Christian Education

The Educational Ministries Committee provides a variety of experiences in support of the educational and spiritual well-being of all church members and friends. Faith Formation is offered on the second Sunday of the month during the Worship Service. We gather in a multi-age group of children and youth where they learn from each other, build relationships, and feel loved and affirmed. We practice service to others, learn about: justice issues, why we are followers of Jesus, about the significance of the Bible, while having an enjoyable and positive experience together.

Sunday Mornings

Families worship together in the Sanctuary. During the first 15 minutes or so of the worship service, there will be announcements, music, and prayers. We are intent on providing the most accommodating environment for spiritual exploration in our sanctuary. Families are welcome to decide what is the best plan for their child to experience Sunday mornings.

We have a “prayground” in our small chapel area in order to provide a safe and comfortable space within the sanctuary for young children with their parents. It is equipped with a rocking chair, books, puzzles, and small toys, and allows people to participate in the service as a family.

Second Sundays and Faith Formation

On the Second Sundays of the month, Faith Formation class is offered to school age children and youth. During the first 15 minutes or so of the worship service there will be announcements, music, and prayers. At the time posted in the bulletin, adults should accompany the children as they walk across the “Faith Bridge” to the classrooms. Parents are then welcome to return to the sanctuary and experience the rest of the service. At the conclusion of the worship service, parents are expected to pick up the children in the classroom. Afterward, all are invited to Coffee Hour in Church Hall (lower level of the church building) to share snacks and enjoy time for fellowship.

We're glad you've decided to find out more about our Faith Formation program. Please join us on Sunday morning or for one of our special events scheduled throughout the year. Whether it's an intergenerational worship service or a traditional Christmas pageant, there's a place for you at the Congregational Church of Laconia.

Horton Center

The Horton Center is the NH Conference Outdoor Ministries summer camp that is located in the White Mountains. Our church has a long history of involvement as campers and volunteers. Many children and youth have participated over the years during a week in the summer or at the Fall Confirmation Retreat. Adults have participated as counselors, deans, volunteered on work weekends, or attended Grandparent Camp with their grandchildren.

We are the most enthusiastic supporters of Horton Center, and we encourage any children, youth, and adults to experience camp “on the mountain”. We support all young people who attend camp by providing scholarships that cover all of the costs through the Campership Fund.

Christmas Pageant

We coordinate a Christmas Pageant that takes place during the Worship service and involves people of all ages. We like to be creative and adapt to the circumstances as needed. For example, no one will forget the on-line presentation of the Christmas story performed by a church family outside and in front of the church during the Covid shutdown. It was recorded and posted on our website so that all were able to view it. We will always remember Maggie the dog, whose sheep ears didn’t quite fit but who made an excellent sheep just the same!

Confirmation

Our Confirmation program is open to youth who are interested in exploring their faith and expanding their understanding of the United Church of Christ. The program begins in September and is completed in mid-spring. Under the guidance of the Pastor, Confirmands and their adult mentors (members of the church chosen by the confirmands) meet on a regular basis to ask questions, learn from each other and get to know each other as they learn about their faith. Recently, our class has had the wonderful experience of joining with other churches in the Merrimac Association to share the experiences and learning with a larger group of youth.