Children

The Ministry for Children and Families

Our Ministry is dedicated to caring and protecting your children, introducing them to the concepts of Christianity, and helping them develop their own personal faith journeys and relationship with God

Visit our 2010 Summer programs

Helping Families Succeed

What We Believe

We confirm and believe fully in the Mission and Vision of FPCM and the sacredness of participating in the Body of Christ
From the earliest age children begin to experience the love of God through those around them. It is never too early to give your child a religious language
The principles of the 40 Developmental Assets program insures kids and youth grow up strong and resilient, with barriers to at-risk behaviors
Children are our most precious resource and must be nurtured and supported, safely in partnership with their parents, peers, and church membership

What We Do

We care for children of the church from birth through Fifth Grade on Sundays and when they attend in other church sponsored programs. We help 6^th graders make the transition to the E26 Youth Group. We nurture family wellness through parenting coursework and fellowship.

Programs

SUNDAY SCHOOL – We plan and implement Sunday School curriculum according to PC USA beliefs
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP – We hold Children’s Worship for Pre-K through 2^nd Grade providing them with a sacred time that prepares them for corporate worship and allows them, in their own way, to connect with God
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE – LOGOS – We plan and supervise the Wednesday Night Live – LOGOS program which is held for two 8-week sessions (Fall and Winter)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – We manage and run the Vacation Bible School week-long session every summer
CAMP GENEVA – We help support the annual Camp Geneva children’s camping experience
HOLIDAY EVENTS – We host holiday events to add special focus to the Christmas and Easter seasons
PARENTING CLASS – We provide a Parenting class at least once a year for members and non-members to support family wellness

Support

PARTICIPATE – We participate in weekly staff meetings, monthly Ministry meetings, and Session meetings when appropriate
RECRUIT AND SUPPORT – We recruit and support the 30+ teachers and volunteers who work in our Ministry
ANTICIPATE NEEDS—We look to our membership and the community and try to assess and anticipate their needs

For more information contact Abbie VanDenBerg 321-972-1500.

What we need

Dedicated teachers and volunteers who wish to share their wisdom and love for Jesus with our youngest FPCM attendees
Occasional donations of goods for service projects
Chaperones for on and off campus events
Prayers

LOGOS Ministry

A 40 Asset Program that is held two times a year. This year the dates are September 29 – Novmeber 17, 2010 and january 26 – March 8, 2011. This is our program to connect children and youth with adults who can lead them to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ.

Download LOGOS Registration Form and Logos Adult Registration Form .

Vacation Bible School

The date for the 2010 Vacation Bible School has been set!
It is July 26-30. Look for more updates here as the program develops.

THE NURSERY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

We believe that from the earliest age children begin to experience the love of God through those around them. It is never too early to give your child a religious language. Our nursery is open to serve you and your child. Let us know how we are doing!

For further information about our Nursery click here.

Look over our 2010 Summer programs for children.

Obtain forms for our 2010 Summer programs for your children.

Services

CHURCH NURSERY – We manage the staff and facilities for the Church Nursery
CHILD CARE – We provide child care for church events as needed
COMMUNITY NEEDS – We support several social justice organizations with service projects such as the Diaper Drive, Project Linus, and Baby Showers at the Coalition for the Homeless Shelter
ENHANCE THE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE – We work other FPCM Ministries to enhance the worship experience through the children’s participation in music, readings, and dance for church services
WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUTH- We work closely with the Youth Ministry to support inter-age activities and to ease the transition of Elementary kids to the E26 Youth Group
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – We provide a weekly Children’s Message in the 9:30am Contemporary Worship Service

Children’s message at the 9:30 service [click photo to enlarge]

Times and Places

Sundays – at 9:30am

Newborns – Age 3 – Nursery – CECE Preschool Building Room #100

Pre-K – 2^nd Grade – Children’s Worship – in the Church Library

3^rd-5^th Grade – Sunday School – Rooms # 12 & # 13 Second Floor Family Life Center

Sundays – at 11am

Newborns –Age 3 – Nursery-CECE Preschool Building Room #100

Pre-K to 5^th Grade – Abbie VanDenBerg will be in the Narthex for anyone who wishes to have their children supervised during the Worship Service

Children’s Worship Center

Thanks to the vision of our Session and church Leaders, the Children’s Worship Center is returning to FPCM. The new center is housed in our library and started Sunday, September 7 during the 9:30 service.

What is Children’s Worship and how did it start at FPCM?

Children’s Worship is a sacred time for young children that prepares them for corporate worship and allows them, in their own way, to connect with God. It was started 13 years ago with the generous donations of church members. We were unable to offer the Center the past several years, but due to requests by parents and a directive from our Children’s Ministry team, clergy and Session, we are happy to again offer this special ministry to our youngest church members.

How do I get my child to the Worship Center?

Please take your child into the Sanctuary with you on Sunday morning. Following the children’s message the children will be dismissed. Those attending Children’s Worship will be taken to the library. Those in 3rd grade and above will go to Church School.

What are the ages for Children’s Worship?

Children who are four years of age as of September 1, 2008, may start in the Worship Center. Children who start the 2nd grade this school year will be the oldest children attending. Please register your child in the Children’s Ministry office for this program.

Where do I meet my child following the 9:30 service?

Because this is an actual sacred service for children, we ask that families not enter the Worship Center to pick up their child, but stand at the library door. A Greeter will bring your child out to you.

For more information on this program, or if you are interested in participating in this ministry, contact Abbie VanDenBerg (321-972-1500 ) or Mary Scott Singer to arrange for training. We need worship leaders and greeters.