Children and Youth
Sunday School
New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church is committed to education as a means
of spiritual growth. Classes are offered every Sunday (year-round), 9:00
to 10:00 AM for all ages from infancy on up. Instruction is Bible-based
and is in accord with Lutheran theology and doctrine.
Lutheran Youth Organization
LYO is an organization open to all youth in grades 4-12. LYO is divided
into three groups. Each group participates in both service projects and
fellowship activities.
Senior LYO (grades 9-12)
Meets once a month for a business and planning meeting. With advisors, the
youth plan 1-3 additional activities for each month.
Junior LYO (grades 6-8)
Meets once a month for a business and planning
meeting. With advisors, the youth plan one additional activity for each
month.
Active Youth Group (grades 3-5)
This group meets 3-4 times per year for service and fellowship.
All youth are welcome to participate in these groups. For more information, contact the church office or Pastor Lynch.
Kids' Connection (formerly Kids' Krusade)
Kid’s Connection is a five week Christian education program for children
from age 4 years through 6th grade. It is held on Thursday evenings from
5:00 to 8:00 for the five weeks preceding Ash Wednesday. It includes the
following activities: Bible study, dinner hour, choir, music, and crafts.
Special adult courses are also offered.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is a two week program for children from ages 3 1/2 to 6th grade. It
is held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 - 11:30 AM during the last weeks
of June. A closing program is presented on Wednesday evening of the second
week. VBS activities include: Bible study, crafts, music, recreation, and
a service project. This program is unique in that students receive daily reinforcement
of lessons without the passing of a week in between classes.
Camp Falckner
Camp Falckner is a four day (Tuesday-Friday) camping experience
held in the church’s picnic grove during the latter part of July or early August. The curriculum is published by
the Outdoors Ministry Division of the ELCA. Camp activities include: opening
and closing worship, experiences, Bible study, crafts, games, swimming,
field trips, a Galilean Worship Service (held at a local pond the evening
of Day 3), and a campfire. Camp Falckner is open to children who have completed 5th grade through 12th grade. Registration is limited.
Confirmation Program (Grades 8 and 9)
The catechetical program at New Hanover includes two school year periods
of weekly instruction (no summer classes) and one weekend retreat held in
September. This formal instruction is preparatory for adult membership in
the congregation. Youths may enroll when they enter 8th grade.
First Communion (Grade 5 and above)
First Communion instruction is offered during a one day workshop for children
in grade 5 and above who are not yet receiving communion. This program is
optional. Participation is at the discretion of parents, children, and staff.
Parental participation is encouraged. The date of the workshop varies. More information can be obtained by contacting
the church office.
Bible Presentation (Grade 3 and above)
Children 3rd grade and above participate in special Sunday School sessions that focus on the history and use of the Bible. Special sessions for parents are also offered. Children are presented with Bibles on Reformation
Sunday during the 10:15 AM worship service.
Adults
Adult Sunday School
The following classes meet on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.
New Member Class
A series of five to six classes are offered for new members. These classes
provide an opportunity for new members to get to know one another and to
become better acquainted with the congregation. Each week members of the
church (and/or staff) lead the class in discussing and answering questions
about the history, policies and programs at New Hanover Lutheran Church.
Information about the next scheduled series of classes can be obtained from
the pastor or from the church office.
Pastor's Class
This class is usually taught by the pastor, although other teachers are
sometimes used. Topics vary and may include: Bible study, church history,
doctrine, social issues from a Christian perspective.
Living Issues Class
A lively discussion-based class that explores a variety of topics, many of which explore contemporary faith and life
issues.
Word in Life
A Bible study for adults taught by Carol Detweiler, Director of Christian
Education.
Women's Retreat
Held yearly in conjunction with Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale. Contact the church office for more information.
Mid-week Study
A midweek study class meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:00 during
the months of September to June. This class is always open to new members
interested in a deeper study of scripture, Christian history, and spirituality studies.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a group of people who are in contact with one another
by phone, passing on specific concerns and requests made known to them.
Each person in the chain serves by praying about those concerns. Interested
persons may become a “link” in the chain by contacting the church
office.