LIFE LONG LEARNING:  SUNDAY SCHOOL

(Sundays, 9:45 a.m.)

One of the ways we as a church can be intentional about taking steps to "grow in faith as the children of God" is to emphasize the importance for everyone to regularly attend a Church School class. And we do!   Church School is a place where we are able to read, study, and meditate on God's Word. It is a place of fellowship where we are encouraged and affirmed, challenged and stretched in our understanding. It is a place where we experience the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work in our midst as we endeavor to grow spiritually.

Questions? Call Steve, 783-8919 or steve@1pres.org

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Our Nursery and Preschool Division (located in the Hobson School Building) is staffed with adults who truly love children and are committed to caring for them and offering them activities which communicate that love.

The Elementary Division classes (grades K-6) all meet in the Family Center for God’s Workshop.   The children rotate through different workshops (Theatre, Cooking, Games, Art) to learn the Biblical story and begin laying the foundation for a growing faith using set curriculum.   

The Youth Division  gathers in the Family Center with the Junior and Senior High groups separated into two classes.
Junior High School
Junior High Room – Second floor in the Family Center
Teachers:  Patti & Gary Richardson
 
Junior high students meet weekly using the exciting video series FUEL2.  This program is a Biblically-based, highly engaging look at life through the eyes of young people. Together with their teachers, youth wrestle with the issues which confront them each day -- peer pressure, faith sharing, substance abuse, self esteem, dealing with parents and siblings, discipleship and other topics.
 
Senior High School
Senior High Room - first floor in the Family Center
Teacher: Charlotte Scott

High School students develop and deepen a personal faith with God and discover ways to live out their faith every day.  There is open discussion about daily issues affecting the lives of teenagers and how faith relates to these contemporary subjects.  The class also studies specific events in the Presbyterian Church and Christianity. There is also a monthly bible study as well as special events.

Confirmation classes for youth (7th grade and up) and Information classes for new or prospective adult members are offered each year for those seeking to know more about the Presbyterian Church (USA) or about the ministries of First Presbyterian. Call the Church Office for specific dates and times.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

There are four classes which meet regularly in the Adult Division. All classes meet on the Education Building.
Apostles Class
Room 306
Teacher: Mark Moll

Studies of the Bible, relevant issues connected to worship and the Church are often the focus of this group.  This class began in the early '80s as a young adults class. The original members are only young at heart now, but through the years the class has grown and now has members of all ages. The class alternates between studying books of the Bible and other books that are scripturally based. Class discussions are lively and new members are welcome.
Explorer's Class
Room 308
Teacher: Lou Lambiotte

A good discussion group of men and women, age in the late 60’s and 70’s.  In the past year or so, the Explorers have read and discussed The Purpose Driven Life by R. Warren, The Jesus I Never Knew by P. Yancey, and Job and 1st and 2nd Peter from the NIV Study Bible with the aid of commentator Wm. Barclay.
Applied Christianity
Meets in the Church Library, Room 314
Teacher: Katy Boulden

Using Biblical text and contemporary religious material, this class discusses ways we can apply them to life today. This is a class of persons with varying opinions. We seek dialogue and understanding of differing perspectives.
Not Your Momma’s Sunday School Class
Meets in Fellowship Hall or Parlor
Teacher:  Anne Cameron & Others
 
This class is designed for younger members of our congregation, both singles and married couples.  We look at contemporary topics of interest, theological issues, and explore how our faith can be applied to the world we live in.  Recent studies have included:  The Seven Deadly Sins, Prison Nation (looking at the prison system from a Christian perspective), and The Question of God:  C. S.  Lewis & Freud.   Check us out!

BIBLE STUDIES
Christian education offers several topical studies throughout the year, including Advent and Lenten studies, contemporary issue studies, guest speakers, lectionary studies and spiritual guidance. Often these classes are offered mid-week in the evening and/or mid-day.

Bible studies, other than in Church School, are offered through Presbyterian Women and XYZ (eXtra Years of Zest) programs and at various times throughout the year   

Members and visitors alike are invited to attend any of the classes. Bible studies are offered, some verse-by-verse and others book-by-book. Some classes use curriculum resources. All encourage open discussion, expecting and welcoming a diversity of viewpoints. Call the Church Office (783-8919) for a list of current offerings and times.

GUTENSOHN LECTURES
Every year our church sponsors the James P. Gutensohn Lectures. These free lectures allow us to bring nationally prominent and highly respected pastors, Biblical scholars, and theologians to Fort Smith. The entire community benefits from this event.

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Our Vacation Bible School offers activities such as arts and crafts and music to help the children in preschool through fifth grade learn Christian teachings in a fun way.  Each year we invite children from the church, neighbors, and friends to participate with us in a week long adventure of learning and fun.  Usually held in June shortly after school is out.


FERNCLIFF SUMMER CAMP
Children have the opportunity to attend our Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center for fun week or two-week overnight camps.  All children are welcome to Ferncliff, and there are also opportunities for adults to retreat or conference there.


HOBSON PRESCHOOL
Hobson Preschool, Kindergarten and Mother's Day Out is a nonprofit organization established by First Presbyterian Church in 1950 and is an integral part of the Church's ministry. The church's commitment to the program is based on the understanding that young children deserve a quality, affordable preschool education within a loving, Christian environment.

PARENTS
Hobson maintains an "Open Door" policy with parents.  Visits to the classroom to share interests and activities with the children are encouraged.  Family Worship services, parent volunteer programs, conferences and parent education are all a part of the Hobson program.

Each year before school school begins, there is a Parent Orientation Meeting.

Our goal is to give each child an opportunity to grow according to God's plan, at his or her own pace, with a feeling of "joy for life" and a knowledge of God's love.  In planning our program at Hobson we look at where the child is now -- not where we think they should be.  We are also committed to developing and maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust between parents and teachers.  For the benefit of the child, this partnership requires open daily communication between parents and staff.  The Director is readily available to parents for conferences regarding any aspect of school operations.

The Hobson Board oversees the school's policies and procedures, serves in an advisory capacity to the faculty and is responsible for the fiscal health of the school.  The seven board members report to the Session of the First Presbyterian Church.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Daily prayer and the use of God's Word are an integral part of our program, implemented in such a spontaneous and natural manner that we hope their use will become a spontaneous and natural part of the child's life outside of school.  Weekly Chapel services are held for our older children in the church's main sanctuary.  These are usually led by a member of the pastoral staff and may include Bible stories, prayer time, and other worship experiences.  Not only do they offer reinforcement for the Christian atmosphere the children find in their own homes and churches, but the Chapel moments afford spiritual inspiration and renewal for the teachers as well as the little ones.

TIMES AND DAYS OFFERED
The Preschool is provided for children who are at least two years of age. School hours are 8:45 - 11:45 with an optional enhanced program until 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A variety of schedules are offered for each age group in order to meet the developmental needs of the children. Two and Three year olds may attend either 2 or 3 days a week. Four year olds have classes scheduled 3 or 5 days a week, and half-day Kindergarten meets Monday through Friday.

Children must reach class age by or before September 15.

THE STAFF
The staff at Hobson strives to provide an educational program of the highest quality and has become one of the most respected programs in the area. These dedicated adults strive to stay in tune with each child's developmental age and needs. Hobson is committed to supporting our teachers with specific and appropriate training experiences and the opportunity to create unique learning experiences for our children.  We provide opportunities for staff to share ideas and grow professionally through continuing education.

To contact our staff,  call Patricia Adams at 479-783-4552 or submit email to our general email address hobson@1pres.org.

OTHER INFORMATION
You may call the school office at 783-4552 or submit email to hobson@1pres.org for additional information concerning admission, tuition and other policies.