“Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”  Luke 9:48

Our Christian education program uses Bible-based teaching to help children in preschool through 5^th grade develop a strong foundation of faith.  We open God’s Word and learn how to apply it to our daily lives.  At First Presbyterian, our Sunday morning education for children is called G.R.A.C.E. Place.  In this workshop-based model, children study the same Bible story or concept for 4 – 6 weeks, attending a different workshop each week.  Workshop leaders may utilize drama, video, games, music, science, storytelling, or cooking to teach the lesson… the sky’s the limit!   Adult “shepherds” accompany the children each week.  The rooms are transformed to be exciting, inviting and welcoming to kids.  We love the interactive learning that G.R.A.C.E Place fosters and we know that your kids will love it too!

Praise and Worship is a vital part of our Christian Education program.  We believe that attending worship as a family is a wonderful way to learn about worship and its many facets.  We encourage children age 5 and older to participate regularly in worship with their families.  Children’s bulletins and age-appropriate Bibles are available in the Sanctuary.  Children of all ages are occasionally asked to help lead in worship through music, scripture reading, or drama.

Our nursery is staffed by a paid nursery assistant serving with volunteers from our church family through the Angels & Saints ministry. We provide care for newborns through age 5 during our 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.  We have child check-in procedures in our nursery.  This takes a little extra time, but allows for the safe check in, check out, and proper identification of the little ones and their belongings.

Our Cry Room provides a place for parents to be with their infants during worship services if they feel the need to leave the Sanctuary.

Safeguarding Our Children

First Presbyterian Church desires to be a safe place for all children who attend.  We believe that proactive steps can be taken to promote the safety of children and the volunteers who work with them.  Therefore, we have adopted a prevention program to reduce the possibility of child sexual abuse occurring in this church family.  Our CSAP (Child Sexual Abuse Prevention) program is based on education and policies.  All staff, paid and volunteer, who work with children and youth, undergo appropriate screening prior to being given a position and are asked to follow our safety policies.

Ministry of the Mat

Mark 2:1-12

We offer a Buddy Ministry which pairs up a willing adult or youth volunteer to be a special friend for those children with special needs or who may require just a little extra attention.  If you would like more information about this ministry, please contact the church office.

Additional Discipleship Opportunities for Children

·         Kids’ Klub (for children in kindergarten through 3^rd grade) meets on the 4^th Wednesday of every month during the school year from 6 – 8 p.m.  Our focus is friendship, fun, and service to others.

·         FIREPROOF (for children in 4^th and 5^th grade) meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of every month during the school year from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Our focus is discipleship, fellowship and ministry.

·         FIREPROOF Puppets meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of every month during the school year from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. to prepare puppet skits to present to other children during worship or for other special occasions.

·         Vacation Bible School--July, 2008

·         Uncharted Waters Sports Camp--June 23-27, 2008

See the church calendar for specific dates and