Grace Quest is Cross of Grace's take on Sunday School for children 3 years of age through the 5th Grade.

We use a workshop rotation model, in which our children study a story or lesson from the Bible for 3-5 weeks. While the children are separated by age, they all study the same Bible story during any given unit.

During each of the three to five weeks of a unit, a class will rotate to one of three to five workshops for a particular lesson. For example, Preschoolers studying Abraham may spend the first week in a drama class, the second week they may do an art project and the third week they may watch a movie - all teaching them about Abraham's story. Each class will travel through each one of the workshops over the course of a unit.

Workshops and leaders vary throughout the year, while adult "Shepherds" nurture individual classes throughout the year.

6th Grade through High School Sunday Morning Learning
6th - 8th Graders gather with Gayle Beebe for conversation and Bible Study about topics that matter for teens, young adults and their friends. (Peer pressure, friendship, faith, dating, school, parents, and more!). Grades 9-12 will engage the book of Daniel this year, using the theologian Beth Moore's video lecture series about this fascinating book from the Old Testament.

Vacation Bible School
A week of faith, fellowship and fun for our youngest Mission Partners (3 yrs. - 5th grade). Keep your eyes and ears open for details, but plan to join us and bring friends and family for this great chance to keep the journey of faith alive and well in our kids over the summer!

First Communion Instruction
A chance for study and fun to let kids know why Holy Communion is a gift for them too!
The class, geared toward 2nd graders, is held in March with a special First Communion Celebration on Maundy Thursday during worship. Other ages are welcome to participate and the class is not meant to be a pre-requisite for receiving the sacrament. If you have any questions, please talk with Pastor Mark.

Faith Formation for Teens
Fun, relevant study and retreat opportunities for teenagers in the 7th and 8th Grades.
During a two year journey, young people study the Bible, learn about the Church and grow as Christian disciples in order to prepare them for the beginnings of a lifelong journey of faith. An informational orientation is held in September with a first class/retreat in October. Check with Pastor Mark for more details.

Soup, Salad and Scripture
Beginning September 24th, Pastor Mark will lead "The Lutheran Course II", a 7 week experience, great for new Lutherans, old Lutherans and everyone in between. Based on The Lutheran Handbook II, the course includes DVD presentations by notable Lutheran scholars and opportunity for group discussions that work through topics like, "How to Receive God's Grace Daily", "How to Tell the Difference Between a Sinner and a Saint", and "How to Identify a 'Neighbor' and What this Means for Lutherans". All are welcome. A sense of humor is required. A light lunch is part of each gathering which begins every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Men's Bible Study
Scott Nellis and George Searfoss will lead a six session study for men called, "They Like Jesus, But Not the Church," by Dan Kimball. The group will meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. to look at six negative impressions surrounding Christianity and the Church, which differ from what people believe about Jesus. It all begins Monday, September 8th.

Women's Bible Study
The week of September 8th, we'll begin a 7 week video and discussion study called, "Stepping Up: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent," by theologian Beth Moore.
Jane Koors-Mahan leads the Monday evening session of this study (6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) and Linda Buechler will lead a session on Thursday mornings. (9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)
Sign up at church or contact Jane or Linda about the session that fits your schedule best. Bring a friend and join us!

Bethel Bible Series
A two year, intensive look at Scripture, beginning with the Old Testament and moving through the New Testament. This course brings the story of the Bible together in a way that connects the dots and shares the big picture of our faith.

We're beginning our New Testament session this fall, so keep your eyes open in 2009 for the beginning of our next Bethel experience! Pray about this opportunity and see Pastor Mark for more information!

Adult Forums
Casual conversations during the Sunday school hour revolving around topics and issues that bring life and faith together for the confirmed and adults in our family of faith.

Planned forums include "3:16 - The Numbers of Hope," a Max Lucado study, facilitated by Jane Koors-Mahan, "The Lutheran Course II" and "Lutheran Perspectives," a series with DVD presentations by prominent Lutheran scholars and led by Pastor Mark covering Lutheran understanding of issues like 'the Rapture,' the salvation of Jews and Muslims, where the Bible comes from and beliefs about creation and evolution.
Please let us know about studies or topics that interest you and we'll see about making them part of future educational experiences.

CrossRoads
Are you curious about what it means to be a disciple and "Partner in Mission" at Cross of Grace? Do you want to know more about the Lutheran church? Do you wish you knew how you could 'plug in' more to the mission and ministry of our congregation? The CrossRoads class is your invitation to all of these things.

CrossRoads is our take on new member education and it's a fun, casual way to learn about all of the above before making a commitment to the partnership so many of us share. It's not a test to pass. It's not a hoop through which you must jump. It's a great way to get to know more about the people and ministries here.

A four week session is usually offered in both the spring and fall. Look for details in the newsletter or call the Church office for more information.