Summerville Presbyterian Church (USA)

Sunday School at Summerville Presbyterian Church

Summerville Presbyterian Church has Sunday School classes for people of all ages and preferences. We have classes for children, for the middle school youth, for the high school youth, and for the adults: old, young and young at heart! Sunday Schools classes are offered each Sunday morning from 10:00 - 11:00am. There are excellent nursery facilities and childcare available for families with children ages birth to 4 years.

Toddlers (2's and 3's) Sunday School

This class focuses on training these young children in the basics of Sunday School, i.e., sitting to listen to a Bible story, singing beginning songs of praise, and learning to say simple prayers. It is so gratifying to watch as these little ones mature and learn to spend time in worship that is geared to their level. The curriculum covers basic Bible stories that are written in age-appropriate wording and that are of interest to very young children. The Toddlers meet every Sunday morning in classrooms along the hallway between Lanneau Hall and the gym.

K4 - K5, 1st Grade Sunday School

This class meets every Sunday morning in the Educational Building. See their classroom sign along the hallway outside Lanneau Hall. Using the Presbyterian Church USA's "We Believe" curriculum, our imaginative, enthusiastic children enjoy Bible study, accompanied by appropriate crafts, games, and other great activities to enhance the weekly lesson. Each child takes home literature to reinforce the day's lesson and to generate discussion within each family. The curriculum provides studies to coordinate with the church seasons. The spring quarter begins with a Lenten unit on the elements of Palm Sunday, Passion, Easter. There is a unit on the Lord's Supper, both in its Biblical context and as our sacrament today. Other topics are also presented, with the quarter concluding with sessions on Pentecost and the new church.

2nd - 3rd Grade Sunday School

Using the "We Believe" curriculum, during January the class is finishing the Christmas celebration, taking time to look more closely at some special stories surrounding the holy event, i.e., the Annunciation of Jesus' birth to Mary, the stories of Simeon and Anna seeing the Baby Jesus in the Temple, etc. The study of Jesus' life continues, with the introduction of John the Baptist, and with the stories of Jesus' early ministry. This course continues through the end of March, to be followed by the traditional treatment of the Lenten Season, Palm Sunday, and Easter, in the spring curriculum. This class meets every Sunday morning in the educational building, in Lanneau Hallway.

4th - 5th Grade Sunday School

This class currently utilizes the Presbyterian Church USA "We Believe" curriculum. For the early months of 2011, they continue to look in depth at the persons and events surrounding the birth of Jesus to Mary. Studies will center on Joseph's role as Jesus' earthly father, the impact of the angels' appearance and invitation to the shepherds, the journey and arrival of the Wise Men. The story continues with the joyful experiences of Simeon and Anna, as they are allowed to see the baby Messiah in the Temple. The "Jesus" theme carries through with lessons surrounding His ministry, including the introduction of John the Baptist, Jesus' preaching among the people, the Sermon on the Mount, and so on. As the Lenten season approaches, lessons look toward Palm Sunday, the Lord's Supper, and Easter, continuing through Pentecost and the new church. The class meets Sunday mornings in the Lanneau Hallway in the educational building.

Middle School Sunday School

The Middle School Sunday school class welcomes all 6th through 8th graders each Sunday morning. The class has a very open atmosphere and encourages discussion and sharing among the students and advisors. The curriculum is called Grapple and is focused on discussing issues in the lives of today's youth from a Biblical perspective. The class has several hands-on group aspects as well as some voluntary online activities that tie in with the lessons that can be done at home. This class meets Sunday mornings in the classroom hallway beside the gym.

High School Sunday School

The High School Sunday school class is made up of 9th through 12th graders and meets in a very relaxed setting each Sunday morning in the Christian Education building. We tend towards a discussion format that encourages open mouths, open minds, and open hearts. Utilizing a broad range of curriculum including resources from the Presbyterian Church (USA) to Simply Youth Ministries to other Scriptural-Based studies. Most classes are interactive and all of them focus on how following Jesus is relevant and central to our lives today. Every Sunday morning this group meets in the classroom hallway beside the gym.

Foundations Sunday School (Adults)

In a classroom near the gym door, this group meets Sunday mornings to study what God's Word says about everyday situations that we encounter in today's living. The members are young adults roughly between the ages of 18 and 35 - whether single, married, divorced, widowed, with or without children. Being the newest class to form at SPC, they are working to forge relationships among the group, so lots of outside activities are planned and enjoyed. These activities include fun, fellowship, and service projects - and lots of opportunities for spiritual growth. Some of these activities are family-focused, some not; but childcare is often provided when children are not included in the activity. Though there is a primary teacher, others sometimes take the helm to bring the lesson on Sundays.

New Horizons Sunday School (Adults)

Class participants seek to develop and strengthen individual relationships with the Lord through direct contact with God's Word. They read, study, and discuss His message to Christians. For the first part of 2011, they will be studying the Gospel of Luke. Next will come the study of the Book of Acts, which will continue well into the summer. The class meets on Sunday mornings and all individuals are welcomed, regardless of age, gender, or Biblical knowledge. Look for the classroom sign near the door to the gym

Genesis Sunday School (Adults)

This class studies an array of subjects throughout each year. They have just finished a look at the Gospels; and in February, Rev. Mike Shelton will substitute in the rotation of teachers and will present a unit on the Lord's Prayer. The beauty of this flexible study format is that the curriculum and subject matter can change to meet the needs and interests of the class members. A new, and as yet undecided, series of lessons will begin in the spring. The Genesis class is discussion-based, relying on the insight and knowledge of its members to supplement the materials prepared. It is an excellent place to learn what you don't know and share what you do. We also enjoy great discussion amidst a community of believers who freely share differences in understanding. All are invited to visit the class, which meets every Sunday morning in Lanneau Hallway in the educational building. Look for the class name beside the door.

Adult Discussion Sunday School

This class is the longest running adult class in our church. Many of the teachers of other classes began as members of this class. Weekly attendance varies from 15 to 20 persons, with leadership rotating among five to six "teachers" or class leaders. The curriculum has traditionally been "The Present Word", which is published jointly by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Moravian Church in America, and the United Church of Christ. It follows The New International Sunday School Lesson Annual, a Bible-based series. The class will begin this Spring with a study of worship practices and convictions in the early church. The scripture for this portion of our study is 1 Timothy. Later they will cover "Ancient Words of Praise" which will run through the final weeks of Lent and into the Easter season. And the last portion of the quarterly will be a study of "John's Vision of Worship" with passages from Revelation. Rather than using strictly a lecture approach, the class leaders encourage class discussion and participation, so that everyone may benefit from a common Christian experience and knowledge. In addition to the study of the scriptures, there are several service projects: the class contributes monthly to HELP of Summerville, they continue to support the church's college kids, and support an orphan in the Good Shepherd School in Haiti. The class also maintains a prayer board for members and non-members and prays for them both corporately and individually. Anyone who wishes to join with us as we seek new ways to follow and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is welcome. They meet on Sunday mornings in the educational building in a classroom directly across from the Resource Room (near the water fountain and restrooms)

Bible Basics Sunday School (Adults)

This class enjoys shared teaching among a team of presenters, on a rotating basis, each teacher having a unique style. As the class name implies, though, the studies are focused on discovering what the Scriptures themselves reveal. The format is to delve into a particular book of the Bible (currently it is the Gospel of Matthew, following a guide written by N. T. Wright), looking carefully at the passages verse by verse. Often, there is comparison with other verses in other books, in order to seek a clear picture of what God wants to reveal. Sometimes a whole chapter can be covered in one class; sometimes it takes considerably longer, depending upon the class discussion on any given Sunday. Anyone and everyone can join in the discussion, as desired. Beginning in April, the book of Genesis will be studied, using curriculum by Dr. Walter Brueggemann, among other writers. Come and see what the class is all about! They meet on Sunday mornings in the Lanneau Hallway, to the right of the water fountain, near the breezeway door.

Faith and Reasoning Sunday School (Adults)

This class is always a sure winner where lively dialogue and maybe even a bit of controversy are relished. The primary format is to use video technology, and then follow up with discussion of the material presented. Subject matter varies widely, using studies from the "Great Courses" series. Currently the class is covering the video lessons "God in America", which should last through February and maybe into March. Where will they go from there? Come and see! The class gathers on Sunday mornings throughout the school year, often taking a break in the summer. They meet in the classroom across from the Choir Room, near the church Library.

Seekers Sunday School (Adults)

This class is a mixed, and sometimes mixed-up, group of couples and singles, varied in age and perspective, who enjoy study, fellowship, service, and social activities. Five members lead the class discussions, each with his own style, on a rotating basis. We have been studying about books that did not make the Bible and why, including the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary. Soon we'll be taking a look at when and why the Bible was written. We will then study figures in the Old and New Testaments and great themes of the Bible. These lessons are all drawn from The Thoughtful Christian lesion series. No advance preparation for class is required, and new voices and opinions are always welcome!! The class meets every Sunday morning in the room adjacent to Lanneau Hall.