The Children’s Ministry of First Presbyterian Church has identified nine “milestones of faith” to mark significant ages and stages of a child’s spiritual journey. For these milestones, parents and children / youth will have opportunities to participate in educational events, family celebrations and special times during worship. Parents will also be provided with written guides for use at home to support the learning that happens at church.
In baptism we are claimed by God as a Child of God and are welcomed into the family of faith. Baptized children look to their parents and the church to celebrate their belonging to the family of faith. (1 John 3:1, Mark 10:14)
Focus: Families will visit with Pastor Heather and resources full of fun toddler appropriate activities will be provided to establish habits of faith at home.
Sunday School is the perfect introduction to a life of learning from the Bible and the faith of others who are fulfilling the promises made at Baptism to nurture those whom God has called. It is a foundational habit of faithful families, who may also learn together at home. (Colossians 3:16)
Focus: Children are welcomed to Preschool Sunday School in the fall of each year, special Sunday School class for parents with Pastor Heather and presentation of Spark Story Bibles.
Children explore the meaning of these visible signs of invisible grace and come to understand how their baptism as a child of God makes them welcome at our family table of remembrance. (Matthew 28:19 & 1 Corinthians 11:26)
Focus: An educational event will be held for second and third graders and their parents to learn the meaning of the sacraments and prepare to participate in communion.
Children explore the meaning of these visible signs of invisible grace and come to understand how their baptism as a child of God makes them welcome at our family table of remembrance. (Matthew 28:19 & 1 Corinthians 11:26)
Focus: An educational event will be held for second and third graders and their parents to learn the meaning of the sacraments and prepare to participate in communion.
By learning about and experiencing worship, young children grow to become full participants in the faith community. They learn that worship is a continuous response to God’s grace. (Psalm 122:1)
Focus: Fourth and Fifth Graders will have the opportunity to learn about being acolytes, go through acolyte training and have the opportunity to lead worship in a variety of ways.
God’s Word is a lamp for our lives. As students read and study the Bible they develop a greater awareness of their own relationship with God and they grow into their calling as faithful disciples. (Psalm 119:105)
Focus: Bibles will be presented to all Sixth graders in worship in preparation for using these Bibles for Confirmation.
These young people are called to articulate their faith and confirm their baptism covenant. They choose to be fully responsible members of our congregation and the Presbyterian Church (USA). (1 Timothy 6:12)
Focus: Seventh and Eighth graders spend the year engaging with teachers, mentors, families, and peers to prepare to reaffirm their baptismal covenant, make a public profession of personal faith, and commit to live as disciples of Christ and responsible members of the community of faith.
Through Sunday School and our youth program, First Presbyterian Church is committed to helping youth engage in their relationships with Christ and with one another.
Focus: Students will have the opportunity to deepen their faith through engaging in mission, fellowship, worship and Bible study.
As they prepare to graduate from high school, our congregation commits to equipping our Seniors in High School to take their faith out into the world in all that they say and do.
Focus: Seniors will be honored at a special celebration during worship at the end of the school year.