Christian Education

Deer Lake United Church has a vibrant Christian Education program for youth, children and adults alike. It is coordinated by our dedicated Christian Education committee and is taught by volunteers from the congregation, our minister and guest instructors.

Youth (Grades 7 – 12)

Deer Lake is blessed with a youth group rich in spirit, energy and creativity.

• On Sunday mornings, our youth gather in the youth room for classes. Classes are designed with input from the youth and have included spiritual discussions on poverty, the environment, and movies. 
• The Kidz’ Band is a group of musicians that offers gospel jazz-inspired music to the service on special Sundays. This group has grown to over 10 members under the energetic leadership of Don Wade. 
• Youth group outings are offered as safe and supervised opportunities to have fun and learn more about the community. Events have included tubing at Mt. Seymour, providing food for the needy at First United Mission in the downtown Eastside, and a sushi-making night with the minister.)

Children (Babies & Toddlers, Kindergarten – Grade 2, Grades 3– 6)

Our children’s ministry is passionately committed to providing a safe and supportive place for the children who attend. All personnel who connect with the children are passionate about the children and youth ministry and have an up-to-date criminal record check.

• Children’s Bulletins and Pew Packs are provided upon arrival for the children. Age-appropriate bulletins include connect the dots, word search puzzles and the like that are based around the theme of the service. These help focus our high energy participants on the theme of the day.
• The nursery is a staffed space that receives an audio broadcast of the service. Some parents drop their children off during the service while others prefer to enjoy the service from the nursery.
• We have two Sunday School groups: Kindergarten - Grade 2, and Grade 3 - Grade 6. The classes focus on the same readings as the adults in the sanctuary (we are lectionary-based), enabling the children and adults to discuss that Sunday morning's topic later in the day and week. We are pleased to use the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum (www.spiritseasons.com)

Adult Study groups

Group studies focusing on different aspects of spirituality are offered throughout the year. They are offered as an opportunity for people to ask questions and deepen their growing faith. Classes tend to be offered in 6-8 weeks blocks and have occurred during the fall as well as the weeks leading up to Easter (the church season of Lent). Groups have included: “Secret Faith” which explored the stories of Women in the Bible, exploring Guided Christian Meditation, “Into the Valley of the Shadow” which considered meaning amidst pain and suffering, and “A Questioning Faith…A Living Faith” which explored the questioning nature of the Christian faith.

The Library

Deer Lake United Church's library is a wonderful, free source of information and inspiration. The index is now online. Click HERE to go to our library page, or go directily to the online index at LibraryThing.