Education

The United Church of Christ has a long history of educational excellence. We believe that life-long learning is important and offer a variety of educational opportunities for all ages.

ADULT EDUCATION

Faith Explorations – Mondays at Noon

Led by the Rev. Dr. Douglas Lobb, this group explores contemporary biblical scholarship, ethics, and new discoveries in archaeology and history as they pertain to progressive Christianity.  They use books, DVDs, and articles to help learn about the newest research into the life and times of Jesus.  You are welcome to join this group if you enjoy being challenged by diverse ideas about religion and faith.  The group meets for approximately 90 minutes each Monday at noon at the church.

Contemplative Prayer & Communion - Tuesdays @ 5pm

The group is reading Thomas Merton’s  New Seeds of Contemplation. This is one of Merton’s best-loved books, one which “seeks to awaken the dormant inner depths of the spirit so long neglected by Western man, to nurture a deeply contemplative and mystical dimension in our lives”.

We begin our weekly prayer service by listening to each other’s spiritual moments that have happened in the past week. We follow this by discussing the current book we are reading. We then engage in Lectio Divina, a contemplative prayer practice that quiets the mind and opens the heart. We then offer prayers for the community and finish by sharing Communion.


Our sessions have helped deepen our relationships with both Christ and each other. We hope you can join us on Tuesdays at 5 PM!

Contact Nikki Leonard with any questions nikkiblue1@mac.com. 

JWM Social Justice Book Study - Thursdays, 10am

The JWM social justice book study group is reading Do The Work! By Kamau Bell & Kate Schwarz. We meet on Zoom at 10:00 on Thursday mornings. The book is available at Rediscovered Books in downtown Boise. Join us even if you don’t have the book because we read it aloud to each other & discuss. If you want the Zoom link, please email Liz- lzrobertsccl@gmail.com. 

Here is the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98736900161 


EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Nursery Childcare (Sundays from 9:45-11:15 am for infants-2 yr olds)

Our Nursery Childcare room is a safe and loving environment staffed by a Nursery Teacher and faithful members of the Boise First Community. Age-appropriate comfort, play and gentle learning is tailored to meet the needs of each child. All members of our childcare team are loving and kind, well known in our church and have passed our denomination’s background checks.

Sunday School (Sundays from 10 am-approximately 10:50 am – all Sunday during the program year except the 1st Sunday of the month)

Children of all ages are welcome in our various programs. 

Infants and children up to age 4 are welcomed in the nursery. Our nursery is a joyful place for children to play and interact between 9:45 and 10:15 on Sundays.

Preschool children and early elementary school children have summer activities June through August. In September Sunday School classes are offered using the Godly Play curriculum to help introduce our children to the stories of the Christian faith. Children join their families for Communion on first Sundays.

Youth aged 12 and above worship with their families on Sundays. Youth and family seasonal activities are planned throughout the year. Children of any age are welcome to stay with their families for worship when parents prefer to have them stay in the sanctuary. 

Vacation Bible School 2024

Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School! Our program will take place on May 31, June 1, and June 2. On Friday and Saturday times are 9:30-1:30. On Sunday we begin at 9:30, and we will conclude in the sanctuary with our families.

Our theme is prayer, including reflections on why we pray, gratitude, and forgiveness. We have fun mornings planned with crafts, music, lessons, and activities to move our bodies. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during our lunch break.

This program is for all youth 4 years and over.

Please let Jen Nelson- jengirv@yahoo.com or Carol Mendiola -cmendiola@centurylink.net know if you are interested.