What is the purpose of Faith Formation (Christian Education)?
- To come to know God, who is revealed in Jesus Christ, that our lives might have meaning and hope.
- To connect the stories and symbols of our faith with our own life experience in order to live the way God wants us to live
- To grow in understanding and knowledge of God and Jesus Christ that we might become fully alive, working for justice and wholeness for all people.
- To grow in mind, body and spirit and in loving community with others.
- To develop a deeper relationship with God, and a deeper understanding of how God is active in our lives and our world enabling us to reach out to love and serve others.
- To share in the heritage and community of our faith so we may become the people God wants us to be.
- To move from brokenness to wholeness, from despair to hope, from lies to truth, from hate to love, from doubt to faith.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Growing in Faith: Our Sunday School Experience
Our Sunday School program welcomes children from preschool through sixth grade during the main worship service (starting at 10am). Kids start in the sanctuary with their families and then embark on their own faith journey about 15 minutes into the service.
We use Cokesbury’s engaging “Deep Blue” curriculum that brings Bible stories to life through interactive learning. Each week, children dive into new adventures that help them understand what it means to follow Jesus and be part of God’s family. These sessions include:
- Hands-on games that make learning fun
- Creative art projects that spark imagination
- Exciting science experiments that inspire wonder
- Meaningful service activities that connect faith to real life
Children join the full worship service on communion Sundays (first Sunday of each month), holidays, and special occasions.
Throughout the year, we spice things up with special Sunday School activities including craft workshops and music Sundays. Don’t miss our annual Easter Egg Hunt following worship on Palm Sunday—always a highlight for our young ones!
Annual Christmas Pageant
The annual Christmas pageant takes place during an Advent worship service in December, with a rehearsal on the Saturday before. The pageant beautifully takes us through the story of Jesus’ birth through narration and music. It incorporates people of all ages, as well as the talents of our adult and cherub choirs.
MCC YOUTH GROUP & FELLOWSHIP
We are excited about the formation of our new Youth Group for MCC students in grades 6-12. The goal of this group is to bring our young people together in a safe and fun environment, offering opportunities for socializing, serving the church, and growing in faith through community missions and fellowship. And you can bet there will always be food involved!
We welcome and encourage parents to share their ideas and input for these activities. Occasionally, we may reach out for volunteers to help with providing snacks, chaperoning events, etc. We understand that time is precious for everyone, so we’ll keep requests for assistance to a minimum.
For questions or more information, contact Sara Hubbard at sarahubbardmcc@gmail.com
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Each summer, Middlebury Congregational Church holds Vacation Bible School for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The program runs for one week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
VBS 2025– Camp Firelight: A Summer Adventure in Faith
June 23-27, 2025
Registration: TBD
Program Description: Join counselors Sam and Lumen (“Lu”) the lightning bug puppet at Camp Firelight this summer! During this exciting Vacation Bible School experience, children will discover how to face fears while trusting in God. Through music, drama, games, crafts, and science activities, campers will explore Bible stories of figures who trusted God and accomplished great things. Daily sessions follow “Counselor Sam” facing various challenges with Lu’s guidance and wisdom.
Theme Verse: “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
Bible Stories:
- God Goes with Jacob
- Ruth Chooses to Go
- Young Jesus Shares Wisdom
- Jesus Calms the Storm
- The Good News Sparks Joy
CONFIRMATION
Students who will be in eighth or ninth grade by Spring are invited and encouraged to participate in separate confirmation classes starting the previous Spring in preparation for affirming their baptismal vows and/or joining the church at the end of the program. For more information, contact Pastor Katrina Manzi.
SCOUT TROOPS 5 AND 6, BSA
As part of its commitment to the community and its youth, Middlebury Congregational Church has been the charter organization and host to Boy Scout troops for generations. Troop 5 now has more than 100 Eagle Scouts to its credit, and Troop 6, its newly chartered sister troop for girls, is on track to have its first Eagle soon! Both troops have active, year-round programs of community service, camping, outdoor adventure and fun. They meet together on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the church.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Charles P. Luckey Jr. / Mission Board Scholarship: As tuition and related costs have increased dramatically in the past few years, it has become more difficult for many students to finance their education. We are pleased to continue the memory of the Rev. Charles Luckey by joining with the Middlebury Congregational Church Mission Board to continue Rev. Luckey’s efforts to help students and members of the Middlebury Congregational Church further their education.