Children & Families

Children & Family Ministry

Children’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church exists to nurture and teach the youngest disciples of Jesus Christ, from birth through 6th grade, through age-appropriate ministries of faith formation for children. We seek to partner alongside parents as we lay the foundation for a lifetime of knowing and loving God. This foundation includes the elements of learning, knowing, and putting faith into action, fulfilling the First Presbyterian’s mission: to know Christ, to make Him known, and to exhibit His love through worship, education, and service. 

Our programs and teaching are designed to help kids better understand God’s character and his invitation into a loving, personal relationship with himself. We seek to engage the whole child by inviting them to move their bodies, use their voices, and learn in a warm and welcoming community of peers and adult church members who bear witness to the gospel through their presence and participation each week. 

We also want to be a children’s ministry that enjoys playing together. We love to host large events with whole families as well as smaller events that allow children to connect relationally with their peers. We would love for you to join us at an event or on a Sunday morning. Our staff would be delighted to help you get connected and be more involved. Reach out to us anytime! 

Sunday Mornings

Worship | 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary

• 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 ends from 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 | 9:40 a.m. Check-In opens | 9:45 a.m. Program begins

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. 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.

Check-In Process

Children 3rd grade and under 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  

Nursery | Ages 0-3 

Nursery care is provided on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. During the Education Hour, children in the nursery participate in developmentally appropriate lessons and songs. Nursery classrooms are divided by developmental milestones and ages: 

• Infants and Crawlers (birth to 12 months): CW 126 
• Walkers & Toddlers (12-24 months): CW 127 
• 2 and 3 Year-Olds: CW 124 

Check-in for Nursery programming happens in the Children’s Wing Lobby near the beloved fish tank.  

At check-in, parents will receive four tags: one for the child to wear, one to give to the classroom leader, one for the parent to keep until check-out, and one bag tag.

Once you check in, you can walk back to the nursery hallway to drop your child off at their appropriate classroom. The room will be listed on your check in tags. There will be nursery attendants, staff and volunteers to assist you in dropping off your little one in the right classroom.   

Pickup for nursery care can happen at the specific classroom door where your child was dropped off. Please have your parent pick up tag ready at the door for a pickup tag check!  

PreK + Kindergarten | Ages 4–6 

Classroom: CW 110 

Children ages 4–6 meet in classrooms in the Children’s Ministry Wing. Check-in takes place in the Children’s Wing lobby near the fishtank. At check-in, parents will receive 3 tags: one for the child to wear, one to give to the classroom leader, and one for the parent to keep until check-out.  

Once you check in, you can walk to the Children’s Ministry hallway to drop your child off at the appropriate classroom. There will be staff and leaders available to assist you.  

Pickup for PreK + Kindergarten is at the specific classroom door where your child was dropped off. Please have your parent pick up tag ready at the door for a pickup tag check! 

Elementary | 1st–5th Grade 

Elementary grades meet in classrooms on the C-Wing of Oak Hill School by the gym. 

• 1st Grade: C101 
• 2nd Grade: C109 
• 3rd Grade: C110 
• 4th Grade+5th Grade (Preteens): Former Rec Office   
• 6th Grade (Confirmation): Confirmation class meets OHS Library 

1st-3rd Grade must be checked in and out by a parent, while 4th-6th grades can check in and out themselves. After checking in, parents and kids can walk to the appropriate classrooms where the leaders will write down each child’s name as they arrive. 

VBS

Every summer, we welcome children ages 4–rising 4th grade for an evening VBS experiences. In 2024, we will learn about "running the race" by looking to Jesus! 

2024: Run the Race

Evenings, June 24–27

On Monday, June 24, at 5:00 p.m., we will launch VBS with an opening ceremony of family field games, food, and gold-medal fun for all ages. On Tuesday, June 25 through Thursday, June 27, families will gather at 5:00 p.m. for an optional dinner, and the VBS program begins each night at 5:45 p.m.