September 21, 2012

Dear Sixth Grade Parents,

I am very excited to announce a change for your Sixth Grader to what we call, “The Communicant’s Class.”  Over the past year, the Session has been involved in an in-depth study of the elements of worship and their use and benefit to our congregation.  Out of that study came a heightened understanding of the blessing that benefits those who are in covenant with the Lord, and who are able to partake of the Lord’s Supper.  So, we want to make some changes as to when our children are “admitted to the Table.”  Since our Communicant’s Class is the primary means for children to become communicant members, it is our desire to move the class from the Spring semester to the Fall.  

On Sunday, September 30th, during the Sunday School hour, the Communicant’s Class will begin.  Let me make you aware of some of the elements, dates and expectations of this year’s Communicant’s Class.

FOR YOUR CHILD:  Since your child is preparing to make a public profession of faith in Christ, the primary purpose of the class is to confirm in your child, his/her relationship with Jesus Christ.  We will focus heavily on their profession of faith in Christ.  In addition, this class is an opportunity for your child to learn the doctrines of the Reformed Faith and the Presbyterian system of government.  We will utilize a workbook entitled Understanding the Faith authored by Stephen Smallman, a PCA pastor of over 30 years.  Only specific topics from the workbook will be studied.  Chapter assignments will be made to highlight the topics of most importance.  Each topic, in general, will be taught weekly during the Sunday School hour.  Again, the study will begin on September 30th and end in late November.  In addition to the Sunday School hour, we may schedule additional make-up times on Sunday afternoons.  If so these will be announced in advance. We will meet in the Sixth Grade Sunday School classroom, Room C321.  

FOR YOU:  The Communicants program is an important time of commitment in a child’s life, as well as in the life of the Church.  Our children join the church body assuming all the responsibilities and privileges of church membership.  Please take an increased interest in your child’s Communicant studies that you might be significantly involved in this step toward your child’s church membership.  It is a wonderful opportunity for you to further your relationship with your child, as he or she grows deeper in the Lord.  Your child will be expected to complete a workbook chapter each week.  Please take the opportunity to discuss those chapters with them throughout the course.  

Communicant Dates:  Each Communicant will be assigned to a sponsoring Elder, who during October or November, will meet with your child about church membership.  A formal dinner for the Communicants and their families will be scheduled for Sunday evening, December 2nd at 6pm.  This is a “dress-up” event with the Session members and their wives.  After the dinner the children will be presented to the Session by the sponsoring Elder and respond to the membership questions.  The students will be presented for membership before the congregation on Sunday, December 9th at the 8am service. This is a special day as the Communicants are received into membership and then join the congregation in a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.  

If you desire your child to be formally enrolled in the Communicants Class please respond to this email stating your expressed desire for your child be enrolled.  Please note that we understand that some Sixth Graders may not be ready at this time for communicant membership.  Knowing that, we desire that all Sixth Graders enjoy the course at this time, and in God’s providence, is able to join at a later date.  

A schedule of dates, events and class requirements will be perfected and covered in our first meeting.  Remember the first meeting is Sunday, September 30th during the Sunday School hour.  I will gladly answer any questions you might have about the Communicants program.  I appreciate your commitment to godly parenting and look forward to knowing you and your child better through this program. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.  

Sincerely,

Dan Edwards

Pastor to Families & Children

205-871-7002 or dedwards@covpres.com