CHILDREN'S MINISTRY (up to 5th grade)

Children are a wonderful gift from God and we are the protectors and caretakers of this blessed gift.  We strive at First Presbyterian to offer each child a place to grow and be nurtured in faith for a life time.  We take seriously the promises made at baptism to nurture our children through quality programs.  We pray your child will find their place at First Presbyterian Church.

Birth - Kindergarten
Sunday Morning offers an excellent opportunity for bonding with their peers.  All classes meet on the first floor of the Education building in specially equipped classrooms.  Children are place in classrooms by age as of September 1 each fall.  The class description and curriculum are as follows:

     ●  Infants
     ●  Toddlers
     ●  Preschool
     ●  Kindergarten

During the church school hour from 9:45-10:45 a.m., infants and toddlers use lesson materials from Faith Alive.  All lessons are based on the concept of trust.  The children learn that the church is a safe place to learn about others and most importantly God.  The Preschool and Kindergarten class use Living in Faith Everyday from Faith Alive Resources.  This curriculum presents the great stories of the Bible to young children and applies simple scriptural themes to their everyday experiences.

1st-4th Grade Church School
Rotation Workshop Model
The model is based on children rotating to different workshops each Sunday.  Each workshop utilized a particular learning style for its approach to the lesson.  A Bible story or concept is taught through the workshops over the course of four weeks.  Children come to know the Bible and God through a variety of different ways-drams, cooking, art, games, video and computers.

5th Grade Church School
The fifth grade class meets to study the Presbyterian curriculum "We Believe" God's word for God's people.  The 34 sessions relate to materials presented to the confirmation class n Wednesday with Shelley Kral and allow the students to become familiar with the Study Catechism:  Confirmation version.  This is another special opportunity to assist the students on the journey o faith.

Shepherd's Fold is a special activity fellowship time scheduled throughout the year.  Children are invited to play games, hear stories and complete projects based on biblical themes.

Special Events and Opportunities:
Confirmation class is offered each year to the 5th grade class.  The class spends time learning about the life and work of the church in relationship to their faith.  The class cumulates in a presentation of the students faith statement and membership in the church.

Vacation Bible School is held the each summer.  FPC includes the area Presbyterian churches as they are able to participate.  VBS is a weeklong commitment to learn about Jesus during the summer vacation.

Third Grade Bible Presentation-all third graders are presented with a NIV Adventure Award Bible during the Rally Day kickoff each year.  Third graders are at the age where reading skills are strengthened and reading the Bible can be encouraged.

Youth Basketball teams are sponsored by the church each fall with children involved as young as age 6.  Teams are planned for girls and boys with practice held in Grace Hall.

Children's Events such as a fall hayride, Happy Birthday Jesus party in December, Easter Egg Hunt, summer splash event and many others are offered each year as opportunities for fellowship, mission and faith development with the greater church.

Kid Quake and Summer Camps-KidQuake is a presbytery-wide weekend retreat in the spring for 1st-5th grade children.  Week-long camps are also offered by Grace Presbytery in the summer.