Children and Families
First Presbyterian Church loves children! Our philosophy is to include children whenever and wherever possible, and boys and girls are always welcome in worship.
Mission of the Children and Family Committee
Members of the Children and Family Committee plan and coordinate the year-round church school for children through eighth grade, in accordance with goals established by the Division of Christian Education.
An important part of the committee’s work is to assist parents in preparing their children for participation in worship, including participation in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. One of the many objectives of the committee is to plan and coordinate Christian family life/health development through classes, activity times, and advocacy of family involvement in all aspects of ministry at First Presbyterian Church.
Baptism
First Presbyterian Church encourages infant Baptism. From the Book of Order “God’s faithfulness signified in Baptism is constant and sure, even when human faithfulness to God is not. . . Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. Children of believers are to be baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste. . .
The Baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. . . Baptism is received only once. . . .As there is one body, there is one Baptism. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all Baptism with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian Churches.”
Communion
We prefer children to be of the age to understand and learn about communion before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. To assist with this learning process, a short-term class, called Preparation for Communion, is offered for children and their parents. Barbara Hopta is the Director of Christian Education and you can learn more by contacting her at 343-8961 ext. 127.
Also from the Book of Order, “Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper, recognizing that their understanding of participation will vary according to their maturity.”
Special Events
The Children and Family Committee plans and coordinates special projects, family outings, and Presbytery camping programs, including an Advent workshop and annual Rally Day, to name only a few.
A variety of events for children and families is planned through the calendar year. For a weekly update on programs, times, and locations, please refer to the “News” and “Newsletters” link for additional information
First Presbyterian Church organizes seasonal celebrations for family members to participate in. In the fall, Communion Preparation is offered for children, kindergarten and first grade, and their parents and scheduled in time for World Communion Sunday.
In addition, Fall Festival is a great time full of fun activities, as it is usually held in October.
In the winter, Children’s Sabbath is always held in November, when the children’s choirs will sing. The Children’s Christmas Tableau always takes place on Christmas Eve in the early evening hours.
In the spring, the annual Easter Egg Hunt is a joyous time for families as children search for plastic eggs with a bit of candy and a Bible verse inside. In the summer months, First Presbyterian Church worship services occur at an earlier hour, and families join in the fun of Vacation Bible School, held each evening for a week in July or August.