Our Smallest Blessings
The Christian Education Ministry Team is committed to meeting the direct needs of our families and visitors with children and youth in a variety of ways and means to achieve faith formation opportunities that enhance their lives.
Church School for children in First through Seventh Grade meets from the Sunday after Labor Day to the Sunday before Memorial Day during the 10:30a.m. worship service, after Children’s Time. "Littles" and “Middles” will be taught by two teachers with age-appropriate Bible based lessons and activities. We use a variety of newly published Story Bibles and curriculum from our Reformed Faith tradition.
Pray & Play Nursery will be staffed during the 10:30 a.m. service for infants through kindergarten. Children who wish to stay in church until Children’s Time are welcome and can be escorted with the Church School children to the P&P Nursery classroom.
Children's Time is a regular part of our worship services which is a message just for the kids to help them engage in the worship service. Children of any age are encouraged to pick up a Worship Bag in the Reception Room to assist with keeping their hands busy while their hearts listen to the morning message.
Family, Faith & Food is a themed, intergenerational activity held at least five times a year on a Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. during the program year. Families with children and youth of all ages will enjoy a breakfast bar plus age appropriate activity, craft or hands on mission projects while they have meaningful conversations about a variety of topics from spiritual practices to holy days and holidays.
Youth Group – 8th Grade & Up
The Christian Education Ministry Team's hallmark is to pay attention to and meet the needs of our youth. We take our cues from them and they want to be engaged in meaningful service. They understand the world will be better for everyone if the world is made better for just one! OPPC places a high value on adults who engage youth in being the hands and feet of Christ and putting their faith in action to help heal a broken world. We believe in building relationships between youth and adult church members and leaders which fosters a thriving and intergenerational faith community.
Youth are invited and encouraged to be involved in worship in a variety of capacities. They may serve as elders or deacons after confirmation and are able to sit on ministry teams as well.
Youth Group happens on a weeknight during the program year. The class is taught by two caring adults who cover the Bible and relevant social and justice issues using materials from our Reformed Faith Tradition. Service Opportunities for youth are also available including serving the meal at The Genesis Center every third Friday of the month. For more information about the Youth Group, please reach out to Pastor Mario.
Confirmation Class
Confirmation Class is generally offered for Senior High age youth, freshman and older, several times during the program year which parallels the local school district program year. OPPC presents the youth with a Study Bible at the beginning of their faith journey. Adults from the congregation, called Covenant Partners, are assigned to the youth and act as guides on their spiritual path. A service project with their Covenant Partner, and often times the entire class, is an important piece of the class requirements. Completed medical forms and permission slips are required for participation in Confirmation, which is led by adults who are Safe Church screened and trained. Youth are then celebrated in worship the day they agree to join the rest of the congregation in being a part of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Adult Education
Sunday mornings find adults engaged in the faith based lifelong learning process by meeting and discussing timely topics using various resources from the Bible to current, theologically based books to DVD series. From current event topics to denominational curricula and historical teachings to TED Talks; OPPC strives to offer something to keep folks coming back each week!
Sermon Discussion Group
Sunday morning at 9:15 adults gather in The Meeting Place to view the sermon from the previous Sunday and then have focused discussion.
OPPC Book Group
Find wonderful reads, insightful discussions and much more as you join the OPPC Book Group. All are welcome. Readers meet on the third Tuesday of the month (exceptions are December and the summer months). Take a look below for upcoming reads as well as books that have been read in the last year. Contact Barbara Badame for more information.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, meeting Tuesday October 20.
