Educational Opportunities at Beacon Heights
Breakfast Group
The breakfast group started about 20 years ago. It meets every other Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. in the church parlor. The group enjoys a light breakfast and then reviews a portion of the text for the day and discusses its implications for our faith lives today.
Couples Enrichment
Beacon Heights hosts couples enrichment events 3-4 times each year. Our motto is: enriching committed relationships in a God-centered environment. All couples in a committed relationship are welcome. Events generally include gathering time and a meal as well as a 'program' of some sort so that the group offers resources and ideas for strengthening relationships. A day-long or weekend-long activity is planned on occasion. Because this group is new, it is in the developmental stages and seeks information from participants for direction. Planning rests with the Couples Enrichment Committee but leadership rotates within the group.
Spirit Journey Women
This woman's spirituality group meets twice monthly on Thursdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Participants bring their own lunch and, while eating together, share informally from their own life experiences as they feel comfortable. Following this informal time, the group turns to conversations that grow out of reading they've chosen to do as a group. A variety of themes have informed conversations in recent years, and discussion facilitation is rotated among the group as we support one another along our common spirit journey.
Christian Education Classes
Each Sunday from 10:15 to 11 a.m. (between our worship services), there are education classes for all ages. Children meet in age-grouped classes, while adults choose from three or four offerings. Children's classes follow a curriculum called "Gather Round," with lessons which interactively explore Bible stories and faith traditions. Adult classes are planned by a committee of members, who seek a general balance of Bible studies, contemporary issues, faith history and heritage, family and relationship studies, and personal growth/spirituality topics.
Vacation Bible School
Each year in early summer, interested volunteers form a team to coordinate and lead a special time of faith-learning for the children of the congregation and the community. Topics and activities for the five session series vary according to the discernment of the leadership team and resources available.
Women's and Men's Retreats
A weekend retreat is held each year with men and women on alternate years. The format and leaders vary. It is an opportunity to learn to know each other more deeply and be challenged by the leadership.
Youth Programs
Beacon Heights has a dynamic and active youth program for Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12). The youth program is coordinated by the Pastor for Youth with assistance from congregational youth advisors.
The Middle School program includes a weekly Sunday school class, a monthly activity focusing on service, group-building, fun or spirituality, and a yearly weekend retreat. Each year the Middle School youth lead worship for "Middle School Youth Sunday" and every third year, we go on a week-long "Heritage Tour" where we visit Church of the Brethren historical sites in the eastern United States. Another core part of the Middle School program is matching each youth with an adult mentor from the congregation for the purpose of fostering intentional, intergenerational relationships. The program involves the youth, his/her parents, and a mentor in providing support, encouragement, and opportunities for spiritual growth during these adolescent years.
The High School program includes a weekly Sunday school class, a regular Bible study / spiritual discussion, two activities a month focusing on service, group-building, fun or spirituality, a monthly meeting of advisors and youth leaders to plan activities, and a yearly weekend retreat. The High School program strives to engage the youth in conversation about how faith impacts our lives and calls us to engage the world with justice, peace and love as our foundation. Each year the High School youth coordinate and lead worship for "High School Youth Sunday" and every four years we go on a week-long work camp/service trip to learn from and work with those in extreme poverty. The High School youth also participate in district and denominational activities including National Youth Conference and Christian Citizenship Seminar.
