1. Purpose

The purpose of the Christian Education Team is to provide programs and opportunities that encourage members of all ages to come to a fuller understanding of what it means to be Christian in today’s world and a participant in the life of the Body of Christ and to develop a personal faith that will sustain them in their journey through life. The Director of Christian Education and Youth shall serve as an ex-officio member of this committee.

2. Children's Ministries

The committee is responsible for the educational activities, both formal and informal, of the members of the congregation from birth through fifth grade. It is responsible for planning and coordinating Rally Day. It is responsible for the preparation of an annual operating budget for the committee and to operate the committee within same. Other specific duties include the following:

a. Nursery

i. Provide a staff of paid attendant(s) supplemented by volunteers from the congregation for each Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

ii. Provide paid attendant(s) for weekday nursery as needed for special programs and Wednesday Night Suppers.

iii. Appoint nursery committee to formulate policies and to plan and oversee the purchase, maintenance, and cleanliness of nursery furnishings and toys.

iv. Nursery Workers shall be subject to an FBI background search prior to being hired.

b. Coordinate Vacation Bible School, recruiting a director and co-director and submitting selected curriculum to Session for approval.

c. Recruit and train a committee responsible for Children's Church provided after children have been dismissed from Sunday morning worship.

d. Periodically review progress towards goals set for this age group’s program.

e. Arrange for the annual presentation of Bibles to children entering the fourth grade or to those completing the Confirmation Class.

f. Be alert to opportunities for new approaches and new programs for pre-school and elementary age children.

g. Create and provide the children’s worship service packets for each Sunday.

3. Youth Ministries

The committee is responsible for the education, fellowship, mission and recreation activities, both formal and informal, of the youth of the congregation from grade six through grade twelve. Included are the following responsibilities:

a. Coordinate Youth activities and programs, recruit advisors, and help plan programs.

b. Oversee church camp and recreation activities. Encourage participation in Presbyterian camp and conference programs.

c. Work with pastor to schedule and implement Confirmation Class.

d. Be alert to opportunities for new approaches and new programs for youth.

4. Recruiting

a. Prepare job descriptions for teachers and Church School Superintendent, and modify as needed to keep current.

b. Recruit Christian Education program staff, including Church and Vacation Bible School teachers and substitutes, a Church School Superintendent, leaders for the Wednesday night children’s programs, teachers for summer sessions of Church School.

c. Use member interest and talent information maintained in church computer as a resource to enlist newer members.

5. Training and Curriculum

a. Select and recommend curricula for the Church School.

b. Encourage teaching staff to participate in Presbytery and Synod workshops when available and plan periodic local training.

c. Evaluate curricula and teaching resources on a regular basis. Recommend new resources when they will improve the quality of our program.

6. Resources

a. Recruit a librarian and a library committee for the supervision of the library. Seek out creative ways to promote the use of the library.

b. Review resource materials and recommend those which will improve our program. Consult with pastors and educator concerning recommendations.

c. Maintain a working knowledge of resources in the Foothills Presbytery resource center and make suggestions for creative ways to supplement the curriculum. Provide Church School teachers with a list of resources at the Center and within St Andrews Church.

d. Maintain audio-visual equipment. Make recommendations to the Christian Education Committee when repairs or new equipment or resources are needed.

7. Church School Superintendent

The Church School Superintendent is responsible for the following:

a. Maintain attendance record.

b. Collect Church School attendance book and count offering.

c. Distribute teaching curricula and materials as recommended by the Christian Education Committee, ordered by the DCE and approved by the Session.

d. Assign classrooms.

e. Maintain a par inventory of supplies needed by teachers.

f. Attend monthly Christian Education Committee meetings.

g. Serve as an ex-officio member of D, E & F.

8. Presbyterian Women

The organization of Presbyterian Women is a separate organization, which is maintained by the women of the congregation. The organization makes available to the Moderator of the Christian Education Committee minutes of council meetings and stated meetings and has a representative on the Christian Education Committee. The representative attends the regular monthly meetings, and provides updates concerning the activities of Presbyterian Women. The Session receives as information the names of incoming officers each year. All women of St Andrews Presbyterian Church who are in good standing as members of the church are eligible to hold office.