Living and growing in faith is a lifelong commitment, one that begins when we are very young and continues unbroken into our senior years. Learning the faith, growing in faith, and sharing the faith: those become the cornerstones of our lives, as together we seek what God would have us be and do.

At Gilead, we believe that each of us, as a child of God, has the opportunity to nurture our relationship with God throughout our lives. Our faith is strengthened through worship and reflection, through praise and meditation, through charity and labor, and not least of all through ongoing education.

Biblical study makes all the difference in the world. It moves individuals and congregations from stagnation to growth, from skepticism to faith.

Church School

The Gilead Church School program offers religious education to children and youth (birth through 8th grade). It is conducted Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM during the months September through June. Children begin the morning by attending worship with their families, and then leave for church school following a youth message by the Pastor.

Grades PreK-4th: Children will behaving lessons to help them interpret God’s Word and help them grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Each week’s lesson includes an engaging Bible story and interactive activities that will enable children to explore ways to connect with God and develop a faith of their own. Teacher: Leslie Palmieri

Grades 5-8: The youth will be learning about courageous and bold Bible heroes. They will explore what it takes to be a hero and the courage to keep a promise and remain faithful to God. How do we become heroes in our world and celebrate our faith with others? Teacher: Diana Drake Behan

Confirmation Class

Confirmation Class There’s no greater decision we’ll ever make. Will we commit our lives, through our hearts and hands, to the love and light of Jesus Christ? It’s not a pledge we make just because we have a particular number of candles on our birthday cake.

At Gilead, our Confirmation Class, which is usually attended in the eighth grade, around the age of fourteen, is a time of exploration and learning. What are the faith traditions of the Presbyterian church, and what does church membership mean? What do I believe about the nature of God and Jesus Christ? What do others believe, and how does that inform my own faith? There are no right or wrong answers; we offer a safe environment in which to seek our own personal call by Christ. Classes are taught by the Pastor, regularly in the fall and as needed throughout the school year. In addition, we take trips to other churches, temples and synagogues to learn how God is at work in other traditions, and go on at least one winter weekend retreat to meet and have fellowship with Presbyterian confirmands from churches all over the state. Come May, students make a public profession of faith and are confirmed as full members of the church.

The class is fun and serious, relaxed and intense, and open to all young people who wish to open their hearts in a deeper commitment to the Lord.