In addition to regular Sunday events, there are a variety of opportunities to join a class with others. Several small groups meet during the week, focusing on book discussions and Bible study. If you are interested in joining any of the classes described below, you can contact the Church office or the appropriate group leader for more details.
11:00 – Noon: Nursery and Children’s Sunday School – Caring and dedicated teachers guide Washington Plaza’s children on their faith journey. Lessons based on the same scripture preached in the weekly service are shared through kid-friendly activities that include dramatizations, art, games, group discussions and stories.
Students grow together through Bible study, application of Bible lessons to everyday discipleship, and a variety of age-appropriate activities. It is a great opportunity for children to work together with a group of all ages and for older children to begin to learn more about mentoring younger students.
Children’s Message from the Pastor: Each Sunday, we have a special Children’s Message in the beginning of the service. Children under 12 are then invited to go to a special extended learning time with the Sunday School Teachers.
About our Christian Education Staff: Our talented staff consists of a full-time Sunday school teacher who is fluent in Spanish. In addition, several committed members from the congregation volunteer their assistance each week.
Sunday Morning Bible Study will resume on September 11, at 9:30 AM
We will begin an 11 week study of the Gospel of John using a study guide entitled
“Invitation To John” by Robert D. Kysar a scholar on the Gospel of John.
You do not need an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. We will experience the magnificent passages in John including the I am statements (I am the truth, the life and the way; I am the living water and more). We will also study the stories only told in John’s gospel such as Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and the raising of Lazarus.
Please consider joining us for discussion, fellowship and spiritual growth starting next month. If you have questions or need additional information see Ernest Brunson after worship.
The group is open to all women of the church – we welcome new members! We meet monthly for lunch and fellowship. Bring a sandwich and join us to discuss how the teachings of Jesus impact your daily life. For more information call Joan Sandvik at 703-860-2380 or Nancy Mohl at 703-938-0412.
Washington Plaza Baptist Church is one of the few churches in the area that offers free English language training. Classes are for students of all ages, and all levels of competency– beginning, intermediate, and advanced. They are taught by experienced teachers who volunteer their time and expertise to assist students to become fluent in English. The classes aid in language skills as well as, cultural adjustment, socialization, and success in the work place. If you want to enroll or assist as a volunteer contact Pamela Barr.
MEET OUR TEACHING STAFF:
Nancy Davis, Director Emeritus, having taught in the program for over 10 years, is well-known to ESL students. Although her specific starting date is not clear, it began with her membership in WPBC. She joined because she heard WPBC offered free ESL classes to the community. Nancy is an advocate of correct English and loves grammar. While raising her five children, she instilled in them an appreciation of using correct grammar. In fact, in her extensive circle of friends and family she is called “Grammar Nancy.” In class she may break into song or poetry to help students understand a particularly irksome point – “Whether the weather be cold or whether the weather be hot” is a favorite. Looking back on her years of teaching ESL in the WPBC program she proudly notes that students have come from over 19 countries. She says, “While the program helped them at home, in the community and the workplace, we have been enriched greatly by learning about their countries and cultures.”
Pamela Barr, Director of ESL. Having lived and worked abroad in three countries (Morocco, Thailand and Brazil), Pamela is aware of the challenges of moving and adjusting to life in a new culture where an individual lacks sufficient language skills. Pamela has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from American University and a background in elementary through adult education. With a goal to creating an atmosphere that is supportive and welcoming, she draws on art, storytelling, poetry and music to motivate her students to use all their senses while learning to communicate in a new language.
Dr. Sharon Davis, Ph.D. in education is a new recruit for the program. She retired from public school administration where she worked for many years. Sharon is very acquainted with children and adult learners. WPBC is so fortunate she became available to our program.
Marie Mercer, MSW, teaches the beginning class. In the past, she monitored ESL classes for refugees. She enjoys introducing a variety of learning activities which keep students on their toes. She believes the students are working very hard so she should too. She wants to help them to become very comfortable and confident reading, writing, and speaking English.
Stephen Weber is a teacher in the ESL program at Lake Anne. For the past five years, he has been teaching ESL both at Lake Anne and with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. During this time, he has also done youth and adult tutoring in English. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Northwestern University. Currently, Steve takes French classes; an experience which provides some understanding of the challenges of learning a second language as an adult.