Fostering Authentic Faith Using a One Room Schoolhouse Context
35 min 04 s
Rev. Marissa Rapoza
How and why having all the children together can be better than having them segregated;
Implementing the one room schoolhouse model;
Using the all-together context to foster leadership skills in the older youth;
Relationship building between the younger and older kids;
How the model helps younger youth look up to older ones and ask more thought-provoking questions;
The essential role of critical thinking skills; Format for rotating the curriculum she developed: Spiritual Practices, Heart/Emotion, Body/Physical, Mind/Mental Health, Social Awareness;
Rev. Marissa Rapoza is the settled Pastor at the Congregational Church of Mansfield, MA. Growing up in the church presented her with numerous opportunities to serve in various capacities, including children’s ministry, choir, and worship leading. Rev. Rapoza graduated in December 2021 with a Master of Divinity degree from Sioux Falls Theological Seminary and is ordained with the United Church of Christ.
Since the beginning of her ministry in 2016, Rev. Rapoza has written curricula for Children’s Sunday School, Youth Sunday School and Youth Group, Confirmation, and Membership Classes. Participating in the spiritual growth and development of church members and attenders is her passion, along with journeying with people through the various aspects of spiritual life. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Counseling, which she hopes to complement with a Doctoral degree in Theology, focusing on Personhood and Perennial Truth.
Rev. Rapoza serves on the Old Colony Association Committee on Ministerial Standing and is the Southern New England Conference Parliamentarian.
Rev. Rapoza has been married to her husband, Ken, since 2004. Together, they have two children, Braden and Lauren, a crazy cat named Magik, and a feisty Mini Bernedoodle named Mollie. They enjoy family time together, hiking, going for walks, playing games, and watching their favorite TV shows and movies.
- Recorded in September 2025
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