Worship

8:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Worship is the heartbeat of our church life at First Presbyterian, and we believe this is true for church members of all ages. The beauty of our liturgical style of worship invites children at all developmental levels to encounter the triune God. The rhythms of liturgy bring in familiar elements each week, allowing children to have a sense of what to expect, while varying songs and prayers engage them in different ways each week.

A worship service with the sounds of children is a good thing! Children of all ages are always welcome to worship alongside their church family in the Sanctuary. We also offer options for specific age levels to frame their worship experience in a developmentally appropriate way.

• Ages 0–3 (Nursery): Check–in for nursery care is in the lobby by the Children’s Ministry entrance. Nursery-age children are always welcome in worship services.
• Ages 4–6 (Pre-K and Kindergarten): PreK and Kindergarten children begin worship with the congregation and are invited to join Young Children & Worship following the Blessing of the Young Disciples. Parents pick up their child after worship at Grundy Hall, located in the Children’s Ministry Wing.
• Ages 6+ (1st and older): Children are invited to worship alongside their families and worship activity bags are provided at each entrance to the Sanctuary. Families can choose how to use worship activity bags in the way that works best for their child, but we have found that waiting to dig into the bags until the sermon is a good way for them to keep their hands, minds, and hearts engaged during the longest part of the service.

Sunday School

9:45 a.m.

At First Presbyterian, Sunday School is designed to be a complement for worship. As we educate kids on the basics of our faith, we grow their minds while worship cultivates their hearts. Children’s Sunday School uses the Gospel Project Curriculum, which tells God’s unfolding story of redemption throughout the Bible and aims to help kids better understand God’s character and his invitation into a loving, personal relationship with himself.  

Children’s Sunday School follows a small group—large group—small group model. Children start in grade level classrooms where they participate in an opening activity intended to tee up their hearts and minds for the lesson. They then travel to a large group space where they join other grade groups for the Bible story, music and game. Finally, children return to their classrooms to discuss the Bible story before being picked up by parents. This model seeks to engage the whole child by inviting them to move their bodies, use their voices, and learn in community with peers and adult church members who bear witness to the gospel through their presence and participation each week. 

Sunday School classes are offered at 9:45 a.m. for children in PreK–6th grade. Pre-K and Kindergarten meet in the Children’s Wing and 1st through 6th grade meet in the Oak Hill School C-Wing. 

During the summer months and select weeks we combine some ages/grade levels for Sunday School programming. Nursery, Pre-K, and Elementary students (Ages 0–5th grade) will be promoted to their new classrooms and groups each September. The 6th grade confirmands promote to Youth Ministry each May following Confirmation Sunday. 

Children must be checked in and out of Sunday School by a parent. To keep our ministry as safe as possible, this step will help ensure the safety of your child while they are in our care. Please check children in at the following locations: 

• Nursery–Kindergarten (Ages 0–6): Children’s Wing Lobby
• Elementary (1st–6th grade): C-Wing Lobby in Oak Hill School 

Got to church early?

Join the church family between services for coffee and doughnuts in Courtenay Hall, located downstairs below the Sanctuary before check-in opens at 9:40 a.m.

Parents

New to First Presbyterian or looking for a Sunday School class? The Fellowship Class, taught by Pastor Ryan Moore, provides a space to connect with one another and gain insight from Scripture. We stay close to Scripture and dig deeper into the sermon text. This class is intended to be come and go as you are able and serve as a welcoming place for anyone looking to plug in at the church. While we will continue to have a core of parents of young families, this class is open to (and welcomes!) folks of all ages and stages. Find more information here about Adult Sunday School options.