Most of the classes will be set up on a
trimester (9 weeks) basis, with each year having three trimesters. The
first trimester begins in early January and ends mid-March. The second
trimester begins two weeks after the first trimester in mid-March and ends
mid-May, right when the normal school season ends. The third trimester
begins early in September and finishes right before Thanksgiving.
Some classes may be shorter than the normal
nine (9) to ten (10) week trimester, while others may be ongoing. The
ongoing classes act as a “Home Room “for in between trimesters as well as
stand-alone classes.
Trimester classes allow
more flexibility. They give us the ability to offer more classes and to
change them as demand changes for them. They also give us the ability to
make sure classes stay fresh and meaningful. They give you greater
flexibility in choosing from a greater variety of course offerings.
While we like the advantages of
trimester-based classes, we do understand the long-term need for classes that
provide a place where you can sit back with friends and develop long-term
relationships while learning. As we develop additional classes we will be
developing more “Home Room” type classes. Then you may move back and
forth between your “Home Room” and desired electives.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
SIGNING UP
1. Where do I sign up for classes I would like to take?
You
should sign up at the signup tables in the foyer, across from the Coffee Shop.
Ø By when do I need to sign up?
It
would be to your advantage to sign up as soon as you know which class(es) you
would like to take because some classes will fill up rather quickly. The ideal
would be for you to sign up Sunday, August 22 or by Sunday, September 12
You may sign up for a class on the first day of the class, but we recommend you
sign up earlier, as many classes require books and material, which need to be
order in advance of the first class.
Ø Do I need to sign up for these classes, even if I’m
already in a class that will continue to exist (i.e., Expository Studies.)?
Yes.
We need everyone to sign up so that we may make sure we have the appropriate
number of materials and seating.
Ø If I decide after a class has begun that I would like
to be a participant in it, may I show up?
You
may, after the class has begun, attend a class that is not closed (i.e., one
that is not full and one that matters not when you would enter the
class). There are certain classes that are structured such that the
instructor(s) does not want participants coming in after the class has begun
(e.g., Doorway Class). The Information Desk will have a list of open
classes.
Ø Do I need to put my name on the waiting list even if
it would seem that I probably wouldn’t get in this semester?
Yes.
First, it insures that you will be able to take the class the next semester and
second, it gives us an idea of the interest level.
PAYING FOR CLASSES
AND GETTING MATERIALS
Ø When should I pick up the required materials for my
class?
All
materials will be in the class on the first day class begins.
Ø When should I pay for my class?
Class
fees should be paid on the first day of class.
Ø What should I do if I really want to take a class, but
feel that I do not have the money for the class?
We
do not want anybody to be prohibited from taking a class for financial
reasons. Please call Pastor Doug Fry and he will work with you to insure
you have the proper materials.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Ø Is it
important for me to place the appropriate number of children I will be bringing
with me in the right age group on the signup sheet?
Absolutely!
It will help the Children’s Directors to provide adequate staffing for the
children’s ministry classes.
Ø Will there be children’s ministry both on Sunday
morning and Wednesday evening?
Yes.
Children’s Ministry will be provided from birth through Grade 6 on both
occasions.
Ø Where should I take my children when I come to
LifeTools?
On
Sunday mornings, the room assignments are as follows:
0
- 3 years
old:
Terrific Talkers Room
4
years old – Grade 2: Room 217
Grade
3 – Grade
6:
Room 218
On
Wednesday evenings, the room assignments are as follows:
0
- 3 years
old:
Terrific Talkers Room
4
years old – Grade 6: Room
228
Ø If I drop off my children before I attend a Sunday
morning LifeTools class, do I need to make sure that they make it to the right
place for the Sunday service?
No.
The Children’s Ministries teachers will make sure your children are taken to
the right place for the Children’s Church program that takes place during the
Sunday morning service.
Ø What time should I drop off and pick up my children?
On
Wednesdays, you should drop off your children at about 6:50 p.m. and pick them
up no later than 8:40 p.m. This will afford you adequate time to arrive
at your class on time and will not keep our children’s ministry workers any
longer than they need to.
On
Sundays, you should drop off your children at about 8:50 to insure that you
have adequate time to arrive at your class on time.
MISCELLANEOUS
QUESTIONS
Ø What should I do if my class does not last the full
length of the semester (9 weeks)?
Currently,
there are two things you may do. First, you may simply not show up at
church the time you normally would. Then you may begin anew at the
beginning of the next semester. We realize that if you enjoy the
constancy of a regular schedule, this may not be the most satisfactory choice.
Second,
you may attend a class that is not closed (i.e., one that is not full and one
that matters not when you would enter the class). The Information Desk
will have a list of open classes. Potentially, they could be as follows:
Sunday
Morning: Expository Studies
Know Why You Believe
React
Reflect
A Study in Matthew
Wednesday
Evening: Prayer and Worship
If you have any questions,
please feel free to call the church office. We would be delighted to
answer those questions for you.
