Hope Lutheran Church Christian Education

·         Sunday School Sunday School classes are offered every Sunday morning, September through May at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The 3-year old class through 6th grade class learn lessons that are Bible based and supported by crafts, music and/or games. Students meet in their classrooms at 10:55 a.m. and join the rest of the students in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m. where the famous Hope Lutheran church "OPENING" with Mr. Chris takes place. We welcome visitors, celebrate birthdays, and present offerings for various benevolence projects. Usually held on the first Sunday in June is our end-of-the-year picnic. .·         Vacation Bible School (VBS) Normally held the third week in July Vacation Bible School is a an annual tradition here at Hope. The children learn wonderful Bible lessons and they learn new songs in a fun environment. They also make some very unique craft items. At the end of the week the students put on a show singing the songs they learned during the week. VBS is a "don't miss" for children of all ages.

·         Family Worship
The fourth Sunday of every month students attend the beginning of 11:00 service with their family. The pastor gives a special children's sermon. Each month a different class carries our Family Banner and leads the students back to their classrooms in song.

·         Confirmation
6th, 7th, and 8th graders participate in a 3-year program of special study to prepare them for confirmation. They meet Sunday morning during the 11:00 a.m. education hour. The lesson focus is on the Old and New Testament, The Lord's Prayer, The Apostle's Creed, and Lutheran theology. Confirmation is held in May.

·         High School/Youth Group
The high school students meet upstairs in the lounge at 11:00 a.m. for Bible lessons. They also are involved with other activities such as preparing and serving the Easter morning breakfast,anddecorating the church's Christmas trees.The youth groups participate in activities such as bowling outings, canoe trips, cider mill adventures, winter weekend trips to Michi-Lu-Ca, lock-ins, and the annual Michigan Youth Gathering..

·         1st Grade Bibles
It has been a long-standing tradition to recognize the 1st graders by presenting them with their very own bible from Hope. Bibles are read in their classroom to encourage the learning of names of the Books of the Bible and differences between the Old and New Testament.

·         5th Grade Communion Class
The 5th graders participate in a 6-week course of study on the Sacrament. The course begins 6weeks before Easter concluding with the communicants receiving their first communion during Holy Week.

·         Benevolence Projects
Money designated as "Benevolence" on the student's offering envelope, is used to support our current Sunday School benevolence project which is our adopted child through Compassion International. His name is Julian Menjivar and lives in El Salvador. The children participate on Harvest Sunday by bringing donated non-perishable food items to the altar. The food is donated to families in need. Every Christmas the students decorate a "Mitten Tree" with new mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats that are given to families living at the Wayne County Family Center.

·         Christmas Play
The Sunday School children display their talents through song and story about the first Christmas. This is an annual program you definitely do not want to miss..

·         Christian Education Staff

Joanne Nissen	Christian Education Coordinator
Patty Ibbetson	Superintendent
Mark & Denise Lonce	3-year olds, 4-year olds, and Kindergarten
Cheryl Ballnik	1st & 2nd Grade
Josh Durst	3rd & 4th Grade
Patricia Franges	5th Grade, First Communion
Sue Muskett	6th & 7th Grade
Cathy Corn	8th Grade
Tracie Apfel & Heather Kinnison	Senior High