FELC FAMILY

Family Ministry Events and Information

Sunday School

The purpose of Sunday School is to assist parents in sharing the truth of Christ and applying the Word of God in the lives of their children as they grow in the Christian faith. All children from 3 years old thru high school have the opportunity to participate. Elementary-school-age classmates join in Christian learning through Bible Stories, music, drama, crafts, and games in specially designed learning centers. The Sunday School session runs from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The First English Sunday School year runs from September through May.

Registration form:

https://firstenglish.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Sunday-School-Registration.docx

Middle School

Our 6th – 8th graders meet Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. There are group-building games/activities,  and faith discussions. Members of First English and their friends are always welcome.

High School

The Breakfast Bunch High School group meets Sundays from 9:15 – 10:15. Faith building discussions and studies are geared twords helping our older teens navigate their faith journey. All are welcome.

Vacation Bible School

First English members and friends enjoy a week of Bible learning center activities for 3-year-old through 5th-grade. VBS is based on key Bible verses and selected Bible stories. VBS is held annually in July 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

First Communion Instruction

Each year education is provided to give First English youth deeper understanding of the sacrament of Holy Communion fall, winter and spring. Three classes are held for 5th graders and their parents, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on a week night. Eager 3rd and 4th graders, upon parental request, are invited to two Saturday classes of communion preparation in spring, supplemented with one additional class in the fall.  When a child is trusting and ready and parents support this involvement, an invitation follows to participate in Holy Communion. First Communion Instruction classes through our coordinator of education.

Confirmation Classes

Wednesday evening Confirmation classes are held from September to May for 6th-8th 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pastors present topics from the Bible and Luther Small Catechism. Then small groups are formed and the youth meet with adult mentors to discuss the content. Confirmation is held on a Sunday in mid October of the 10th grade year, with a family dinner on the prior Wednesday. Students are encouraged to participate even more fully in the life of the church as they live out their own commitment to Christ.

6th through 8th Grades meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. No Classes during Lent, student groups will be assigned to help at Soup Suppers on Wednesday afternoon/evenings. Students are urged to attend worship on both Sundays and Wednesdays and turn in attendance cards. Attendance at Holy Week and Easter worship is expected.

First English Kids & Parents Ministries. Cradle Roll

This program is intended to help parents nurture the faith of their very young child(ren). A packet of resources is given upon baptism. Monthly newsletters follow, describing the development of a child and how to use the resources in the packet. Three different “SPLASH!” packets are provided — birth to age 1, ages 1-2, and ages 2-3.

Baptism

Parents meet with one of the pastors shortly before or shortly after the birth of a new child. They discuss the importance of baptism, the promises that will be made by parents and sponsors, who should be baptized, how we baptize, and the roles of the church and parents after baptism.

Advent Service

Each Wednesday evening through the season of Advent we will have a church service starting at 6:30 pm. Come and join us.

Lenten Soup Suppers / Church Service

During the Wednesdays of our Lenten season, we offer two worship opportunities, 11:00 am and 6:30 pm. Our morning worship is followed by our Neighborhood Center luncheon. For our evening service,  our youth with adult support, prepare a variety of delicious soups for everyone who choose to attend to enjoy. The dinner is served from 5:00 pm until the time of worship at 6:30 pm. WE WILL BE OFFERING INPERSON DINING. Leftovers are jarred and available to take home.

Trunk or Treat

Parents organize and run an annual fellowship/costume party event which includes a meal, a costume parade, treats dispensed from car trunks, carnival games and lots of prizes — all in a safe environment. The event is generally held from 5:00 to 7 p.m., on a Thursday close to Halloween.

Child Care Area

First English Nursery Relocated & Renamed. The church nursery, available during 8:00 worship, is located on the main level, the north end of the main hall. Volunteer attendants are scheduled each Sunday in the Toddler / Preschooler Child Care Area .A windowed parents lounge and changing room is located at the back of the church for use during worship. There are baby changing stations located in both wash rooms on the main level and in the parent’s room wash room area.

Crossways Camping Ministry

First English is a long-time supporter of the three Crossways camps located approximately one hour drive of Oshkosh. Crossways programs complement the local parish with outdoor experiences for families, adults, children, and youth. Youth camps are for those in grades 1 through 12. In June, our 7th graders attend confirmation camp as a class. Half the cost is covered by “campership” donations. There are also family, single parent, and grandparent weeks and weekends. Pick up a summer brochure at First English, or visit www.CrosswaysCamps.org for more details.

Family Camp

Families of all ages, from all over Wisconsin, share in a Sunday-to-Friday camp experience conducted by Crossways Camping Ministries. Meals and recreation are provided, with well-trained college-age counselors befriending adults and youth in activities, some mixed, some separate. Both week-long and weekend sessions are held at each of the three Crossways camps. It is a true Sabbath, a time of rest and re-creation. Go online to sign-up at www.CrosswaysCamps.org.