Children

First Presbyterian Church strives to welcome each and every child to the love of God through his Son, Jesus Christ.  Our Mission is to develop disciples through the belief that even small hands can do work for God.

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

Church School General Information:

  • Church School  classes are available for all ages from infant through 5th grade, from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
  • Church School Classes meet year round.
  • Church school ends at 10:45 a.m. and childcare is available for infants – age 4 only after that time.

Infants/ Toddlers
During the church school hour from 9:45-10:45 a.m., infants and toddlers will begin to hear the stories of the Bible through the Bible in 52 Stories curriculum.  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.

 

Two's and Three's
The Two's and Three's class will use Show Me Jesus from Great Commission Publications.  The material uses story time and creative play center activities to introduce God's Word that includes a take-home story card for parents.

 

Preschool (4 & 5 year olds) & Kindergarten
The Preschool and Kindergarten class use Show Me Jesus from Great Commission Publications.  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 classroom presentations each Sunday.  Each workshop presentation utilizes 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-drama, cooking, art, games, video and computers.

 

5th Grade Church School
The fifth grade class meets each Sunday during church school to study the Presbyterian curriculum “We Believe: God’s Word for God’s People.”  The 34 Church school sessions relate to materials presented to the Confirmation Class on Wednesdays and allow the students to become familiar with the Study Catechism:  Confirmation version. This is another special opportunity to assist the students on their journey of faith.

 

Chapel
1st—4th grade students can meet with Mrs. Moyes in Room 202 following 8:30 worship and in preparation for church school.  This is a time to come together to praise, pray and prepare for class lessons. A special mission emphasis for the students.

 

Bible Blast
Each month the 1st—4th grade students are encouraged to remember a Bible verse in relationship to the Biblical story or concept studied during church school.  Points are tallied each month as students consistently bring Bibles to class, know the Bible verse, and take time to participate in chapel prior to church school.  Bible Verses are posted in the monthly Bell Ringer and also on the Workshop Rotation Model board on the 2nd floor.


CHILDREN AND WORSHIP

Worship Nursery and Childcare Information
Nursery and Childcare are provided for all worship services.  All parents are requested to sign in children at room 116.  Pagers are available for use during worship and church school hours.

 

Worship Acolytes and Bible Readers
On the Second Sunday of each month students between 1st and 5th grade may volunteer to be Acolytes or Bible Readers for worship.  The student acolytes are trained each fall for the year.

 

Worship Bags
Each Sunday a handy bag with paper, pencil, crayons and a Bible worksheet is available for children age 4-5th grade to use during worship.  The bags were made by members of FPC to be used as children experience worship with their families.


SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Baptism and  Baptism Boxes
Are prepared and presented to families after an infant baptism as a small remembrance of the importance of Baptism in the life and faith of a congregation.  Included in the box are a Baptism remembrance book, candle, picture frame, worship bulletin and  instructions for use.

 

Shepherd’s Fold
“Little Hands, Big Hearts”
Fun and Fellowship God’s Way at FPC.  The children from 4 years old through 5th grade meet on Sunday afternoons from September to May for stories, games and faith development.

Special Events associated with Shepherd’s Fold are:  End of Year Swim Party, Harvest Hayride, Happy Birthday Jesus Party, Easter Egg Hunt and appropriate mission opportunities that relate to the children learning to be helping hands.

 

Confirmation
Is open to all students, 5th grade or older.   This program guides the students in accessing their  faith in preparation for membership in the church.  Students are given the opportunity to place the Biblical story into their lives.  Over the course of  8 months, the students meet, prepare, study, fellowship, lead in worship and  present themselves to the session for membership under the leadership of the Directors of Children and Youth.  For students 6th grade or higher interested in confirmation, please contact Jason Hubbard.

 

Kid Quake Camp
Offered each spring by Grace Presbytery and held at Camp Gilmont, a Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center outside Gilmer, TX., with hiking trails, swimming pool, lake, putt-putt golf course, cabins and other camping options.

The Biblically themed weekend includes fellowship, games, Bible study, skits and so much more. Children in 1st grade through 5th grade are eligible to attend the camp.
Summer Events

 

Vacation Bible School
Summer would not be summer without Vacation Bible School!  Each year First Presbyterian Church selects a special week to learn more about God and His will for us.
Recent fun music and themes have been Rome:  Paul and the Underground Church, and Power Lab.

 

Faithful Friends Summer Activities
Each summer, specific days are  planned for service, silliness, sack lunches and Bible study.  Children ages kindergarten through 5th grade are encouraged to participate in a service project such as trash pick-up followed by an activity like a visit to the zoo, movie in the Fall Out Shelter, or other special Bible study activity.  It is a fun time to be at church!

 

Splash Kingdom Water Day
A special trip and adventure to Splash Kingdom in Canton, TX for an afternoon of water filled fun.  Van loads of children ages 7 to 12 are escorted to the park in the church vans or private vehicles.  The event cost is based on  a 1-day ticket, lunch coupon and transportation cost.  Children under 7 must be accompanied by a parent.

 

Camp Gilmont-Presbyterian Summer Camps
Week-long camps are offered each summer at Camp Gilmont located on several hundred wooded and hilly acres off highway 155 near Gilmer.  The camps are led by trained counselors and Activators from Grace Presbytery.  Children ages 5-13 may attend.  Scholarships are available by contacting Tammy Moyes.