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.

Report of the Christian Education Board, 2010

Kerri Woods, Superintendent

The 2009-2010 Sunday School year continued in January 2010.  Classes offered included a Pre-School/Early Elementary class (Teacher: Nichole Newman), Upper Elementary class (Teachers:  Carolyn Todd and Heather Jaquay), a High School class (Teachers: David Rebuck and Joanne Broekhuizen), and an Adult class.  The elementary classes studied from the David C. Cook American Baptist Curriculum, and the high school students studied from curriculum of the teachers' choosing.

The Sunday School year ended on Youth Sunday, June 6, 2010.  The service was led by the Sunday School students and included recognition of all the students and teachers, the presentation of a Bible to 3rd grader Aidan Woods, and the special recognition of four graduating seniors: Samantha Martin, Andrew Powrie, Derek Rebuck, and David Schutt.  The highlight of the service was the presentation of the program, "Bible Story Improv."  The youngest students announced their favorite Bible stories.  The Upper Elementary/Middle School students then read these stories to the congregation while the 4 seniors acted them out.  The seniors had no information beforehand about the stories.  Samantha, Andrew, Derek, and David exhibited extraordinary acting talent and created one of the more memorable Youth Sunday services. 

Vacation Bible School was directed by the First Baptist Church Christian Education Committee in August 2010.  The program, "Hero Headquarters" was well attended by students representing various church congregations in Hamilton.  The program highlighted some lesser known Biblical characters who displayed heroism and emphasized that anyone, even children, can be a hero.

Sunday School resumed in September 2010, with four classes being offered.  The Preschool/Early Elementary (Teacher: Nichole Newman) and Upper Elementary/Middle School (Teachers: Carolyn Todd and Kerri Woods) classes again studied from the David C. Cook American Baptist Curriculum.  The 8th-12th Grade Class (Teacher: David Rebuck) discussed material presented in Bible-based videos.   The adult class began a session of Bible study.

On December 19, 2010 the children and youth presented the program "The Night the Animals Sang." The program was a retelling of the birth of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the animals in the stable.  The animals, on that night of miracles, were able to talk to each other about the special newborn King.  The young people once again did a fabulous job.

Patty Eldaco continued as our nursery care provider.  The kids think she is great and are very comfortable under her care.

Junior Church has not occurred in the past year.  Following the Children's lesson, the youngest Sunday School students have been going to the nursery, and the older students have remained in the sanctuary for the service.

It has been an honor and a pleasure serving as Christian Education Superintendent for the past six years.  The children and youth of First Baptist Church are truly special and one of the greatest blessings of the church. 

First Baptist Church
27 Broad Street
PO Box 73
Hamilton, New York 13346
315-824-2780