What is LOGOS?

LOGOS is a program of Christian education and nurture-based on a model of youth ministry developed more than 30 years ago.  It is a four-part, mid-week program that enables the church to offer its young people the positive aspect of a retreat on a weekly basis.  Young people enjoy Christian fellowship through creative recreation, participation in worship & choir, study of contemporary and Biblical values and sharing a meal together.

LOGOS also provides an opportunity to explore one’s identity in a Christian environment.  The program is a valuable tool for family involvement and renewal as well, as parents, and other members of the church are drawn into active participation by giving everyone a chance to share and serve others. 

LOGOS is neither a substitute for, nor a replacement of, standard Christian education programs as Sunday School or Vacation Bible School.  Rather, LOGOS seeks to support and supplement these ongoing efforts.  It is another unique area of Christian nurture that strongly enhances the total Christian education program of the church.

The Basics of LOGOS

As a member of the LOGOS System Associates, Peace Lutheran Church of Baldwin will maintain certain basis standards of procedure in administering our LOGOS program:

• All children and youth in grades 1 through 12 are eligible to participate in the entire program.  Younger children, ages 4 through kindergarten, may be eligible to participate in an abbreviated program including the God’s Little Children Choir.  These younger children must have a parent(s) helping as a LOGOS volunteer on a regular weekly basis to be eligible.
• The program is financially self-supporting through tuition and annual bikathon fundraiser.
• Parent and congregational support and participation are essential to the success of the program.

LOGOS as part of Confirmation

The purpose of a confirmation program is to follow Christ’s command to “make disciples….teaching them to observe all I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).  Disciples are more than just names on a membership role.  They are people committed to following Jesus Christ in their thoughts, words and actions.  A confirmation program must prepare our young people to make a very important, very adult commitment.

Because LOGOS emphasizes not only knowledge about Christ and the church, but also active involvement in the practice of Christian relationships and values, the Board of Education feels that LOGOS – with its Biblical teachings, its opportunity for worship through participation in choir and other gifts, its time for recreation and the fellowship around the table – is an effective addition to the confirmation program available to our congregation.

It is highly recommended, although not mandatory, that eighth and ninth grade students attend the LOGOS program.  Please refer to information received at the parent meeting for confirmation students for contracts and requirements.

Worship Skills Time:

The goal of the Worship Skills portion of LOGOS is to develop responsibility for and practice in worship skills because worship is our primary service to God as disciples.  Youth will be introduced to various worship skills which may include but will not be limited to choir, skits, music, puppets and other forms of worship.  Choirs will participate in worship services approximately twice a month.

Activity Time:

The goal of the Activity Time portion of LOGOS is to experience great fun at the expense of no one.  Relationships are developed as children, youth and adults reveal themselves in play.  Activity Time is designated for fun, and since that means different things to different people, we try to offer as many choices as possible.  These activities will include games, crafts, or other activities giving everyone the chance to try something new each week.  Crazy games that get everyone moving and laughing allow athletes and non-athletes an equal chance for fun.

Family Time:

Family time is the one period in which all LOGOS participants are together.  It gives an opportunity for all to experience being a part of the family of God.  Dinner is served family style around tables led by Table Parents.  During dinner, everyone is given a chance to share, to serve others and to use table manners.  Dinner is hosted by a Dinner Dean who leads the group in grace, table games, and thanks to the cooks.  “Holy hilarity” (known as noise to some of us) is known to occur during this segment of LOGOS. 

Bible Study Time:

Bible Study is the heart of the LOGOS program.  It is designed to be creative, relevant and interactive.  The goal of Bible Study Time is to nurture children and young people into obedient, intelligent, Biblically informed discipleship.  It also provides the model for building and sustaining Christian relationships.  The LOGOS program uses the Gospel Light curriculum as the primary teaching tool for grades 1 – 7.

Preschool/Kindergarten:

This program is designed to provide a “mini-LOGOS” program for the child(ren) eligible to participate.  The God’s Little Children Choir sings at worship services throughout the LOGOS year in addition to being part of the LOGOS and Youth Worship Service in May.  The children have fun learning various Bible stories through books, videos, crafts, songs and activities.  They will also be learning about how they can love and serve both God and one another. Their schedule is included as part of section 9. 

Children eligible for the Preschool/Kindergarten class

• Must be four years old by September 1, 2009.
• Must have a parent helping in the program on a weekly basis as part of the LOGOS staff.

Nursery:

A nursery is available for those children under 4 who have a parent helping as part of the LOGOS staff.  Due to current staffing, it is only available during those times a parent is helping with his/her area of the LOGOS program.