Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Church School programs, including the Nursery, have resumed meeting in-person. Covid protocols are in place and include mask requirements for all people over age 2 and regular sanitizing of shared toys and spaces.
Children and Families info for July
If you have children attending worship, please find the lap desks located at the rear of the sanctuary for the children to use during the worship service. Children are welcome to use the resources in the children’s activity area, including the books and soft toys located in the white organizer and bins behind the sanctuary. Take any used coloring pages and worksheets with you and kindly return these desks to the back of the church following the end of the worship service.
Children’s activities during the worship service will resume in August with crafts available through Homecoming Sunday on September 11, when worship returns to 10:00 am for the program year.
Nursery coverage continues throughout the summer for young children through age 5 (preschool) and under and will be staffed with certified teachers and assistants. Reach out to Rev. Amie or Abby Perkins (Nursery teacher) for assistance.
Sharing your Talents!
Do you have a hobby or interest or passion, or a craft idea or lesson that would be appropriate for young children? Please reach out to Cindy Tolin on Sunday mornings, or by email to dirfammin@whfirstchurch.org, to discuss your gift, talent or passion for our youngest disciples in August or during the fall season. Everyone is most welcome to support the children and family ministry of First Church!
Sunday School will be available during worship through June, take a break in the month of July, and resume again in August. Nursery coverage will continue for young children through preschool (age 5) throughout the summer months. It takes a village to educate our young disciples! How can you help?
Infant and Toddler Care
Adult supervised childcare for infants and toddlers is provided each Sunday from 9:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. (8:45–10:15 in summer) in Room 405 while parents attend worship.
Registration forms can be filled out online here.
Each week parents are asked to sign their child in and out at one of three check-in stations to ensure their child’s safety. Make sure your contact information is up to date in the system so you can be reached that morning.
Three and Four Year Old’s
After the children’s message each Sunday, three and four-year-olds are invited to meet in room 405. On the first Sunday of each month when Communion is celebrated, however, children celebrate All-Ages worship in the Meeting House to engage the sacraments and traditions of our church in new ways together.
Children are introduced to the Christian faith through stories, music, and simple crafts. Our preschoolers will also be encouraged to get to know one another and our teachers through creative play. This is a self-selecting class, and a child can join this class at a younger or older age if this offering best meets their needs.
Each week parents are also asked to sign their child in and out at the check-in stations located outside the Meeting House entrances to ensure their safety. Make sure your contact information is up to date in the system so you can be reached that morning.
Registration forms can be filled out online here.
Kindergartners through 5th Grade
After the children’s message each Sunday, children in kindergarten through fifth grade are dismissed to their classrooms on the 4th floor. Church School classes end at 11:10 a.m. On the first Sunday of each month when Communion is celebrated, however, children celebrate All-Ages worship in the Meeting House to engage the sacraments and traditions of our church in new ways together.
Our church school program uses the Workshop Rotation Model. Children rotate by class in a different themed workshop for a month-long period. Volunteer teachers lead each workshop on a flexible rotating schedule. During each rotation, children hear about a Bible story in a different way. Children have the opportunity to explore the stories of their faith through drama, games, cooking, building, and art.
Each week parents are also asked to sign their child in at the check-in stations located outside the Meeting House entrances. Make sure your contact information is up to date in the system so you can be reached that morning.
Registration forms can be filled out online here.
6th and 7th Grade
New for 2021-22! A class for 6th and 7th graders will be available on Sunday Mornings. Stay tuned for more information.
8th Grade
Our 8th grade students (and older) are invited to participate in a Confirmation program entitled “Confirm, not Conform.” This is a year which invites exploration and questions! We hope each participant will deepen their faith, and make it their own.
Additionally, during the course of the confirmation year, participants will determine whether or not they wish to confirm the vows their parents made on their behalf at their baptism. If they have not yet been baptized, baptism is offered. Confirmation welcomes these young people into full membership of the church.
In early September there will be an orientation for students and parents to learn more about the program.