Sunday School News
Sunday School News
Sunday School is a vital part of our worship. We urge you not to leave it out of yours. Join us, even if you have never been - or haven't been to Sunday School in years. We are praying to see you on Sunday.
We have a large number of Sunday School classes. There are classes to fit every need. On this page, we have information on each of the classes and an update on what they are doing. Though the character of each class may be unique, our goal is the same. We want to learn more about our Lord, and how we can develop and strengthen a personal relationship with Him. If we do this, then we know that one of the fruits will be a congregation that is truly living God's Vision for us.
Ichthys or Icthus Sunday School Class
This class studies the Books in the Bible (with Barclay as info aids) and sometimes uses the other materials in Bible Studies
What is the meaning of the Christian fish symbol?
The Christian fish symbol was used by Christians during the first few centuries A.D. as a secret symbol, because to openly declare your self a believer in Jesus Christ could mean persecution or death. A person could nonchalantly make a half circle with his foot and watch to see if the other person would recognize the symbol and complete the other half of the fish.
The Christian fish symbol was also used to mark places that were safe for Christians to be, such a home or business that was owned by a Christian. Using the Christian fish symbol could save a person a lot of trouble in those days, and even now it is used by believers living in countries where followers of Christ are persecuted.
Why is it called an "Icthus" fish symbol?
The word for fish in Greek is "icthus", and since Greek as the main language of commerce in those days, the fish has continued to be called by its Geek name. Since many people are familiar with the icthus fish symbol and its association with Christianity, the use of the word "icthus" can also be used as a codes word among Christians.
What is the proper spelling and pronunciation of "icthus"?
You may have seen IXOYE spelled in one of these ways; ixthus, icthus, ichthus, icthuse, icthys, ikhthus or ichthys. How can we end up with so many variations of spelling? The Greek spelling of icthus in the Latin alphabet is IXOYE, the individual characters Iota, Chi, Theta, Upsilon and Sigma. These letters have been translated in various ways into the Latin alphabet to try and help with pronunciation. The problem is that Greek has changed over the years and various dialects pronounce the original characters in different ways. For example, the letter X which is called Chi, has at times been spoken as as "ch" sound like in chicken, and at other times it has been pronounced as "ick" like in "sick. The Upsilon is normally pronounced "oo", as in shoe, but some will say it with an "ih" sound, like in stick. So when it is pronounced incorrectly, it follows that it will be occasionally spelled incorrectly.
According to Greek interlinear bibles and other study tools, the proper spelling in the Latin alphabet is "ichthus". However, the proper pronunciation agreed upon by the majority of scholars is "ik-thoos", not "ich-thoos". So obviously there is a bit of room for debate as to which is the more practical spelling or proper pronunciation.
The theology of the Icthys symbol
The Greek letters that make of the word for fish are IXOYE, and they form an acronym that has also been associated with this symbol. Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter', which is translated as 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior'
I h s o u V - Jesus
C r i s t o V - Christ
Q e o u - God's
U i o V - Son
S w t h r -- Savior
Fellowship Sunday School Class
- The Fellowship class is one of the oldest and strongest classes in the entire Sunday School. Their studies are based on the International Lesson Series and is led by a strong cadre of experienced teachers. This class also experiences a strong sense of togetherness, and has regular fellowship opportunities like fish fries and sunday school class parties. This class enjoys singing the songs of the faith as a prelude to their inspiring lessons.
Kenneth Cook Class
- This class consists of men who are seeking the Kingdom of God and believe that it exists right now. There is an open invitation for men to come together and study the bible.
Patsy Stewart Class -
This is primarily a couples class, but is open to and includes anyone who would like to be a part of a strong fellowship and serious Bible study. The classroom is located beneath the eastern portion of the sanctuary. Usually, dated literature is used as a lesson source. Occasionally, non-dated sources are used. Examples are "The Purpose Driven Life" and "The Prayer of Jabez" and enniagrams. Most of the teachers encourage group dialogue, and personal testimonies are common.
Wesley Sunday School Class -
Recently this class has experienced a new vitality in sevice, in study and in fellowship. This class has taken a leading role in packaging and shipping shoeboxes full of toys to needy children throughout the world, in connection with the Samaritan's Purse ministry. This class features some of the best teachers and has been studying the International Lesson Series for years. Fellowship plays a strong part in making this class what it is, whether it be the conversations on Sunday mornings or their special parties throughout the year, including fish fries, low country boils, pasta parties or other regularly scheduled get togethers.
The Emma Urquhart Class
- This class has a strong appeal to couples and singles with children from school age on into college. One of the strengths of this class is the commitment they share to seeking the Lord's guidance in personal growth and spiritual enrichment. This is a discussion class, and much of what is experienced helps members and visitors to deal with issues of this particular day and time.
The New Life Class
- A class of parents of younger school age children, this class ,too, has experienced a rebirth of interest and spiritual activity. This class studies materials from a wide selection of church school literature and current books of spiritual interest.
The Rose Room Class-
Everyone is welcome in the Rose Room to enjoy fellowship in the Lord.
The Abundant Life Class-
If you like a discussion-type class that delves deeply into scripture, then this is the class for you. Fellowship with the purpose of serious bible study and a feeling of warmth and love are a hallmark of this class.
The Hispanic Class-
This class serves the needs of our Hispanic community for fellowship and dedicated bible study. It is led by our Hispanic pastor, Rev. Felipe Ricardo.
Youth Sunday School Classes-
The youth Sunday school is divided into age groups. The classes meet upstairs in the Activities Center starting with a gathering time and snacks in the game room.
