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 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 use DVD-led studies on various topics such as growing deeper in their faith, dating, and relationships.
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
This study group meets throughout the year on Wednesday mornings from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. We discuss books, Bible studies and other curriculum for small groups, all while sharing great meals of homemade soups, salads, breads and more. Studies have included "The Lutheran Courses" (I and II), Loving Jesus and Giving to God by Mark Allen Powell, and The Shack by William P. Young.
Men's Bible Study
Men from the congregation gather on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. for Bible study, discussion and fellowship, led by one of our Partners in Mission. No experience is necessary for these casual, meaningful discussions of various books of the Bible.
Women's Bible Study
Women gather for Bible studies at three different times throughout the week. These fun, lively studies are typically focused around one of Beth Moore's video series. Currently, groups meet Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Thursday mornings, at 9:30 a.m., and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Circle of Grace
Circle of Grace is a group open to all women of the church that meets monthly for outings, speakers, activities and most importantly, fellowship. We encourage women of all ages to join any activity as time and interest allow.
Circle of Grace supports two projects with the help of the congregation. They are Soft Drink Tabs in support of Ronald McDonald House and Newborn Baby Wear in support of Wishard Hospital. This includes sleepers, onzies, boots, hats, socks and receiving blankets. New or gently-used items may be left in the basket in the hall.
Men's Softball Team
Each summer, Cross of Grace men (and some friends we've recruited to improve our game!) gather for fun and fellowship around the softball diamond. All are welcome to join us.
Youth Group
The youth group is open to youth in grades 6 through 10 and we believe "the more, the merrier", so bring a friend along!
We do all sorts of activities: kickball, ultimate frisbee, capture-the-flag, even scavenger hunts. We've had lock-ins, played laser-tag, and have gone to Christian concerts.
Our goal is to provide a safe, healthy environment for youth to explore their faith and learn about themselves.By promoting acceptance and providing activities that cause them to work with others, we believe we are promoting a strong Christian foundation for the youth.
Meetings are held monthly throughout the school year. Please see the Calendar page for dates and times!
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. Find our more about the Bethel Series at their website, www.bethelseries.com.
Adult Forums
These casual conversations during the Sunday school hour, at 9:45 a.m., revolve around issues that bring life and faith together for the adults and confirmed of our congregation.
Fall/winter forums include "36 Parables," a video guided study for young adults (20-30 somethings), led by Scott Nellis, and "Nooma" another video-based series led by Pastor Mark.
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.
Four week sessions on Wednesday evenings are usually offered in both the spring and fall. A Sunday morning session is offered occasionally as well, for those who can't make a midweek class. Look for details in the newsletter or call the Church office for more information.
