Our desire is for kids to come to know and follow Jesus, to experience his love, and grow in their walk with Him. Using these four simple values we hope to lead kids in this mission and bring God glory.
Begin: by encouraging and equipping parents to disciple their children (Deu. 6:4, Ps 78:4-7)
Belong: kids should be known and valued by adults and peers (Matt 19:14)
Believe: through frequent presentation of the grace and truth of the Gospel (2Tim 3:14 – 15)
Become: a part of the body through worship, service, and mission (1Tim 4:12)
Should I keep my kids in worship?
At FPC we believe kids are part of the covenant community of faith and should be treated as such showing them that they are known and valued. When you come to a worship service may we suggest.
Relax, God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! Sit toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads.
Quietly explain the parts of the service and actions of the pastor, ushers, musicians, etc. Sing the songs, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn behavior by copying you.
Children are also learning how their actions affect those around them. Help them to be aware and respectful of others. We understand there are times and seasons when this is a particular challenge. We do provide childcare during the service for you to use (see details below).
We also provide a nursing mothers’ room across from the nursery, down the hallway in room 14. The room is equipped with a live stream of the service so parents can continue to listen and participate. In addition, the service is live-streamed in the “Glue” space outside the church sanctuary. If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”
To the Members of our Church. Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship. The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that the congregation is growing. Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents!
(Text borrowed with permission from Christ Redeemer Church of New Haven)
Sunday Activities
Children’s Worship – Sundays during our 9:00 AM Worship Service
Children age 4 through 5th grade (for the 2023-2024 year only; after this year, it will revert back to age 4 through 2nd grade) are dismissed after the hymn before the sermon and gather in the “Glue” space to attend Children’s Worship. Our dedicated volunteers then lead them in a time of singing, Bible study, and hands-on activities that reinforce the lesson. We currently use a curriculum called The Gospel Project that walks kids through the stories of the Bible and points them to Jesus each week. Please sign your child into Children’s Worship at the Kids Ministry station before the service begins.
Sunday School – 10:30 am September through June
Sunday school provides a weekly time where kids feel cared for by their teachers and peers, where they can engage in the scriptures, and feel free to ask questions. Classes for ages 3 through 5th grade run throughout the school year. We are teaching from Great Commission Publications materials that thoroughly teach the truths and stories of the Bible inviting kids to know Jesus.
Please use this form to register children for our Sunday programs.
Boys & Girls Clubs
BLAST and GLOW are for kids in grades 1 – 5. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm during the school year (September through May/June). Pizza is served beforehand beginning at 5:45 pm. We would love you to join us.
BLAST
BLAST is a club for boys designed to help them grow in their love and knowledge of God through learning the catechisms together. Boys in grades 1 and 2 will be led through the Kids Quest curriculum learning the First Catechism while boys in grades 3 – 5 will use the New City Catechism. In addition to opening God’s word together, the boys let their competitive spirit fly during recreation. In the spring they also spend time building their own cars to participate in the famous pinewood derby. If you have questions, please contact Katie Souza. To register for BLAST, click here.
GLOW
GLOW is a club for girls designed as a fun and creative place to learn about the Savior Jesus Christ. We do this by teaching them Catechism questions from both the New City Catechism and the First Catechism. At GLOW the girls gather together for singing after which they separate by grade for Bible lessons, crafts, and games. It’s a great place for girls to make friends, have a great time, and implant the truth of God’s word into their hearts. Registration for GLOW is now open. If you have questions, please contact Katie Souza. Thank you!
Safety
Your children’s safety is important to us. All our volunteers have been interviewed by our staff and have submitted state and national background checks. All children are required to be checked in and out of their program rooms while children in 2nd grade and under will be assigned an alphanumeric tag that parents will present at pick-up. We have a strict written safety policy which can be found here Download.
A list of suggested resources for children can be found here.
Got questions? FPC Children’s Ministry