Tell us about Church School for kids!
Church school is held every week from Launch Sunday (1st week in September) through the middle of June. Children over three years old invited to participate in our program while their younger siblings are cared for in the nursery or stay with their parents in the sanctuary.
What do kids do on Sunday?
Children sit in the sanctuary with their families for the first part of the worship service. Within the service, the Senior Minister usually calls the children forward for an informal Time with the Children. The children are dismissed, along with the Church School staff to go upstairs to an age specific church school class. Parents are welcome to come along.
What happens in Chapel?
Chapel is normally held the first Sunday of the month. Chapel begins upstairs at 10am and the children come directly to Chapel. This special time is when all the children get together to say hello, hear announcements, introduce guests, recognize birthdays, etc. It also includes a brief Christian lesson. We practice special songs and have rousing sing-alongs. The children are then dismissed by grade to their classrooms and rejoin their families for Communion later in the worship service.
Who are the teachers?
All Church School teachers are volunteers from our congregation. The teachers are thoroughly familiar with the curriculum, enjoy working with children and are fingerprinted for our childrens safety. Teachers typically serve for a three month rotation.
What is taught in Church School?
First Congregational uses The Mustard Seed Series curriculum developed by Rev. Anita Keire, a congregational minister and educator. The goal of the Series is to nurture children to grow into well-informed, thoughtful and spiritually informed Disciples of Christ. It is rooted in scripture, centering on the bible, its people and their story. Stories are analyzed to find the significance they hold for us-in our lives-today. Sample lessons are available from our Church School Coordinator by request or at www.mustardseedseries.com. In addition to the stories and lessons, we teach that there is one God, and that we are made in the image and likeness of the one God. We believe that there are many paths to God and strive to walk the path of Jesus to God.
Where do I pick up my kids?
After church, parents come upstairs to pick up the children. Classes are dismissed between 11:00-11:15am.
Do kids go to Coffee Hour following worship?
Certainly! Coffee Hour is held in the Heritage Room where kid-sized tables are provided for children to socialize and snack together. In summer, its held on the veranda and the children may play in the gated yard under the supervision of their parents. Is Church School out for the summer? Our summer program is held from the middle of June to the first Sunday in September. All grades meet together for a whole group lesson. Each summer explores a different theme. Past themes have been Peace, Fruits of the Spirit and Bold Children of the Bible
Is Church School out for the summer?
Our summer program is held from the middle of June to the first Sunday in September. All grades meet together for a whole group lesson. Each summer explores a different theme. Past themes have been "Peace," "Fruits of the Spirit," and "Stories of David."
What about holidays?
Holidays are a special time where children remain in regular worship with their families. There is no church school on the following dates: Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas weekend, New Year's weekend and Easter Sunday.
Other Questions You May Have...
Do children take communion in this church?
First Congregational practices "open communion," meaning that all are welcome at the Lord's table. Children may receive the sacrament at the discretion of their parents. Holy Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month.
What about Baptism?
We celebrate the sacrament of Christian Baptism for infants, children, youth or adults. We view Baptism as a reminder of God's grace, as initiation into the Christian faith, and as a sign of discipleship. Families who wish their child to be Baptized in the church should talk with the Senior Minister.
Can my child be an acolyte?
The acolyte program is open to boys and girls in the 4th grade or above. Generally, recruitment and training is held once a year. Contact the acolyte coordinator to let her or him know of your child's interest.
Do children give offerings?
Children who wish may give an offering during Church School time. The money collected supports a variety of kid-approved causes. In the past, it has gone to help purchase school supplies for children in Afghanistan, food and shoes for a local special needs preschool and to purchase supplies for our Youths recent Mission Trip this past summer.
If you have further questions about the children's Church School or the Youth Group, please contact the Church School Coordinator or Youth group Coordinator at 951-684-2494.