At Baptism, we promise to support new Christians. This includes teaching the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, and nurturing people life-long in faith and prayer. The Christian Education committee provides educational opportunities to ensure that this teaching is available at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and to encourage personal growth in faith throughout life.

Sunday Church School for elementary age students (pre-K to grade 5) is taught in a Rotation Sunday School format. Children experience Bible stories through workshops, including drama, crafts, movies, cooking, and games. Over the course of a year, children become very familiar with 10 - 12 Bible stories. Children also participate in Celebrate! Choir during this hour. Celebrate! Choir provides elementary students with additional opportunities to lead music and participate in congregational worship.

Middle School students (grades 6-8) participate in confirmation classes during the Sunday Church School hour. Students study the Old and New Testaments, Luther's Small Catechism, and fundamentals of Lutheran history, thought, liturgy, and worship. The primary resource used for these classes is "Here We Stand", a resource of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for confirmation-aged children. As part of the confirmation program, students are also expected to attend retreats, participate in congregational worship, and participate in youth activities.

High School Students (grades 9-12) discuss contemporary topics during the Sunday school hour. Topics may be suggested by individuals within the group, and can include almost anything!

Adult classes vary annually. Classes are held Sunday mornings, Monday nights, and Wednesday mornings during selected seasons of the year. Contact us today to learn more of our current offerings.

Catechesis (cat-uh-key-sis) is the term the Church uses to talk about instruction in the life and faith of the Church. While catechesis is important for children and young people, it is equally important that adults seize every possible opportunity to grow in the understanding of their faith. Download a brochure which outlines various opportunities for adults to study, learn, and grow during the 2008-2009 year.

Three special Christian Education electives will be offered on several Monday nights during the 2008-2009 year, beginning at 7pm. These distinct classes are scheduled to provide adults with a variety of topics, each covered over a short period of time. Participants can register for one, two, or all three of these electives, which encompass a wide range of topics, as offered in a special downloadable brochure.

Confirmation classes for students in 6th through 8th grades have started. We began a new system of teaching confirmation during the 9:30 am Sunday School hour. All students will be in one class for their instruction. All the important material of the Small Catechism will be covered as well as other faith-related topics.

Please continue to support all of our youth as they continue their program of study which leads to their affirmation of baptism which, for the 8th graders, will occur on Sunday April 26, 2009. Review this year's schedule or contact the church office to learn more.