Gloria Dei has a Sunday School Ministry running from September through May. Classes begin at age 2 through the 6th grade. Three different curriculum materials published through Augsburg Fortress are currently in use.

The lower level classes (age 2 – 2nd grade) use the Witness curriculum that provides an excellent foundation for the children. They learn the Bible stories that become familiar to us all. In the 3rd grade, they utilize the Firelight curriculum, which provides the teachers and students with a lot of flexible methods in which to learn the weekly Bible lessons. Finally, the 4th – 6th graders use the Life Together curriculum, which is lectionary based. They explore the lessons and Gospel they will hear in worship.

Gloria Dei has a Vacation Bible School that is usually scheduled during the first full week in August. The program is a popular ministry not only at Gloria Dei, but in the community at large. For an entire week, children and volunteers gather in the mornings from 9 – noon to have fun learning about Bible stories by rotating through areas that include music, crafts, snacks, classroom time and recreation. The church is filled with a “joyful noise” during this action packed week. Anyone interested needs to sign up early because space is limited and classes fill up well before August comes around.

Ready, Click, Grow! is a fabulous parenting and teaching resource designed by Augsburg Fortress (the ELCA's publishing arm). Gloria Dei has subscribed to this service.

It's a fabulous free resource to help parents talk to their kids (of all ages) about faith issues. There are resources for Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas, Bible 'n Life, Fun 'n Games, difficult or sensitive topics, and countless other things. All are categorized in terms of age-appropriateness.

And it's not just for kids! There are good thought-provokers for adults as well.

It's a great resource. Take some time to explore it.