Christian Education

“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20)

Jesus’ call to his followers is always one of discipleship, and a disciple is one who continues to learn the great teachings of God’s Word that are found in the Holy Scriptures (John 5:39).

Part of Christ’s call to his Church to fulfill his great commission of making disciples of all peoples is to provide for their ongoing Christian education. As Jesus made plain during the time of his own 40-day temptation period in the wilderness, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes forth from the mouth of God!” (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3).

Christ wants his followers to not only learn more about him, but to know him more intimately. As the Apostle Peter said, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,” 1 Peter 2:2

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

The Sunday school hour begins at 9:15 AM. There are classes for children from age three years through high school and a class for special needs children, Circle of Friends.

Children through fourth grade join together at the beginning of Sunday school for singing and their weekly Bible story. Afterwards, children and teachers go to their classrooms to review the story and complete activities that reinforce the week’s lesson and scripture. Pictured below is the early elementary class with a hands-on reenactment of Naaman being cleansed of his leprosy by bathing in the muddy Jordan River.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Mount Olive has a special needs class that begins at 9:15 AM for Sunday School and lasts through the 10:30 AM worship service. There is a trained special education teacher and a faithful group of volunteers who share Jesus’ love. Because of this class, parents of special needs children are able to participate in adult Bible class and worship service. Circle of Friends includes Christian Education, IEP objectives, and many hands-on activities.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

During the summer, the children explore a variety of themes. A summer may be spent learning The Ten Commandments or exploring the many animals found in the Bible.  Parents, grandparents, and others volunteer to teach so that the regular teachers can have a break. Pictured below: The children have completed the lesson on sheep and are making a snack: an edible sheep from icing, pretzels, and popcorn. The water bottles remind the children that they are Jesus’ sheep and He is The Good Shepherd. At the top of the picture is the sheep pen and 99 cotton ball sheep and the one lost sheep that the shepherd found and returned to the fold.

EARLY COMMUNION CLASSES

Children in the fifth grade may participate in a series of instructional classes about the doctrine of The Lord’s Supper. Parents who believe that their children are ready to receive Holy Communion with the Pastor’s consent may be admitted to the Lord’s Table prior to their confirmation.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES

When children are baptized in the Lutheran Church, parents promise to provide for the further instruction of their children in the teachings of the Christian faith. To help parents with their important spiritual obligation, Lutheran churches offer multi-year confirmation classes. The class studies the Bible one year and then Luther’s Small Catechism the next year. At Mount Olive, classes begin with fifth graders (and older youth who have not been confirmed) and their parents. Our vision is for those involved in confirmation to strengthen their relationships with Christ and with each other. Parental involvement helps students to grow into the life of the congregation and creates additional mature Christian relationships for each child. Through these relationships, students will grow in their understanding of God’s boundless love and grace for each of them.

YOUTH CLASSES

There are classes for middle and high school students, which foster spiritual growth as our youth ready themselves for remaining faithful in today’s world.  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

BIBLE STUDIES FOR ADULTS

There are opportunities for Bible studies and classes both on Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM and during the week. These classes may study a book of the Bible or other Christian topics. See the current Newsletter or Calendar for details.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES

New member classes are taught by the pastor at various times throughout the year during the Sunday school hour, for a six-week time period. Those who are new to the Lutheran Church, as well as lifelong Lutherans, are invited to attend these classes in order to review the basic Biblical teachings of Christianity and the particular emphases of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

CHURCH NURSERY

The church nursery or cry room was updated in 2022 with new flooring, furniture, and toys. Parents are welcome to stay with their little ones during worship and may listen to the service from the nursery speaker. A favorite place to explore is the set of cabinets that house the toys. Children may choose to play there, with the cabinet doors open, of course!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

During the summer, Mt. Olive has Vacation Bible School. VBS time is filled with Bible stories, singing, crafts, & games! Here are a group of children from VBS making wooden-framed crosses with sea glass designs embedded in them. News on our current VBS is in the sidebar on this page.