Home I Sunday School I Bible Studies I Discipleship Class I Vacation Bible School I Children's Church I Preschool Activities Children's Activities I Sunday Night Live I Youth Activities I Gatekeepers Workcamp I Topnotchers

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       Lakeside's Statement of Purpose declares that we are persons "on a journey of faith."  Our program of Christian education is intended to facilitate and enhance that journey.  We offer numerous opportunities for spiritual growth.

    Sunday School:  Lakeside's Sunday School is organized by school grades through senior high school and by interest groups in the adult division.  Divisions include preschool, children, youth, and adult.  Adult classes include:

                                  Grace Class (women)
                                  Hayworth Bible Class (men)
                                  Discussion Class (co-educational)
                                  Young Adult Class (co-educational)

    Attendance in Sunday School averages 125 during the school year, fewer in summer.  All classes meet at 9:45 a.m. throughout the year.

     Bible Studies:  We offer additional study opportunities throughout the year on Sunday evenings and during the week.  Our most popular study series takes place on Tuesday evenings with a repeat class sometimes offered on Wednesday mornings.  Three types of studies are offered through the year: discussion of a religious novel or devotional book, an in-depth study of a book of the Bible, and a doctrinal study.  Our Associate Minister leads these classes.

    Discipleship Class:  Lakeside provides an annual series of Discipleship Classes for sixth graders as preparation for Christian faith and church membership.  Through discussion and workbook activities, the class explores what it means to be a Christian and how we live out our faith after baptism.  The classes are offered for four weeks and are led by the Senior Minister and Associate Minister.

    Vacation Bible School: Lakeside joins First Presbyterian Church, West Haven Presbyterian Church, Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), West Haven Presbyterian Church, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church each summer during the second week of June for a combined VBS that rotates between the Lakeside, First Presbyterian Church, and Church of the Good Shepherd campuses.  Annually more than 100 children participate in this multi-faceted program.

    Children’s Church: On the second and fourth Sundays of each month from September through May, children in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to leave the sanctuary during worship for Children’s Church.  This thirty-minute activity is designed to help our children better understand worship and its importance for people of every age.

    Preschool Activities: Each Sunday night from September through May, preschoolers ages 3 through Pre-K participate in a time of music, Bible stories, crafts and games from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  A light supper is included.

    Children’s Activities: Each Sunday night from September through May, children in grades K-5 enjoy a fun and educational time of Bible and missions activities and choir rehearsal. This activity takes place from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and includes a light supper.
Other activities are regularly scheduled for our children throughout the year.  Seasonal celebrations include a Fall Festival, a Christmas mission project, and an Easter Egg Hunt and luncheon on Palm Sunday.

    Sunday Night Live (SNL):  SNL is a program for young people in grades 6-12, divided into Junior High and Senior High groups, meeting September through May on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., following choir rehearsal and a light supper.  The Associate Minister is responsible for the programs in this area.

    Youth Activities:  Other youth activities include retreats (held either in the mountains or at the beach), lock-ins, movie nights, dinners, local recreation, and other trips scheduled throughout the year.

    Gatekeepers Workcamp:  Gatekeepers Workcamp is an ecumenical summer project begun by Lakeside to involve young people in the refurbishing and repainting of homes owned by elderly or disabled citizens.  Each year 150 young people and adults (50 from Lakeside) repair eight to ten homes and often work on the facilities of one of our local ministries.  The Workcamp is directed by Lakeside's Associate Minister.

    Topnotchers:  Lakeside's Senior Adults have regular get-togethers in homes and at the church.  Monthly trips are taken from September through May that include concerts, cultural events, exhibits, seasonal activities, and unique dining.  Between twenty and fifty persons regularly participate in these activities.  Our Senior Adult Coordinator  plans and directs these activities.