Education

Our youth are our future, our legacy, and the motivation behind our vibrant and committed Christian Education ministry.

Our goal is to provide students, teachers, adult congregational members, and the community with positive, meaningful educational opportunities that encourage learning and spiritual growth.  Learn more below about our programs for Christian Education and our own St. Peter's Community Pre-School.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Sunday School
Classes are available from ages three thru adult.  Classes meet from 9:15AM until 10:15AM each Sunday morning from September thru May.  

Below you will find the information you need to get you and your child off to a great start this year!

Our preschool/kindergarten Sunday school program follows a traditional format.  You may drop your child off at their classroom at 9:15am and pick them up in the same classroom at 10:15am.

Age 3-  Room #104

Age 4-  Room #120

Kindergarten-  Room #114

·     Rotation Sunday School is for children entering grades 1 through grade 5.  All rotation age children meet in the Family Life Center (FLC) at 9:15am every Sunday for an opening.  From there, shepherds (adult volunteers) will lead them to their rotation activity.  Because your child will be doing a different activity each week, their pick up room changes each Sunday. 

Confirmation Ministries
Held from grades 6–9 during the Sunday School hour.  The focus for the four years is Luther’s Small Catechism.  The service for Confirmation is typically held in the Spring of the 9^th grade year.

Vacation Bible School
Held for one week in July for ages 4 thru 5^th Grade. 

Men's Breakfast
Held one Saturday morning each month, the group meets to discuss scripture and how it relates to men's issues today.

Retreats
Christian Education Retreats are held for grades 4 thru 12 in the months of January, February and March.  Typically held at Camp Nawakwa or Refreshing Mountain Camp, our retreats are guaranteed to be a lot of fun.

Youth Group
Grades 7 – 12, meeting one to two times per month from 6PM to 7:30 PM.

Inter-City Day Camp
This is a week-long camp held in June for children – ages 4^th and 5^th grade - who can not afford to go to a summer camp.  Transportation is available from Christ Lutheran Church and HARB-Adult.  This program is sponsored by St. Peter’s Jr./Senior High Youth Groups and their adult leaders.

Youth Sunday
Once a year the youth of the church are responsible for the entire church service.  This includes all aspects of the service, usually with the sermon presented in skit format.  Contact Dottie Almoney, Christian Education Director, for more details at 717-569-9921.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Pastor Ross leads this event from 9:30 to 11:30 every Wednesday morning from September until May.  Each year brings a new topic to study.

All Congregational Events
Intergenerational educational events are held periodically throughout the church school year.  

St. Peter's Community Preschool
Director: Lorraine DiBernardo  717-569-9211

Purpose
The purpose of St. Peter’s Preschool is to nurture children in the social, physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual areas of development. Through freedom in a structured environment, the children are encouraged to explore, experiment, create, act out, and discover at his/her own pace. Teachers  concentrate on individual growth and development as well as group learning experiences.

Mission
The mission of St. Peter’s Preschool is to be available to preschool children regardless of race, color, gender, religion, or national origin; to provide a safe, healthy and Christian environment in which young children can grow and learn under the guidance of an experienced and compassionate staff; and to complement and support the family unit and provide every opportunity for meaningful involvement of parents in the education of their children.

The Organization
St. Peter’s Preschool, established in 1986, is a non-profit organization, which meets in the education wing of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. A Board of Directors, which includes the Preschool Director and nine directly appointed members representing the church congregation, community members, and Preschool parents govern the Preschool. The Board meets approximately eight times throughout the year.  

Programs
St. Peter’s Preschool offers programs to children two through five years of age. Each class is staffed with a teacher and teacher assistant and is limited in class size to maintain a low student- teacher ratio. A variety of “hands on” developmentally appropriate learning experiences are provided. Classes run approximately from September to May. Registration is open to the community beginning in February. Several openings may be available throughout the school year. Interested persons may call Lorraine DiBernardo at the church office; 717-569-9211.

Facilities
Our Preschool uses classrooms in the Christian Education wing of the church. The Fellowship Hall, Assembly Hall and kitchen are used for large group activities. The rooms are well equipped with child-sized furnishings offering creative work/play opportunities. Equipment to encourage gross motor play is available with a large indoor area for riding toys, slides, balls and hoops.