Sunday Morning Opportunities
All Ages are Welcome in Worship at 10:30 am
Worship takes place in the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary. About fifteen minutes into the worship service, children are invited forward for a Children’s Moment and receive an age-appropriate message related to that Sunday’s liturgical season or Scripture lessons. Following the Children’s Moment, children are welcome to return to the pews or attend a Sunday School class.
You can find the archives of our Children’s Moments here.
Sunday School at 10:45 am
- Godly Play (Pre-K – 2nd grade): Children will be asked “wondering questions” as they are introduced to the flow of the Christian year, special Christian holidays, and age-appropriate Bible stories (room 204, floor 2)
- Bible Crew (3rd & 4th grade): Children will be introduced to Bible stories in which God does extraordinary things through ordinary people (floor 2)
- Jr High (5th-7th grade): Youth will be studying Bible stories and considering ways God is still working in the world (floor 3)
On the first Sunday of each month when we celebrate Communion and on other special days, all children remain in the worship service. These are called “Family Sundays.”
On the last Sunday of every month, all Sunday School classes join together on the 2nd floor for “Arts and Music Sunday.” A guest teacher will be introducing a different medium of art or music (rhythm instruments, painting, pottery, hand chimes, etc.) and the children will be encouraged to play, experiment, and learn in a safe, fun environment.
On all other Sundays, children in Pre-K through 7th Grade are welcome to remain in the Sanctuary or attend Sunday School. All teachers are trained and committed to creating a safe, loving environment for children.
Children in third grade and older also have the opportunity to serve as acolytes, lighting the Christ Candle at the start of the worship service.
Childcare Available During Worship if Needed
First Presbyterian Church offers childcare for ages 0 to 3 in the Nursery (first floor) from 10:15 am until the worship service concludes around 11:30 am. While children of all ages are always welcome in worship, the Nursery is available as a resource for families if needed. There are always at least two volunteers staffing the Nursery during this time and children will participate in an age-appropriate “Circle Time” that includes singing, a simple story, and a prayer.
The Nursery is located on the first floor, near the staff offices. To access the Nursery from the Sanctuary, exit the Sanctuary through the doors at the front of the Sanctuary to the right of the pulpit, go up the small flight of stairs, and turn left (or take the elevator from the Chapel on the left to level 1). Then, you will see the Nursery on your right directly across from the restrooms.
The Nursery room also has a changing station and a private area with rocking chairs perfect for parents or grandparents of a sleepy, fussy, or hungry baby.
Youth Ministry on Sunday Mornings
Sr High youth in 8th through 12th grade regularly attend the worship service with the congregation. FPC believes that their regular participation in worship not only contributes to our church’s worship life together but also seeks to inform the youth through direct engagement in the practices of faith.
Youth Group Gatherings
Our youth group activities for Sr. High youth help youth build stronger relationships with one another and their adult leaders. These gatherings offer a space for youth to explore their faith more deeply through service projects and interactive discussions about how their faith and everyday lives intersect.
Sr. High Youth (8th – 12th graders) will be gathering once a month starting in September. Friends are always welcome at any youth activity.
Every other year, students who are 7th grade or older are invited to participate in Confirmation, which involves regular gatherings, mentors, and engaging activities. Through confirmation, youth learn more about Christian theology, history, and practices through discussion and direct engagement in preparation for joining the church as active members.
Summer Youth Service Trips
Sr. High Mission Trip
Each summer, the high school youth (8th-12th) have the opportunity to grow in faith through a mission immersion experience in a different context.
Recent mission trips have included:
- serving those who are un-housed and learning about justice concerns in San Francisco, CA
- supporting the continued rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA
- experience and engaging in rural poverty in Rathdrum, Idaho, and Spokane, WA
- serving diverse populations and learning about the immigrant experience in Miami, FL
- engaging with urban needs and racial justice in Atlanta, GA
- serving as Buddies at Camp Attitude, Foster OR
- serving and learning with SLAM in the Yakama Nation, WA
- Serving and learning with our international mission partner The Ingan Leyet Project, The Philippines
To Receive Regular Updates:
For additional updates related to High School Youth Ministry (8th-12th grade), follow the FPC Youth Ministry Instagram account.