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First Baptist Church
of Hamilton, New York
Founded in 1796, First Baptist is an American Baptist church with an ecumenical congregation. First is the "Mother Church" of Colgate University.
artist: James Loveless
Christian Education
Kerri Woods, Superintendent
The 2007-2008 Sunday School year continued in January 2008. A new Sunday School class, taught by Nicole Newman, was offered to pre-schoolers. Other classes offered included an Elementary class (Teachers: Carolyn Todd and Heather Jaquay), a Middle School class (Teachers: David and Barb Rebuck), a High School class (Teachers: Rob Schutt and Joanne Broekhuizen), and an Adult class.
The Sunday School year ended on Youth Sunday, June 8, 2008. The students were in charge of the service. The feature was a program, "Don't Forget the Hymn," based on the television show, "Don't Forget the Lyrics." Members of the congregation were contestants who were asked to sing lines of a well-known hymn or complete a Bible verse. The program was lively and entertaining, and it was a reminder of what a wonderful church family we have. Following the program, the students and teachers were recognized. A Bible was presented to third grader, Kallie Jaquay.
Vacation Bible School was directed by Park United Methodist Church in August 2008. VBS planning will be under the direction of First Baptist Church in 2010.
Sunday School resumed in September 2008, again with five classes being offered. The Preschool (Nicole Newman) and Elementary (Carolyn Todd and Heather Jaquay) classes studied from the David C. Cook American Baptist Curriculum. The 6-9th Grade Class (David Rebuck and Kerri Woods) and the 10-12th Grade Class (Rob Schutt and Joanne Broekhuizen) watched and discussed videos chosen by the teachers. The adult class, a discussion-based class, chose their own study materials.
On December 14, 2008, the children and youth presented the program, "A Feast of Lights." (Source: CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS Edited by Peg Augustine) The young people once again did a fabulous job. The parents of the Sunday School students were a HUGE help in organizing the service, and I sincerely thank them. The program could not have happened without their help.
Patty Eldaco continued as our nursery care provider. The kids think she is great and are very comfortable under her care.
Junior Church has traditionally been led by Christian Education Committee members. Beginning in September, students in the 6-9th grade class became the leaders. Thank you to Emily Powrie, Jessie Gotham, Lauren Jaquay, and Sabrina Rebuck for their work with the younger kids.
It is truly a pleasure to work with the young people (and their parents) of this church. They are very special, and I'm so glad I've gotten to know them during my time serving as Sunday School Superintendent. I also want to give a big thank you to the Christian Education Committee members: Kim Powrie, Barb Rebuck, and Joanne Broekhuizen, and also to Nicole Newman and Heather Jaquay who are not technically committee members, but have assisted with every aspect of the youth program.
Respectfully submitted,
Kerri Woods
The Board of Christian Education at First Baptist Church meets regularly to plan church school programs for all ages and to organize special events for our church community. This group is also responsible for recruiting teachers and choosing the curriculum for church school classes. To learn more about education programs at First Baptist, use the links below.
First Baptist Church
27 Broad Street
PO Box 73
Hamilton, New York 13346
315-824-2780