Education - Christ Lutheran Church

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” -Psalm 119:105

God’s Word teaches us about Himself, ourselves, and how we can all relate to each other. We gather in many different settings and groups to study the Bible to gain inspiration and guidance for our daily lives.

Bible Studies at Christ Lutheran

The Bible is a gift of God that we seek to learn, study, and share in many different contexts and styles. We encourage all our members and friends to participate in some type of Bible study.

All are invited to come to any of our studies. Previous knowledge of or experience with Bible study is NOT necessary. People at all levels of Bible knowledge (from none to many years of study) are welcome to participate at any time.

If there is something you would like to learn about the Bible or a topic from a Christian perspective, please talk to Pastor. We are always open to adding new Bible classes and seminars.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17

Sunday Mornings
Adult Forum
This class meets in the Fellowship Room upstairs Sunday mornings at 9:45 am and is led by Pastor, Vicar or a church elder.
Current Issues Study: "Preparing for Praise"

Eternal Living Adult Discussion
This class meets in the DCE's Office downstairs Sunday mornings at 9:45 am and is led by Tiffany Silva.
Current Issues Study: "Power of a Whisper"

Bible Adventures
Although Christian education takes place every day in all situations, our formal education program takes place on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 am and is called Bible Adventures! Our classes begin in September and run through June, with the East Lyme school system.

9:45-10:00 am Sing & Play Celebration-Downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Parents are encouraged to join their children during this time. Children’s Choir Rehearsal will also take place at this time.

10:00-10:15 am The Bible Zone - Bible Story Time with Pastor in the Fellowship Hall

10:15-10:45 am Small Group Growth Age Appropriate Life Application

Students will divide into age appropriate groups to talk more about the Bible story, and especially how it applies to their life today.

Confirmation Class
Held for the Pro Deo (7th and 8th Grade Youth). This class meets in the fellowship Hall at 9:45 am.

JC's Basement
High School discussion group currently studying the secrets of "Relationships" and "Creative times with God". in the fellowship Hall at 9:45 am.

Weekly Studies
	Women of the Word (WOW) All women (and their children) are invited to come for sharing, Bible Study, and prayer on Tuesdays at 10:30 am in the DCE's office (the room to the far right as you enter the church from the back door). Currently, the group is doing a survey of the Scriptures using "See Thru the Scriptures" and other discussion materials. In the past, this group has studied "The Power of a Praying Wife," "Experiencing God," "Being a Woman of Purpose," "Relying on the Holy Spirit" and the book of Romans. This group also goes out monthly for lunch and fellowship.
	Co-Ed Morning Bible Group Men and women are invited to attend this Bible Study, which meets on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Room upstairs. Pastor will be beginning a new study on the Citizens of Two Kingdoms. This study examines the development of government throughout history, the debatable idea that the United States is a Christian nation, and what we - as Christian men and women - can do now to live out our lives in service to both our glorious Savior and this great nation.
	Wednesday Night Bible Study Group This group meets in various members homes on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm for sharing, Bible Study, and prayer. We are currently studying 1 Samuel. In the past, we have studied the books of Genesis, Philippians, Luke, Zechariah, John, Isaiah, Acts, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Daniel, and Romans. Please call the church office to find out where we are meeting this week.
Special Classes
	Intergenerational Seminars Quarterly, we have seminars for our youth and adults together on special topics. These seminars include learning in large group discussions and small group sharing. Past topics have included: Handling Stress, Facing Trials and Suffering, End of Life Issues, Bioethics, Family Diversity, Becoming a Friendlier Church, Having a Christian Worldview, and more.
	Adult Instruction Class This class takes a look at the basic teachings of the Christian faith and how we as Lutherans celebrate that faith. Its purpose is to help you grow in your faith and knowledge of God and His love for you, and to help answer any religious questions you may have. We will also look at the differences of belief and practice that exist between several denominations. It includes Bible study and plenty of time for discussion. The structure of the classes vary slightly depending on the questions and needs of those who attend. Following the completion of this class you will be given an opportunity to become a member of Christ Lutheran church, but there is never any pressure or obligation to do so. This class is scheduled at a date and time convenient for those interested usually once or twice a year. If you are interested in attending, please contact the church office (860.739.6849).
	Alpha Alpha is an opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly, and non-pressured. It includes group teaching, discussion, and a video presentation. It considers the following questions: · Christianity: Boring, Untrue, and Irrelevant? · Who is Jesus? · Why Did Jesus Die? · How Can I Be Sure of My Faith? · Why and How Should I Read the Bible? · Why and How Do I Pray? · How Does god Guide Us? · Who is the Holy Spirit? What Does He Do? · How Can I Be Filled with the Spirit? · How Can I Resist Evil? · Why and How Should We Tell Others about Jesus? · What About the Church? · How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life? Alpha is for everyone, especially those wanting to investigate Christianity, new Christians and newcomers to the church, those who want to brush up on the basics. Contact the church office (860.739.6849) if you are interested.
Children's Special Classes
	3rd Grade Bible Basics All of our 3rd graders receive a New International Reader’s Version Bible. All 3rd graders (and older kids who haven’t attended a class yet) and at least one parent are encouraged to attend. This four-week workshop is to help kids find out what’s in the Bible and how to use it. The classes give a summary of each book of the Bible with a theme verse and also include games and treats. Week 1: How the Bible was created, a Bible time line and the beginning of the Old Testament Week 2: Old Testament Conclusion Week 3: The New Testament Week 4: The New Testament Conclusion and tools to help you get more out of your Bible and use your Bible After completing the course, our 3rd graders will be presented their Bibles during a special blessing in church.
	Beginner Bible Class In keeping with parents’ baptismal promise to “place in the child’s hands the Holy Scriptures,” we offer a special class for our youngest students (ages 3 and 4) and their parents. This class helps parents nurture the faith of their children. Week 1: Practical Parenting Tips for Your Little One Week 2: How to Nurture Your Little One’s Faith Week 3: Bible Party for Children and Parents Child care is provided the first two weeks. All families participating receive a “Read With Me Bible,” which is presented to families during a worship service blessing.