RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PENFIELD

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Children and Youth

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!

Little ones to him belong: they are weak, but he is strong.”

“Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world.

Red, brown, yellow, black and white,

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Children’s Time

While the above hymn is being sung following the Invocation and Lord’s Prayer, all of the children come forward for Children’s Time- a small lesson we all can share.

Children's Church

At the conclusion of the story, children in kindergarten through grade 3 are invited to leave the sanctuary to attend Children's Church with Deb Lochner and to begin the church's Bible literacy program. Deb and her students follow the Revised Common Lectionary through a variety of materials. Because all classes at First Baptist Penfield follow the lectionary, we will all be studying the same passages, making it possible for families to discuss their lessons later together. It is in Deb's class, however, that those very important stories from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament are first introduced. Deb employs many hands-on activities as she stresses the universal themes of love of God and family, faith, forgiveness, generosity, mercy, and grace. Music, games, crafts and creative play highlight the activities in this busy room where children grow to be friends in Christian love.

“Our God is an awesome God,

He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and love –

Our God is an awesome God!”

Vacation Bible School

Each summer we prepare a Vacation Bible School to share with the community. We have room for up to 50 children who learn about God through skits, themed music, stories, games, crafts and snacks. Families also gather for a presentation in which the children share what they have learned through the week.

Adults

“Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me;

place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unlock and set me free.

Silently now, on bended knee, ready I wait your will to see;

open my eyes, illumine me, spirit divine!”

Adult Ed

At First Baptist, adult education takes place after coffee and fellowship, when we gather together to open our hearts and minds to help each other grow in God's grace based on our study of scripture.

We offer a variety of options throughout the year. Discussion may be based on a book study or video series, lead through an open forum of questions and conversation, selected to follow the church calendar, or current events.

At times, we open the floor for Mumblings with the Moderator, a session to share our questions and concerns with the church Moderator and Coordinating Council. As always, this is done while maintaining Christian kindness and respect, keeping our church body aligned with our Mission statement.

Periodically we host guest speakers from local charities, giving us the opportunity to discuss how we might respond to their needs. Our goal here is to remind ourselves to remain Christian, global citizens.  

Different weeks or months may sponsors slightly different emphasis, yet each is based on the truths derived from our study of scripture.

5th Sunday

Fifth Sunday – “Fellowship in the Kitchen” with Ginna Bergonzi-Blackman and all others as we prepare, deliver and serve a meal to Cameron Community Ministries in downtown Rochester. Rumor has it that all good parties end up in the kitchen, and this good “party” is no different. Fifth Sunday serves those who cannot serve themselves. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, serving those who cannot serve themselves.  Prepare to enjoy yourself!