seventy church and community children ages 1 to 5.  Click here to read about the Weekday School in more detail. Nursery Care during worship services for infants and toddlers Consistent caregivers are present with volunteer assistance Extended Session Children ages three through five are invited to leave 11:00 worship after the Faith Sharing with Children to hear a Bible story and have play time Church School 9:40-10:45 a.m. each Sunday Four different classes teaching that God loves all children: • nursery • three and four-year-olds • toddler • five-year-olds Elementary       Church School 9:40-10:45 a.m. every Sunday       Bible stories, grades K–5 in 3 classes Logos       Classes available for children grades Kindergarten through sixth grade Wednesday afternoon--nurture for children and families during the school year , •   Fun time for community building •   Daily rotation of music, recreation, Bible, and a meal Bibles      Presented to all children in first and fourth grades Youth         Church School 9:40-10:45 every Sunday Two classes for middle school and high school using a variety of Bible studies, art, drama and service Presbyterian Youth Connection weekly, usually on Sunday evenings.   Middle and senior highs fellowship, building relationships, recreation and service opportunities Special Events Mission trips, youth conferences, retreats, service in the community Confirmation Available for 8th graders and older

The Library is also an important part of the Education Ministry.  The BMPC library was established in 1984, and  several church families contributed to make it possible. At the present time, the collection includes over 1200 books, for the purpose of providing resources for members to study and learn and to teach others, to develop personal devotions and prayer life, to help with personal issues, and to enjoy reading for pleasure.

The Library Committee keeps the book collection in order and makes choices for new selections. The members also process books to be placed on the shelves and write overdue reminder cards.  The committee is presently made up of Nan Higgins and Barbara & Henry Griffin.

Acquisition of books is determined by church budget monies, donations, and memorials. The sign-out policy is that a person will sign the card and place it in the basket at the door.  Three weeks is usually allowed, but books can be renewed many times.  

 The card catalogue lists all books by author and by title. The shelf categories are in alphabetical order, and the books are arranged alphabetically by author, except for biographies, which are alphabetical by person. The bookshelves were made by Dick Shelor while he was pastor of the church. Also, as part of the library, the Centennial material is archived, and there are pictures of some of John Mack Walker's wood sculptures.