First Presbyterian offers a wide variety of creative ways for children of all ages to grow in their faith. Our hope is that as families engage in these opportunities, children become more connected to the church and to God, thus forming a faith that can sustain them for years to come. Children’s offerings include:
Nursery
For children ages birth to 3, a nursery is available on Sunday mornings from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM. In addition to lots of playtime, our toddlers enjoy fun Bible-based and thematic activities. To better know and care for our youngest disciples, our nursery staff is led by a permanent staff member. Church members assist week to week in providing nursery support.
Sunday School
Thoughtful and creative Sunday School classes are offered for kids of all ages from 10:00-10:40 AM, for six-week rotations at various times during the school year. A lectionary-based curriculum featuring Bible stories and crafts is presented to our children ages 4-5th grade, our Kingdom Kids group. Our children, ages 2-3—the Little Lambs—learn about God’s love through familiar Bible stories and play.
Worship
Both worship services include a special time for children to come forward for a brief children’s message and prayer. After the children’s time in our Early Light service, children ages 4-1st grade may choose to attend Story Time. Children visit the church conference room for an age-appropriate story and activity, and then return to the service to share communion with their family. After the children’s time during the traditional service, children ages 4 through 1st grade may choose to attend our Children’s Church for the remainder of the worship service. Held upstairs in the education building, this is an age-appropriate time of worship with a Bible story, activities, and games.
Sundays at Sunset
For two six-week rotations (once in fall and once in spring), our children participate in church-wide faith formation on Sunday evenings. Much like Sunday School, our Kingdom Kids grow their faith through lectionary-based Bible stories, crafts, and music. The six-week rotation ends with the children sharing their music during the morning worship services. Again, our Little Lambs learn about God and the church through familiar Bible stories and play. A nursery is provided for ages birth-2 for parents participating in the adult classes. This evening concludes with a family dinner in Clark Hall.
Throughout the year, all kinds of activities pop up across the calendar! In October, children dress in costume for the fun of trunk-or-treating and games at our Harvest Festival. In December, the children present a Christmas nativity pageant followed by a church-wide meal and Christmas celebration. Easter is celebrated with a children’s processional waving palms on Palm Sunday. A traditional Easter egg hunt is also part of the celebration. Summertime features a week-long Vacation Bible School (VBS) where children in our congregation and the community come together for a spirited week of fun and faith.
For more information about our children’s programs, please reach out to the children’s ministry director or childrensministry@firstpreswilson.com.
