For Children and Youth
Download a Church school and Nursery registration and information packet today, and bring the completed form with you to Regathering Sunday, September 18th!
NURSERY
Nursery care is provided most Sundays from 9:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The Nursery is located on the first floor, past the Hastings Room and kitchen. Ongoing child care for nursery-aged and elementary-aged children is available from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in Sage Hall when there are after-church meetings. Please see the “Welcome to the First Church Nursery” for more information on our nursery care program and providers.
CHURCH SCHOOL
Our formational programs for pre-kindergarten to 8th graders include classroom learning, music-making, creative art projects, mission opportunities and plenty of fun. Here’s a quick guide to our church school activities, which take place during the Worship hour, beginning at approximately 11:20 a.m.:
First Sundays of the Month – Outdoor Church Offering
On Communion Sundays, all children from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade are invited to work side-by-side to prepare dozens of brown-bag lunches to be distributed to homeless men and women in Cambridge by the ministers and volunteers of the Outdoor Church. This ongoing monthly mission project has been a pillar of our Christian formation for children for years and continues to provide a meaningful moment for reflection on how to live out First Church’s vision of the Open Door.
Second & Fourth (and sometimes Fifth) Sundays of the Month – Church School Classes
Children are divided into four classes to engage with Christian Formation curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for their age group.
Godly Play 1 – a sacred time and space for simple storytelling and wondering geared to pre-kindergarten through 1st graders.
Godly Play 2 – storytelling and wondering reflection for the 2nd
and 3rd graders.
Bible 101 – a new class for Godly Play graduates in 4th and 5th grade to explore the great Book of Books from which our tradition finds its meaning.
Seasons of the Spirit – a lectionary-based curriculum for 6th-8th graders that includes elements of worship, Bible-based learning, and group activity.
Classes end at noon for an all-ages music-making gathering in the Chapel. Throughout the year, children learn well-loved First Church hymns and other songs from Christian traditions around the world.
Third Sundays of the Month – Creative Arts
Once a month, all four classes gather to take part in a creative project that celebrates and contributes to our communal faith journey. We explore expressions of our faith practices through art, such as designing new images for our bulletin covers and creating other beautiful objects for display and use in worship.
FAMILY CHOIR
Singers of all ages are welcome to join the Family Choir. Adults and children learn a simple musical piece together to share with the congregation on special Multigenerational Worship Sundays, including All Saints, Christmas/Un-Pageant and Palm Sunday. Meets for three 10:00 a.m. rehearsals prior to singing in morning worship. Check the weekly calendar for details.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
High school students in 9th through 12th grade are invited to gather periodically for a variety of activities, including service projects, small group learning, and fellowship.