Children and Youth

We are using the curriculum provided by the PC(USA), Feasting on the Word.

Sunday school provides a structured environment for children to learn about their faith, the Bible, and religious teachings. It fosters spiritual growth by introducing children to religious concepts, values, and stories.

Sunday school emphasizes moral and ethical values such as kindness, compassion, honesty, and forgiveness. Children learn these values and how to apply them in their daily lives. 

Attending Sunday school allows children to be part of a religious community. They build friendships with peers who share their beliefs, helping them feel a sense of belonging and support.

Sunday school includes Bible study, where children can become familiar with the stories, characters, and teachings of the Bible. This knowledge  serves as a foundation for their faith. We encourage children to ask questions and engage in discussions about their faith to promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of their beliefs.

Take home materials are available to parents to strengthen and reinforce the Sunday school lessons. This can strengthen family bonds and provide opportunities for shared religious experiences.​

The positive experiences and knowledge gained in Sunday school serve as a foundation for a lifelong faith journey, helping children continue to grow spiritually as they get older.

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The Youth Group is a dedicated program designed for young people to come together, share experiences, and grow in their faith journey as a collective. The group provides a safe space for teenagers to discuss their beliefs, ask questions, and explore their spirituality. Regular meetings may involve Bible studies, discussions on relevant topics, prayer sessions, and community service projects. Additionally, the youth group makes social outings, game nights, or other recreational activities to promote bonding and a sense of belonging.

Service projects allow youth to put their faith into action. This involvement in community service helps them develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward others. Service projects can range from local outreach initiatives, like volunteering at shelters or participating in neighborhood cleanups, to global mission trips that expose youth to different cultures and pressing social issues.

The Easter egg hunt is a cherished tradition for First Presbyterian Church during the Easter season. It provides a joyful and festive atmosphere for children and youth to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The hunt involves hiding and searching for colorful eggs, filled with candies or small treats. Besides the fun aspect, this event also includes storytelling about the significance of Easter, emphasizing the Christian message of hope and new life.

The Summer Retreat is a transformative experience for youth to immerse themselves in a spiritually enriching environment. The Summer Youth Conference lasts one full week in a natural and peaceful setting. During the retreat, participants engage in Bible study, worship, prayer, and group discussions. There are also guest speakers and workshops addressing specific aspects of faith and personal growth. The retreat offers a chance for young people to deepen their relationship with God, build lasting friendships, and gain valuable life lessons.

First Presbyterian Church offers Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. VBS provides a fun and interactive way for children to learn about the Bible and Christian teachings during the summer break. Here are some key benefits and features of VBS:

1. Biblical Education: VBS is centered around teaching children various stories, lessons, and values found in the Bible. Through engaging activities, age-appropriate lessons, songs, and crafts, children get a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and Christian principles.

2. Age-Appropriate Curriculum: The curriculum is tailored to suit different age groups, ensuring that the content and activities are suitable for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. This personalized approach allows each child to learn at their own pace and level.

3. Interactive and Engaging Activities: VBS incorporates games, arts and crafts, music, drama, and other interactive activities to make learning enjoyable and memorable. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and active participation among the children.

4. Faith Formation: VBS serves as an essential foundation for a child's faith journey. It plants seeds of faith early on and helps children begin to develop a personal relationship with God.

5. Community Building: VBS brings together children from the church community and beyond, creating a sense of belonging and unity. It allows children to make new friends, form positive relationships with church leaders and volunteers, and feel part of a larger faith family.

6. Outreach Opportunity: VBS can be an effective outreach tool, as churches often invite children from the surrounding neighborhoods to attend. This provides an opportunity to introduce the Gospel to children who may not regularly attend church.

7. Memorable Experience: VBS creates lasting memories for children, and they often look forward to attending each year. The positive experiences at VBS can have a long-lasting impact on their perception of the church and their faith.

Vacation Bible School is a valuable program that First Presbyterian Church offers to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. It provides a nurturing environment for children to learn about the Bible, grow in their faith, and form meaningful connections with their peers and church community.

The children put on a special program each Christmas in honor of the Joy Gift Offering. The program takes place the second Sunday in December when the Joy Gift Offering is collected. The Christmas Joy Gift Offering is a special collection taken during the Christmas season. The money contributed during this offering is dedicated to supporting retired pastors and supporting youth projects worldwide. This offering reflects the spirit of giving during the Christmas season and demonstrates the church's commitment to supporting those in need, both within the church community and beyond its borders.