Christian Education

 The Christian Education Committee consists of four (4) elected Church members and a Deacon Representative.  The committee members are elected for a two-year term with two (2) members elected each year.  This committee works with the pastoral staff and under the direction of the Board of Deacons in developing, approving, and supervising Christian Education for our youth and young adults.

Rye Congregational Church is blessed with a very vibrant and dedicated Christian Education Committee that works tirelessly to make sure the children are learning and, most importantly, enjoying their lessons and activities which are many.  Some of the additional activities the children enjoy are singing with Sparrow Spirit and performing solos during worship service, playing bells, participating in our annual Christmas Pageant, occasional family movie nights with popcorn, ice skating, and visiting with Pastor Jon during our Children’s Moment on Sunday Morning before Sunday School

The Christian Education Committee for 2023 is: Janet Whitehouse, Chair, Laura Walsh, Secretary, LiYuen Buesing and Camden Mitchell.                        Deacon Representatives:  Peggy Scott and Jim Sheerin

Sunday School

The children gather for worship with the adults at 10 am on Sunday mornings.  About 10-15 minutes into the service, following the opening prayer, Scripture, and a hymn, the pastor gives a special message to the children.  Then they are dismissed to the Sunday School program.  They re-join the adults following the service at the coffee hour fellowship  in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday School starts with prayer in the Church’s chapel then moves the classroom next door.  The lessons, which mirror the subject of the sermon the adults hear during the worship service, are based on the life and teachings of Jesus.  These are taught at a level children can understand and implement in their lives. They will learn that God loves them and all people.  His teachings help everyone live a good and meaningful life here on earth and finally share eternal joy and peace in Heaven.

Music

At RCC we are blessed to have such talented children who are willing to share their God given talents to enhance our worship service.

Sparrow Spirit

Our youth choir called, Sparrow Spirit, started several years ago. They chose the name, Sparrow Spirit, because the Bible uses sparrows as an illustration of God’s love.
A favorite hymn is entitled, His Eye is on the Sparrow. It reminds us that no matter how small we may be, God cares about us, provides for us and is always watching over us.
The group is currently practicing a two part song called Shine, Shine Your Light! A very catchy tune featuring lyrics like, “Children of God, we are the light of the world”, and
embedding the classic, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”  We are also practicing two songs that combine the youth and adult choirs: Through the Eyes of a Child and Teach Me to Walk in the Light.
We also have several amazing individuals who grace us with solos and duets.
Ainsley sang If We Seek Him in the Christmas pageant entitled, On Our Way to Bethlehem. Olivia and Maxwell opened the Christmas Eve service with the duet, Mary and Joseph’s
lullaby. (Pictures?)
We also have children who play instruments. May played the triangle to enhance one of the pageant songs.  A couple of years ago, we added bell ringing.
For Palm Sunday, April 2nd, we are practicing a song called, Prepare the Palms of Praise. This selection combines the adult choir, handbells and piano.
For the first time we will have adults and youth playing together, as this is a very challenging piece. But the bells are sure to add an element of joy to this anthem.
(Pic of practice)
Janet Whitehouse, Nancy Russo and Peggy Scott work with the children on their selections coordinating with our very talented Mindy McMahon (adult choir director) and
Suzanne Shepherd, our amazing accompanist.
It is a real treat for the congregation when the children perform.
(Pic)