Sunday School
The children are divided into classes according to their age. Our Sunday School curriculum uses art, drama and interactive activities to explore the Bible in a creative and open environment.
Children’s Chapel (2nd-5th Grade)
During the 10:50 worship service, children 2nd-5th grade are invited to leave the Sanctuary and head to the Chapel for a special worship experience designed with their spiritual needs in mind. Using skits, storytelling and other interactive activities, the message of that week’s Gospel reading will be illuminated for the children in a fun, yet reverent, way. This worship element takes place during the Pastor’s Sermon and lasts for approximately 20 minutes. When their time in the Chapel concludes, the children will be returned to the Sanctuary to continue worshiping with their parents and the church family.
Noah’s Neighborhood (Pre-K-1st Grade)
Following the Children’s Time during the 10:50 worship service, these younger children are invited to Noah’s Neighborhood for a worship time that uses Godly Play to bring Bible stories to life. Parents can pick up their children in the Noah’s Neighborhood classroom after the worship service has ended.
Vacation Bible School
Our Vacation Bible School usually takes place in mid June.The children always enjoy this high-energy week of music, dancing and spiritual renewal.Dates will be announced here.
Music
During the Sunday School hour, our Director of Music Ministry holds rehearsals with the children in their classrooms.
KidQuake
Elementary-aged children will love this weekend sleep-away Retreat designed especially for them.Sponsored by our presbytery every spring, KidQuake is for children from 1st through 5th grade.The children and their church chaperones will enjoy the great outdoors at a nearby Retreat Center for a summer camp-like weekend of fellowship, games and Bible studies.
Kid Connect
Kid Connect is a fun, fellowship gathering for children Kindergarten through 5th grade on the 4th Sunday of every month. We meet at 5:00 pm, and the children are treated to dinner before the fun begins! The meetings are centered around themes that emphasize Christian values through games, play, art, music and other unique activities. We finish up at 6:30 pm.
Special Programs
Lenten Season
Fall Festival
Fridays at First
Acolytes
We love to see children actively engaged in Sunday worship services.Elementary children from 2nd grade through 5th grade are encouraged to take part in the Acolyte program.Our Acolytes serve as bell ringers and candle bearers for our traditional worship service at 10:50.
Prayer Ministry
At various times throughout the year, a prayer tree is place out with envelopes containing pictures of the children of the church along with a prayer calendar. People are asked to take an envelope and to pray for that child and to get to know that child to help their prayers for that child.
First Worship Class
A First Worship Class is taught to children entering the first grade. This four-Sunday session in late summer prepares them to enjoy meaningful participation in the worship service with their parents. Through artwork, singing and games they are introduced to the order of worship, many new words they will be hearing along with the meaning of the forgiveness of sins. They enjoy special sessions where they learn about the sacraments of Communion and Baptism. After completion of this class they are formally introduced to the Session and the congregation and receive certificates for their first communion.
Summer Camp
Children in elementary school are invited to attend a traditional Christian camp at one of Grace Presbyteryâs summer camps. Six of our youth attended Camp Gilmont, near Gilmer, this past summer and enjoyed such activities as swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, arts and crafts as well as simply enjoying the wonders of Godâs creation up close while experiencing His spirit. Tuition scholarships are available.
Child Protection Training
The safety and comfort of the children in our care is of utmost importance. In order to provide a safe environment, everyone who works with our children/youth is required to take our Child Protection Training class. The class includes a video and literature covering information that each volunteer needs to know. This training is repeated every two years for each volunteer. A criminal background check is completed on each volunteer and updated every five years.