Washing of the Feet, by John August Swanson

For Children and Youth

GODLY PLAY: PreK-Fifth Grade

First Church has adopted use of the Godly Play curriculum for our church school program, grades preK through 7. First Church has three classes roughly divided between pre-k to 1st grades, 2nd to 4th grades, and 5th to 7th grade classes. The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language -- parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives. Godly play was developed and classroom tested for more than 20 years by Episcopal priest, author and teacher Jerome Berryman. The curriculum is now used in churches of many denominations.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAM

With the help of First Church members Gary Brinn, Adwoa-Lewis Wilson and others, we will be offering a new weekly program for middle schoolers which will include time for worship, study and fellowship.  The group will meet each week during the church school hour in our new youth room in the basement.  The curriculum will rotate through topical discussions about issues relevant to the lives of middle school youth, social justice concerns, biblical studies.  There will also be a time each week for youth led worship.  Stay tuned for more details about this exciting new step.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH

The Board of Christian Education and ministers will continue adapting a mentor-based curriculum called “Making Disciples” for our Grade 9 confirmation class.  In addition, high school aged youth will have several opportunities throughout the year to gather for service and fellowship activities, mostly in conjunction with out Young Adults group.  High-schoolers are encouraged to attend worship regularly and adult formation classes.  They are also welcome to help lead church school classes for grades prek-8.

INTERGENERATIONAL 10 O’CLOCK HOURS

In addition to  our church school classes for kids and adult formation classes, First Church will be doing a new thing this year and sponsoring several intergenerational learning opportunities during the 10 O’Clock Hour.  On October 8th and 15th, for example, there will be two Godly Play sessions geared for people of ALL ages.  On January 14th and 21st, we will explore the sacraments together as an intergenerational community.  Stay tuned for more details!

NURSERY

Nursery care is provided most Sundays from 9:15 am until the end of the worship service. The Nursery (the Mackintyre room) is located on the first floor, down the hall from church offices past the Hastings Room and kitchen. It is staffed by paid and certified childcare workers and volunteers.