Sac City's First Presbyterian Church offers a unique approach to Christian Education. For well over ten years a joint Vacation Bible School has been held in cooperation with the First Christian Church and the United Methodist Church. About 5 years ago the Presbyterians and Christians decided to expand this shared approach to the Sunday School and Thursday night Youth Group programs. The Methodists chose to have their own Sunday School for elementary students, but join the rest of us for Jr.-Sr. High School Sunday School and all the Thursday night programs. This cooperative approach strengthens our numbers and provides a chance for our members to witness and share their Christian love with the other churches.

Because of our success with the Youth Club and High Club programs in the past and our physical location within walking distance of the school, the Thursday night programs are at the Presbyterian Church, and the Sunday School is at the Christian Church. Over 70 children take part on Thursdays, with elementary arriving after school around 3:30 and staying through dinner. Junior and Senior High youth arrive after athletic practices in time for dinner at 6:15 and stay afterwards for class and activities. Parents prepare meals, using pre-planned menus. A church member has the necessary groceries ready each week. A paid coordinator is hired to plan the general activities for Youth Club and oversee the many volunteers helping with crafts, music, lessons, outings, etc. A joint Christian Ed Committee meets with her each month to provide support. Highlights of the Youth Club include bowling, afternoon activities at the Rec Center, bell choir, and the end of the year banquet.

Christian Education is alive and well at First Presbyterian Church! Members of all ages are willing to help with the education of our youth, and we are not afraid to try something new. The chance to work with our Christian and Methodist neighbors has not only strengthened our youth programs, but has added an ecumenical spirit among the adults. We all worship the same God, and as our young people might say, "It's a whole lot more fun to do it together!"