Education Classes in Christian education are available for all age groups on a regular basis. Members are encouraged to attend one or more of these classes to strengthen and expand their knowledge of God's Word. Preschool The Little Lambs Preschool is accepting registrations for the next school year. Call the church office at 515-573-3174 for more information and/or to enroll a child in one of the classes. To see more photos of the activities at our preschool, go to the Photo Gallery index. You may also obtain a copy of the registration form by going to the Little Lambs Registration page or look at the handbook by going to the Little Lambs Parent Handbook page. Tuition assistance is available in the form of grants for which you may apply. The available classes are: 3 year olds. They meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30. The cost is $50 per month. 4 year olds. They meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30. The cost is $70 per month. Sunday School Sunday School is a parish service offered through our Board of Christian Education. Classes meet from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. every Sunday from the second Sunday in September to the first Sunday in June. They begin with the Nursery Class for three year olds and range up to twelfth grade. We take seriously Christ's command to "Feed my lambs." Sunday morning sessions offer an opportunity to share the Gospel in ways appropriate to the age of each class. While the schedule varies somewhat from week to week, common activities include Hearing a Bible story A story may be read, told with videos, puppets or in a variety of other ways, but the Good New of Jesus Christ well be communicated. Making something A Bible-oriented craft or activity is something special for younger students. Older students complete workbook activities or respond to the Gospel message through other ways. Singing "A joyful noise to the Lord" can be heard each Sunday with our three year olds through second grade. Sunday School students may be involved in sharing special music during the school year. This is normally during the 10:30 a.m. service. All students participate in a special Advent/Christmas service in December. This is held in the church sanctuary and includes tableau and telling of the Christmas and Epiphany story. Memorizing We want children to remember the Word of God through the memorization of some Bible verses. We learn more about the Lord's Prayer, Commandments, Apostle's Creed, Baptism and Communion through Luther's Small Catechism. In addition to our Sunday School classes, our worship services are "child friendly." Most services have a Children's Message. This is an activity-oriented, brief message specifically for young children. Youth Confirmation Classes Children in the congregation between grades five and eight attend these classes which leads to confirmation. The seventh and eighth grade classes are taught by Pastor Hansen and the fifth and sixth grade classes are taught by lay persons. The classes begin in the fall and continue until late in April. They meet every Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. A meal is served at 6:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School (VBS) Children from age 3 through the 6th grade participate in a program of Bible lessons, singing, crafts and recreation. Evening sessions are held during one week in July preceded by a family picnic. The specific dates are announced well in advance. On Thursday evening during the VBS week there is a program followed by an ice cream social. We strive to reach non-churched children. Sunday School children are encouraged to invite their friends, churched and non-churched. As the children learn about God, they have fun with music, recreation, arts and crafts. A snack is provided every day. (See our Photo Gallery index for more pictures.) Adult Bible Study The Adult Bible Study group meets each Sunday throughout the year. During the regular school year it meets at 9:15 AM and during the summer months it meets at 8:30 AM. Another group, the Men's Bible Study group, meets weekly at 6:30 AM on Thursday mornings according to the regular schedule. Adult Information Classes These classes are designed for adults interested in becoming members of Good Shepherd or wishing to brush up on their knowledge of Christian doctrine. The church office (573-3174) can be contacted for more information, including schedules for the classes.

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