Character School at FSC
Character School is the name adopted by Fountain Street Church’s Sunday school programming during the 1950’s when it engaged in a then ground-breaking practice of Character Education. The exact practice has evolved but the name stuck and it’s still pertinent to much of what we do here – aiming not to save souls but to shape them and to provide opportunities for learners of all ages to explore issues of depth and meaning to them.
Like our other learning ministries we are particularly interested in fostering religious literacy (facts and concepts about religion), spiritual fluency and engagement (spiritual practices and disciplines such as prayer, meditation and movement) and moral competence (how to make difficult decisions based on your religious convictions).
We ask that all grown-ups complete a registration form for children in their family who are participating in the learning ministries of the church. These forms help us track our attendance and have accurate emergency and contact information. For registration forms, please contact our Character School Director, Lydia Stuff, at either (616) 459-8386 ext. 226 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Gigi Owen in the FSC office at either (616) 459-8386 ext. 214 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Calling All Character School Families!
You are invited to a potluck planning session for our proposed 2010-2011 Expanded Sunday Character School. Join others excited about new ideas that will deepen our learning ministries, engage other Fountain Streeters, and allow parents to spend more time in the Worship Service. On Sunday, March 21, from 12:30-2:00 p.m., bring lunch, either from the District Lunch in the Social Hall or your potluck item, and your kids up to the 3rd floor courtyard. Fred, Matthew, and Lydia will join in presenting the proposed plan and asking for your support. Expanded Sunday in fall 2010 depends on sufficient commitment of time, talent, and treasure.....come see what it's all about!
P.S. - we will have tables and chairs, no floor sitting (unelss you want) - and activities for kids!
Happy Almost Spring!
The days are getting lighter and the official first day of spring is almost here! Help us celebrate the occasion with a Spring Potluck on March 21st. What kind of "spring-like" dish can you bring? Our Character School families are wonderful cooks and we love to eat!
Last month, our 1st-6th Graders were a busy group! The Chinese New Year Celebration was a great hit. We had everything from delicious food to a homemade sedan chair, a Chinese dragon, and wonderful stories and decorations. Thank you to all who helped make this happen!
Now what is going on in March? The topic of Family Conflict will be examined a little more closely and we will investigate how families change when someone leaves. Towards the end of the month, a preparation for Palm Sunday and Easter is on the calendar.
Our younger congregants on the 2nd Floor will investigate how Teddy Bears can help us understand the need for friendship and compassion. If you have a 3-year-old child, feel free to bring in that special fluffy friend to share with the classroom. The Pre-K children will spend some time learning about their bodies, how each and everyone is different, has different abilities, but they are all beautiful. The Kindergarten room is exploring Judaism. They will learn about the Torah and taste a traditional Passover dish.
Looking ahead to April, please note that all our 1st-6th Grade children are encouraged to spend the entire Easter Service (April 4th) with their families in the Sanctuary.