Children & Youth Learning

Worship Circle with Babies and Toddlers (0-3 Years and Caregivers)

First and Third Sundays 9:30 AM-10:15 AM, the Parlor

From September to July: First Meeting September 22

Join us as we worship in a setting designed for giggling or grumpy babies and toddlers that like to observe or may need to run around. We will bounce and sing, shake and drum. Together, we will learn songs, poems, scriptures, and liturgical elements that can supplement a family’s spiritual life at home. Here we set the habits for growing together in faith and community. 

For more information, email Rachel Barker-Asto, Family Music Coordinator,  at [email protected].

Club 345

Monthly fellowship and devotion for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders

Second Sundays 9:45 – 10:30, the Mezzanine

From October to May: First Meeting October 13 

Club 345 is a monthly program for third, fourth, and fifth graders to connect with one another while growing in their faith and fellowship. With a special emphasis on biblical inquiry and fun, we want all participants to feel supported and loved in this special time of childhood. During the 2024-2025 ministry season, each monthly gathering will focus on a leadership skill and spiritual practice, inspired by the book Faithful Families by Traci Smith.

For more information, email Jenny Bennett, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, at [email protected]. 

Church School: Ages 3 – 6th grade 

Music, worship, and fellowship for ages 3 – 6th grade

Sunday mornings during the 11:00 am worship service, the Parlor and Rooftop 

From September to May: First Meeting September 15

The mission of Children’s Church School is to educate a generation of young people about the love of God expressed in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Using the PC(USA) curriculum Growing in Grace & Gratitude, children experience the importance of caring for one another just as God cares about us. Children develop their own spirituality and learn about worship through writing their own prayers, lighting our worship candles, and exploring the elements of worship, including the sacraments. Children learn the stories and teachings of the Bible in a nurturing and creative environment that promotes the core values of the church.

Church School includes a strong musical component led by our incredible Family Music Coordinator, Rachel Barker-Asto. The beginning of Church School is always dedicated to engaging our children and youth in making a joyful noise to God. Children of all ages are encouraged to explore and befriend their voices, learning theologically rich pieces from around the world and familiarizing themselves with the great hymns of the church. 

Children attend Church School in person from 11:00 a.m. until noon throughout the year. During the Children’s Prayer in worship, children gather in the sanctuary to be led to the Parlor by Church School teachers. Children are picked up directly after worship by their families or other approved adults. 

For more information, email Jenny Bennett, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, at [email protected]. 

Student Choristers (1st-6th Grade)
Rehearsals Sundays 12:20-12:50 PM
From September to May

Our Student Choristers become leaders in the spiritual life of the church by singing during worship five times a year. During our fun, engaging rehearsals we grow together as a team as we learn:

•  Foundations of choral singing technique
•  Music notation reading that can supplement personal music study
•  Worship tradition of the Presbyterian Church
•  Scripture and spiritual concepts
•  Lifelong joy of making music together

For more information, email Rachel Barker-Asto at [email protected].

Youth Offerings for 6th – 12th graders
Sundays 12:30 – 1:15, the Mezzanine: First Meeting September 22 

Our youth offerings strive to prepare our young people for a life with love, justice, and acceptance.  Our time together is designed to nurture authentic relationships and promote youth leadership in the congregation and wider community. Youth in 6th – 12th grade are invited to gather twice a month on Sundays from 12:30 – 1:15 in the Mezzanine for our Youth Leadership Council, an opportunity to explore their faith and strengthen their relationships. This year, we will be using the book Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints to meet diverse people from the past and present who “rock the religious boat on behalf of love and justice.” 

On Sundays when the YLC is not meeting, all 6th – 12th graders are still invited to the Mezzanine after worship for Youth Fellowship with pastry treats and games! Dates for additional service projects and outings will be announced as they approach.

For more information, email Jenny Bennett, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, at [email protected].

Family Events

Throughout the year, the whole family is invited to gather for joyful events to celebrate the special holidays and milestones in church life. Some of our family events include movie nights, mini pumpkin decorating, a Christmas celebration, and Graduation Sunday. Be on the lookout for announcements of these additional offerings!

For more information, email Jenny Bennett, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, at [email protected].

Confirmation

In our Reformed tradition, Confirmation is the journey we take to learn more about our faith and connect to the Baptismal vows our parents and caregivers made on our behalf. First Church holds an exciting 12-week course where youth have a safe place to ask questions, explore, and grow in their understanding of faith and spirituality. Our next Confirmation class will take place during the 2025-2026 ministry season. If you have a youth in grades 7, 8, or 9 that is interested in joining the confirmation journey, please email Jenny Bennett, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, at [email protected].